
plate no. 1086
Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in value shading, proportion, and capturing likeness. It also provides practice in creating depth using layering and directional strokes.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, neck, and shoulders.
Establish the main angles and lines of the face, paying attention to the profile.
Begin shading the background with light, even strokes, working around the figure.
Start adding darker values to the hair, clothing, and facial features, building up the tones gradually.
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, using careful observation.
Add texture to the hair and clothing using short, directional strokes.
Adjust the overall values and contrast to create a sense of depth and form.
Add final details and highlights to complete the drawing.
color palette
primary · graphite · white
secondary ·
Vary pressure and layering to achieve different shades of gray.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · smooth drawing paper
required
optional
Use a variety of graphite pencils to achieve a full range of values. A blending stump can help to smooth out the shading.
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