Portrait Drawing

Lesson 3 in Painting Portraits

Lesson Information

Now that you're able to accurately draw what you see, you can begin creating your own original character portrait. You'll begin by coming up with a concept and gathering references. You'll then use this inspiration to thumbnail, build out, and add value to the image. After this, Daniel will help you to add details to your black and white drawing, before getting everything ready for color in the next lesson.

Homework

Find Your Inspiration

Visit www.briefbuilder.app to create the brief for your portrait. Then gather references on a PureRef board to inspire your artwork throughout the rest of the course.

Nailed It!

Create 4-6 thumbnails to plan out possible portrait ideas. Focus on the major shapes, rather than small details. Then pick your favorite and start a more refined line drawing. Upload your progress to the Learn Squared homework gallery.

Light and Dark

Begin blocking flat value shapes into your portrait. Once you have that, add lighting into your scene. Make sure the light source stays consistent. Upload your progress to the Learn Squared homework gallery.

The Fine Print

Add all the details you need for your black & white portrait. Use the techniques covered in the previous two lessons to push for realism. Don't stop experimenting though- you may discover exciting new ideas even now! Upload your image to the Learn Squared homework gallery.