7 Essential Tips for Drawing Realistic Portraits in Pencil

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

1. Start with Good Quality Materials

5. Draw from Life, Not Just Photos

There's something truly magical about watching a face come to life on paper. The art of portrait drawing is one that requires time, patience, and the right approach. Whether you're a beginner artist or you've been sketching for years, there's always room to learn and grow. This blog will unveil seven simple, yet effective tips that can elevate your portrait drawing skills to the next level. So, let's dive right in!

1. Start with Good Quality Materials

Just like a chef wouldn't whip up a gourmet meal with subpar ingredients, a portrait artist needs the right tools to create a masterpiece. When it comes to portrait drawing, the quality of your materials can make or break your final result.

Choose the Right Pencil

For a start, you'll need a good set of drawing pencils. B-range pencils (like B, 2B, 4B) are great for sketching and shading, while H-range pencils (like H, 2H) are perfect for finer details. Trust me, the difference between a B and an H pencil is like night and day!

Pick the Perfect Paper

Next, let's talk about paper. Not all paper is created equal, you see. For portrait drawing, you'll want a paper that has a bit of texture to hold the pencil lead. Strathmore and Canson are two companies known for their high-quality drawing papers.

Don't Forget the Extras

Last but not least, don't forget about your erasers and sharpeners. A kneaded eraser can be a lifesaver when you need to fix small mistakes or lighten areas of your drawing. And a sharp pencil is key for capturing those tiny details that bring a portrait to life.

So, start your portrait drawing journey on the right foot—with quality materials that can help you create beautiful, realistic portraits. Your future self (and your art) will thank you!

2. Get the Proportions Right

Portrait drawing is all about capturing the likeness of a person, and one of the best ways to achieve that is by getting the proportions right. The human face follows certain rules of proportion, and being aware of these can really help your drawings come to life.

Mapping Out the Face

Ever noticed how the eyes are usually in the middle of the head, not at the top? Or how the space between the eyes is usually the width of one eye? These are some of the rules that can guide you in mapping out the face. Start by lightly sketching the basic shapes and lines to figure out where everything goes.

Measure Twice, Draw Once

Don't be afraid to use your pencil as a measuring tool. Hold it up to your reference image or subject to compare distances and angles. It may feel a little awkward at first, but it can be a game-changer in getting the proportions right.

Take a Step Back

It's easy to get lost in the details when you're drawing. That's why it's important to periodically step back and look at your drawing from a distance. This can help you see the overall picture and spot any issues with proportions you might have missed.

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to getting proportions right in portrait drawing. So, don't be discouraged if it doesn't come naturally at first. Keep trying, keep learning, and soon you'll see a huge improvement in your portraits.

3. Master the Art of Shading

Once you've nailed down the basic proportions, the next step to elevate your portrait drawing is mastering the art of shading. Shading breathes life into your drawings and adds a three-dimensional quality that can make your portraits pop off the page.

Understand Light and Shadow

Before you make that first stroke, take a moment to study your subject or reference image. Where is the light coming from? What parts of the face are in shadow? By understanding how light and shadow work, you can make your shading more accurate and realistic.

Build Up Gradually

Shading is a delicate dance. Start lightly, and then gradually build up the areas that require darker tones. Remember, it's easier to add more graphite than it is to take it away. So, take your time and build up your shading slowly.

Blend, But Not Too Much

Blending can help smooth out your shading and eliminate harsh lines. But beware—over-blending can make your portrait look flat and lifeless. Use blending sparingly and remember to preserve those important highlights and contrasts.

Mastering the art of shading may appear daunting at first, but with patience and practice, you'll soon see your portrait drawing skills reach new heights. So, grab your drawing pencils and dive into the world of light and shadow. You'll be amazed at the results.

4. Pay Attention to Details

What separates a good portrait from a great one? It's all in the details. Paying close attention to the finer points can take your portrait drawing from lovely to lifelike.

Look Beyond the Obvious

Don't just focus on the big elements like eyes or nose. Look beyond. Observe the smaller, subtler elements such as the texture of the skin, the direction of hair growth, or the curve of the eyelashes. These details may seem insignificant, but they add authenticity to your portrait, making it more convincing.

Use the Right Tools

While your trusty HB pencil is a great all-rounder, it cannot do everything. For intricate details, use a 2H or 4H pencil for light, delicate lines. A 6B or 8B pencil can help you achieve rich, deep shadows. Each pencil in your set has a role to play in bringing your portrait to life.

Take Your Time

Details are not to be rushed. They require patience and a keen eye. So, take your time, take breaks if you need to. Remember, the goal is not to finish quickly, but to capture the essence of your subject as realistically as possible.

By paying close attention to the details, you'll find that your portrait drawing skills improve dramatically. But remember, practice is key. So, take that pencil, look at your subject, and start noticing the little things that make them unique.

5. Draw from Life, Not Just Photos

While photos are a convenient way to capture a moment, nothing beats drawing from life when it comes to portrait drawing. Here's why:

A Sense of Depth

Photos are two-dimensional, while the real world is three-dimensional. When you draw from life, you get a better sense of depth and perspective. You can see how light falls on different parts of the subject's face, creating shadows and highlights that a photo might not capture.

Observing the Little Things

When you draw from life, you notice little things that you might miss in a photo. The way a person's eyes sparkle, the subtle changes in their expression, or the texture of their skin — these are the things that make a portrait truly stand out.

Improving Your Visual Memory

Drawing from life also helps improve your visual memory. This aids in future drawings, even when you don't have a reference image or a model in front of you. It's a valuable skill that every portrait artist should develop.

So, next time you're sketching a portrait, try to draw from life. It might be a bit challenging at first, especially if you're used to drawing from photos. But with practice, you'll find that your portraits have a depth and realism that photos simply can't match.

6. Practice Makes Perfect

You've probably heard this phrase a thousand times, but it's true: the more you practice, the better you get. This is especially true for portrait drawing. Here's how practice can make perfect:

Developing Muscle Memory

Just like learning to ride a bike or play a musical instrument, drawing requires muscle memory. The more you draw, the more your hand gets used to the movements. You'll find that over time, your lines become smoother and your sketches more accurate.

Experimenting with Different Techniques

Practicing is also a great way to experiment with different techniques. Try out different types of shading, play with proportions, or experiment with various pencil grades. The more you try, the more you learn about what works and what doesn't for you.

Building Confidence

Finally, practice builds confidence. It's normal to make mistakes when you're learning. But the more you practice, the less those mistakes bother you. You realize that it's all part of the learning process. That confidence shows in your drawings.

So, don't shy away from practicing. It might seem tedious at times, but remember: every sketch is a step towards becoming a better artist. You're not just drawing; you're honing your skills, discovering your style, and paving your way in the world of portrait drawing.

7. Seek Feedback from Others

While it's important to trust your instincts and develop your personal style, getting feedback from others can be a game changer in your portrait drawing journey. Here's why:

Broadening Your Perspective

When you're creating artwork, it's easy to get tunnel vision. You may focus so much on one detail that you overlook another. Feedback from others can help you see things from a different angle.

Identifying Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Feedback is also a great way to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Maybe you're really good at shading but need to work on your proportions. Or perhaps your attention to detail is impeccable, but your shading could use some work. Honest, constructive feedback can help you understand where you excel and where you need to focus more.

Learning From Others' Experiences

Art is subjective, and every person brings their unique perspective and experiences to it. By seeking feedback, you can learn from a variety of viewpoints and experiences, which can only enrich your portrait drawing skills.

So, don't be afraid to ask for feedback. It could be from a fellow artist, an art teacher, or even friends and family. Remember, every piece of advice is a stepping stone to improving your skills and mastering the art of portrait drawing.

If you enjoyed our blog on "7 Essential Tips for Drawing Realistic Portraits in Pencil" and want to further improve your drawing skills, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'A Drawing for a Painting' by David Shepherd. This workshop will provide you with valuable techniques and insights on how to take your pencil drawing skills to new heights and create stunning artwork that truly captures the essence of your subjects.