Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 8 min read

Are you an aspiring artist looking to master the art of drawing portraits? If so, you've come to the right place. This guide is tailored for beginners and will walk you through the process of how to draw a portrait. It will introduce you to the materials you need, the basics of portrait drawing, and gradually guide you through the process, from sketching to shading, all the way to exploring different mediums. So let's dive in!

1. Gather Your Materials

Before we dig into the technical aspects of how to draw a portrait, let's first equip ourselves with the right tools. This stage is akin to a chef preparing their ingredients before cooking a meal. The following subsections detail the basic materials you'll need to get started.

Choose Your Pencils

Not all pencils are created equal, especially when it comes to drawing portraits. You'll need a set of drawing pencils, which typically come in a range from 9B (very soft and dark) to 9H (very hard and light). For a beginner, a simple set that includes 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B should suffice. The HB pencil is medium-hard and good for initial sketching. The 2H is harder and lighter, perfect for light outlines that won't smudge. The 2B, 4B, and 6B are softer and darker, ideal for the different levels of shading you'll be doing.

Select Your Paper

Next up is choosing the right paper. While it might seem inconsequential, the texture and quality of the paper can greatly influence the result of your portrait. For starters, a medium weight, lightly textured paper—like Strathmore Series 400—is a good choice. It's sturdy enough to stand up to erasing and shading, but not so textured that it interferes with the details of your drawing.

Organize Your Workspace

Finally, a well-organized workspace can make your drawing experience much more enjoyable and efficient. Ensure you have a clean, well-lit area to work in. Keep your pencils, erasers, and paper within easy reach. A desk lamp with a daylight bulb can help you see the true colors of your pencils and better understand the light and shadow in your artwork. Remember, a clutter-free workspace leads to a clutter-free mind. And that's a big step towards learning how to draw a portrait successfully.

2. Learn Portrait Basics

Now that we've got our materials ready, let's shift our focus to the fundamental principles of portrait drawing. These basics will serve as the cornerstone of your portrait drawing journey, giving you a solid foundation to build upon. So, let's get started!

Study Face Proportions

First up is understanding face proportions. Did you know that the human face abides by certain proportional rules? For instance, the distance between the eyes is typically the width of one eye, and the bottom of the nose is usually midway between the eyes and chin. Pretty interesting, right? By studying and practicing these proportions, you'll soon be able to draw a face with accurate symmetry and alignment, a crucial first step in learning how to draw a portrait.

Practice Different Expressions

Next, we want our portraits to be expressive and full of life. To achieve this, it's important to practice drawing different facial expressions. Start simple—happy, sad, surprised. From the curve of the eyebrows to the shape of the mouth, each change you make can dramatically alter the emotion portrayed. Remember, the eyes are often said to be the window to the soul, so pay extra attention to them when conveying emotion.

Explore Light and Shadow

Last in this section, but by no means least, is exploring light and shadow. Understanding how light and shadow work will add depth and volume to your portraits, making them appear three-dimensional. This is often what separates flat, lifeless drawings from vibrant, realistic ones. Practice shading techniques like hatching and cross-hatching, and observe how light falls on different objects to gain a better understanding. This knowledge will prove invaluable in your journey of learning how to draw a portrait.

3. Start with Sketching

With the basics under your belt, it's time to pick up that pencil and start sketching. This phase is where your portraits start taking shape, literally. It's all about getting those initial lines and shapes down before adding the intricate details. So let's dive right in!

Outline the Face

Starting your portrait begins with a simple shape: the oval. This serves as the basic outline of the face. Keep your hand loose and your lines light, as this is just the starting point—you'll refine these lines later. Remember, everyone's face is unique, so don't worry if your oval isn't perfect. It's all about capturing the essence of the person you're drawing.

Draw the Eyes

Next, let's tackle the eyes. Remember those face proportions we talked about earlier? They come into play here. The eyes are usually halfway down the head and spaced one eye width apart. Start with almond shapes, then add circles for the iris and smaller circles for the pupil. Adding a small white dot for reflection can give the eyes a sense of life and sparkle. Remember, eyes can express a lot about a person's emotion, so take your time with this step.

Detail the Nose and Mouth

Now, let's move on to detailing the nose and mouth. The bottom of the nose is typically one and a half eye widths wide, and the mouth is often aligned with the pupils of the eyes. When drawing the nose, think of it as a series of shapes and planes rather than lines. For the mouth, focus on the shape of the lips and the space between them. And there you have it—you've just sketched a face! With these steps, you're well on your way to mastering how to draw a portrait.

4. Advance to Shading

Once you've gotten the hang of sketching out your portrait, it's time to dive into the world of shading. This is where your drawing starts to come alive, gaining depth and dimension. So, ready to take your portrait to the next level? Let's get shading!

Understand the Value Scale

Shading starts with understanding the value scale. This refers to the range of grays between black and white. Try creating your own value scale on a separate piece of paper, going from the lightest light (which can be the white of the paper) to the darkest dark (the blackest your pencil can go). This scale will serve as your reference when you start shading your portrait.

Apply Basic Shading

Now that you're familiar with the value scale, it's time to apply it to your portrait. Begin by identifying the light source. Next, apply light shading to areas of the face that are further from the light, and leave areas that are closer to the light source lighter. This will create a sense of depth and make your portrait feel three-dimensional. Remember, shading is all about creating contrast—don't be afraid to go dark where it's necessary!

Experiment with Textures

Now, let's add some texture to your portrait. The human face isn't smooth—it's filled with textures, from the smoothness of the skin to the roughness of the hair. You can create texture by varying your pencil strokes. For example, short, quick strokes can create a rough texture, while longer, smoother strokes can create a softer texture. Try experimenting with different textures on your portrait—you'll be amazed at how much more lifelike it becomes.

With these steps, you're well on your way to learning how to draw a portrait with depth and dimension. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect. Keep going, and you'll soon see progress.

5. Refine Your Technique

As you continue learning how to draw a portrait, remember that refining your technique is a crucial part of the journey. This is the stage where you'll take your drawing skills from good to great. So, let's brush up those skills and refine your technique.

Practice Regularly

The key to mastering any skill—including drawing portraits—is regular practice. Try to set aside some time each day to draw. Not only will this help you improve, but it will also help you maintain consistency in your work. You might find it helpful to have a sketchbook dedicated specifically to portraits. As you fill the pages, you'll be able to track your progress and see how your skills evolve.

Seek Feedback

An important part of refining your technique is getting feedback. This could come from a teacher, a fellow artist, or even an online community of artists. Don't be afraid to ask others to critique your work. Their fresh perspective can help you spot areas for improvement that you might have missed. Remember, constructive criticism is a tool for improvement, not a personal attack.

Stay Inspired

Staying inspired is essential when learning how to draw a portrait. This inspiration could come from anything: a person you admire, a memorable scene from a movie, or even a random stranger on the street. Keeping an inspiration journal where you jot down ideas or stick pictures can be a great help. Plus, it's a fun way to stay motivated and creative!

As you continue to refine your technique, remember that it's okay to make mistakes. Each one is a learning opportunity that brings you one step closer to mastering the art of drawing portraits.

6. Explore Different Mediums

Now that you've learned the basics of how to draw a portrait and have started refining your technique, what's next? Well, it's time to explore different mediums. These new tools can open up a whole new world of artistic possibilities. Let's dive in!

Try Charcoal

Charcoal is a versatile and exciting medium that can bring a unique depth and texture to your portraits. It allows for bold, dark lines as well as subtle shading, perfect for capturing the complexity of the human face. As you work with charcoal, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty—smudging is a great way to create soft shadows and transitions.

Experiment with Color

While there is a certain charm to black and white portraits, adding color can bring a whole new dimension to your work. Start with basic colored pencils or pastels. As you gain confidence, you can explore other mediums like oil or acrylic paints. Remember, color is not just about accurately representing your subject—it's also a powerful tool for conveying mood and emotion in your portraits.

Dabble in Digital Art

With the rise of technology, digital art has become increasingly popular. Programs like Adobe Photoshop and Procreate offer a wide range of tools and effects that can take your portraits to the next level. Plus, it's easier to correct mistakes in digital art—you just hit undo! However, remember that the principles of how to draw a portrait remain the same, regardless of the medium.

As you explore different mediums, you might find that you prefer one over the others, and that's okay. The goal is to find what works best for you and to continue expanding your artistic skills and knowledge.

If you enjoyed our "Guide: Drawing Portraits for Beginners" and want to take your portrait drawing skills to the next level, check out the workshop 'A Drawing for a Painting' by David Shepherd. This workshop will help you refine your technique and learn how to create stunning, lifelike portraits that can be transformed into beautiful paintings.