How do you draw portraits?

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1083131

2026-02-13 06:55

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Portrait drawing requires a fairly high skill set of both anatomical knowledge and drawing technique.

The first step in drawing a portrait is to first sketch in the outside shape of the head. The term for this is called both the contour and striking the arabesque. I prefer striking the arabesque as it implies a sense of rhythm and grace (terminology expresses intent).

This initial skill does require training and practice and can be acquired in a reasonably short period of time.

Once the arabesque is established correctly in terms of shape and proportion you can then place the major landmarks of the facial arena. These are the browridge, the base of the nose and the facial angle (or median line of the face).

There are now two paths to choose from: the tonal or the linear. Each has its own approaches: the tonal is an additive/subtractive process of constructing form (plasticity); the linear is an expressive/analytical endeavor.

An Excellent site that I refer my students to who want a good foundation in portrait drawing is http://www.artacademy.com. This site offers a wide array of free, college level portrait drawing lessons.

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