Drawing a Real Person
Creating an accurate portrait of a person is an art that takes practice, though even complete amateur artists can produce stunning likenesses. To help you get started, here are some steps towards drawing the person of your choice.
Start with the Basics
First, begin with the foundational elements of the portrait. Start by lightly sketching out the circles and lines used to map out the head, neck, and shoulders. Work from the top down, using basic shapes rather than angular lines. This will provide an easier base from which to create a realistic image.
Focus on the Features
Now, move onto the details: that broad nose, those almond eyes, that friendly smile. Watch your subject closely to pick out the unique physical traits that make them who they are, and use those to add life to your portrait. Don’t forget to include flaws like laugh lines and faint creases around the mouth.
Pay Attention to the Little Things
Next, draw the person’s hair. Notice the way it falls and creates shadows, then attempt to replicate these patterns in your picture. Eyebrows play a crucial role, too — don’t miss the details! Study the eyes, paying special attention to the whiteness of their irises, the shape of their pupils, and the way their eyelashes curl.
Look for Accuracy in Each Detail
The background can also add depth to your drawing. Draw windows to bestow a particular mood — from raging storms outside to sunshine cascading in. Take the little things into account, too, like the shape of the nose, the thickness of the hair, and the width of the eyes. Every speck adds another layer of detail to your drawing.
Shade and Shadowing
Finally, add shadows! Artificial light can be used to great effect, whether it’s coming from the side or top. Bright dapples of light create stunning textures on the face, while shadows serving to contrast the features. Deep shadows bestow a much darker mood and soften the features, while thin shadows provide a subtle structure to the face.
Add More Color for a Burst of Life
Colors can add an extra dimension of liveliness to your portrait. Use colors to draw attention to the eyes and brighten the cheeks. Shadow and highlight certain parts like the head, hands, feet, and lips to draw an even broader range of emotions, like joy and sorrow, serenity and intense passion.
Put the Final Touches on Your Piece
Once you’ve added all the color you need, it’s time to finish your portrait. Poles, shadowing, colors, and details – coupled with your own experiences and emotions – all combine to create a truly unique and lasting impression of the person you chose to draw.
Bring Your Drawing to the Next Level
Improve your drawing even further by using modulated tones. These contrast colors, such as pink and blue, add further depth to your drawing and create an intriguing illusion of shifting light. Don’t forget to add little details like the shape of their ears or the fold of skin beneath their jawline – these features really bring your portrait to life!
Go Beyond the Obvious to Make It Unique
To make your portrait truly stand out, be creative! Look beyond the obvious and think of more playful ways to make your drawing unique. Perhaps use unusual colors, unexpected textures, and daring lines to separate your handiwork from the pack. Little touches like these allow you to inject a touch of your own personality into your drawing.
Show Off Your Drawing Talent
Now that you know the practical steps of drawing a real person, you can practice drawing realistic portraits of others. Before long, you’ll have the skills and confidence to show off your work and make a lasting impression. Most importantly, you’ll be able to show your work to your audience with pride and love.
