So now that you’ve learned about Pillar #1 of Portrait Drawing and the basics of realistic shading, it’s time to tackle Pillar #2: Proportion and Accuracy.

(If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go watch the previous lesson here: Lesson #3)

Pillar #2 is all about create accurate line drawing and keeping everything in proportion. This is critical in achieving the likeness of a portrait.

Unfortunately this is also a HUGE sticking point for many beginning artists. It sure was for me!

When I was starting out, I struggled massively with proportion. The features on my portrait was so out of shape, you would think I was drawing a mutant or something.

But that all changed once I discovered a new method for how to draw a portrait. It literally took my portrait drawings from cartoonish and un-recognizable to looking like they were drawn by a professional.

I’ll explain the entire method and show you how to use it in this video:

Using the grid method, you will be able to draw any portrait very accurately without much effort. And it’s a great way to train your drawing skills if you are a beginner.

Some people might say that you should draw free-hand instead of using a grid, even if you are a beginner. But that’s like saying little kids shouldn’t use training wheels to learn how to ride a bike.

Griding is a training tool that can help you develop your free-hand drawing skills. Many beginners are able to learn to free-hand by practicing with a grid first.

(COOL TIP!: Griding is basically free-hand drawing except on a smaller scale. You can use a grid to help you practice your free-hand drawing at first.

As you become more comfortable, you can make your grid squares slightly bigger. This will force you to free-hand more.

Keep increasing the size of the grid squares and eventually, you won’t need to use a grid at all! Cool, huh?)

For now just follow the steps I showed you and draw the outline of the portrait yourself.

In tomorrow’s lesson, we’ll begin to shade in your rough outline and you can begin to see your drawing really take shape!

More specifically, we’ll learn how to draw the eyebrow. Oh and I’ll also reveal to you Pillar #3 of Portrait Drawing, so make sure to tune in.

 

If you wanna learn more about portrait drawing, check out my “Portrait Fundamentals Made Simple” course.

It’s a very beginner-friendly course that walks you through all the basics of portraiture, from constructing a basic head, facial proportions, drawing the features, and finally drawing a realistic portrait step-by-step.

Click Here To Learn More!