Colored Pencil Portrait For Beginners

An Introduction to Realism in Colour

What you'll learn

How to construct the head including the structure and planes of the face in colored pencil

Develop the ability to properly define light and shadow and create the illusion of 3 dimensionality

You will learn solid techniques for achieving even value and a photorealistic look

The ability to make stunning portraits for others through commissions or original work

Requirements

Tools required: Graphite pencils, Pencil Eraser/Elastomer Eraser, Divider, White Paper, Sharpener/X-acto knife & Sharpening bloc, Bristle brush, Blending stump

Description

In this class we’re going to work our way through all the stages of creating an elegant portrait. From selecting the ideal reference, to creating a high finish, and everything in between.I’ll be going over some strategies on how to achieve a likeness efficiently, and the ways in which we can build up our values to create a convincing illusion of form. The culmination of this will be your class project where through successful iterations of a few exercises you will be one step closer to mastery.This class is designed with the amateur artist in mind, but certainly there is something here to glean for everyone at every stage of the journey.The areas that will be covered include:· Linear construction of the head· Structure and planes of the face· Rhythm and gesture· Light & Shadow dichotomy· The hierarchy of values & edges· Techniques for creating even value· Methods for creating a smooth backgroundMaterials for class:· Graphite pencils· Pencil Eraser/Elastomer Eraser· Divider· White Paper.· Sharpener/X-acto knife & Sharpening bloc· Bristle brush· Blending stumpOur class project for this lesson is to complete a portrait using a photo reference of your choosing. Using your preferred brand, pick one color of colored pencil and approach the portrait in the steps outlined in this lesson.Once completed, take some to review your progress, and don’t be shy about starting over till you’re happy with your results. I love to see where everyone is at and provide feedback whenever I can. So, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Welcome

Lecture 2 Getting your proportions pt.1

Lecture 3 Getting your proportions pt.2

Lecture 4 The Block-In

Lecture 5 Shading the features Pt.1: The eye

Lecture 6 Shading the features Pt.2: The Mouth

Lecture 7 Shading the features Pt.3: Nose & Hair

Beginner & Intermediate artists alike who enjoy drawing as a hobby as well as those looking to start a career in fine art as a portrait artist.