Discover Your Inner Artist As You Learn To Draw Portraits In Graphite Drawing

Graphite drawing is a beautiful and versatile art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is a great way to express yourself creatively, and it can also be a very relaxing and therapeutic activity.

Lifelike Heads: Discover your "inner artist" as you learn to draw portraits in graphite (Drawing Made Easy)

by Lance Richlin

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	81348 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	66 pages
Hardcover	:	236 pages
Item Weight	:	14.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.73 x 9 inches

FREE

If you have always wanted to learn how to draw portraits, graphite is a great medium to start with. Graphite is a very forgiving material, and it is easy to blend and shade. This makes it a great choice for beginners, as it allows you to experiment and learn without having to worry about making mistakes.

In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know to get started with graphite drawing. We will cover the basic techniques, as well as some more advanced shading techniques. We will also provide you with some tips on how to draw portraits, and we will share some of our favorite resources for learning more about graphite drawing.

## Basic Graphite Drawing Techniques

The first step to learning how to draw portraits in graphite is to master the basic techniques. These techniques include:

• Holding the pencil: The way you hold the pencil can affect the way your lines look. For general drawing, hold the pencil near the tip, with your thumb and forefinger resting on the sides of the pencil. For more detailed work, you can hold the pencil closer to the middle, with your thumb and forefinger resting on top of the pencil.
• Making lines: The pressure you apply to the pencil will affect the darkness of your lines. To create light lines, use a light touch. To create darker lines, use more pressure.
• Blending: Blending is a technique used to smooth out transitions between different shades of graphite. To blend, use a tortillon or a blending stump to gently rub the graphite in circular motions.
• Shading: Shading is a technique used to create the illusion of depth and form. To shade, use a soft pencil to apply light, overlapping strokes in the direction of the form.

## Advanced Graphite Drawing Techniques

Once you have mastered the basic techniques, you can start to experiment with some more advanced shading techniques. These techniques include:

• Cross-hatching: Cross-hatching is a technique used to create darker values by overlapping lines in different directions.
• Stippling: Stippling is a technique used to create lighter values by applying small dots of graphite.
• Burnishing: Burnishing is a technique used to create a smooth, shiny surface by rubbing the graphite with a hard tool, such as a burnisher or a bone folder.

## Tips for Drawing Portraits

Drawing portraits can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start with a good reference photo: A good reference photo will help you to capture the likeness of your subject. Make sure that the photo is clear and well-lit.
• Use a grid: A grid can help you to transfer the proportions of your reference photo to your drawing paper. To create a grid, simply divide your reference photo and your drawing paper into equal sections.
• Start with the basic shapes: When drawing a portrait, it is helpful to start with the basic shapes, such as the oval for the head, the triangles for the eyes, and the line for the nose.
• Work from light to dark: Start by drawing the lightest values in your portrait. Then, gradually add darker values to create depth and form.
• Pay attention to the details: The details are what will make your portrait come to life. Pay attention to the shape of the eyes, the texture of the hair, and the expression on the face.

## Resources for Learning More About Graphite Drawing

There are many resources available to help you learn more about graphite drawing. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Books: There are many great books available on graphite drawing. Some of our favorites include "The Artist's Guide to Drawing Portraits in Graphite" by Ian Roberts and "Graphite Drawing Masterclass" by John Sandham.
• Online courses: There are also many online courses available on graphite drawing. Some of our favorites include "Graphite Drawing for Beginners" by Udemy and "Graphite Portraits: From Beginner to Master" by Skillshare.
• Workshops: Workshops are a great way to learn more about graphite drawing in a hands-on environment. There are many workshops available, both online and in-person.

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Graphite drawing is a beautiful and versatile art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. If you have always wanted to learn how to draw portraits, graphite is a great medium to start with. With a little practice, you can create beautiful and realistic portraits that you will be proud to display.

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Lifelike Heads: Discover your "inner artist" as you learn to draw portraits in graphite (Drawing Made Easy)

by Lance Richlin

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	81348 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	66 pages
Hardcover	:	236 pages
Item Weight	:	14.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.73 x 9 inches

FREE