How To Easily Draw People With This Basic Portrait Sketch Technique
Have you or your students struggled to create portraits or self-portrait drawings? We get it! It can be hard. Follow this easy drawing tutorial to create a basic portrait drawing in no time!
People are arguably one of the hardest things to learn to draw. Sometimes a simple technique is nice to help you get started with your portrait or self-portrait project.
Why You Will Love This Drawing Technique
While we agree that beginners should practice sketching and drawing from observation, sometimes you need a break and just want a fun line drawing. As an Art teacher, I used a mix of techniques to build confidence to help students feel successful.
Supplies You’ll Need
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Basic Portrait Drawing Technique
It is pretty simple. The most important thing is to draw what you see when tracing. Don’t try to make something up.
Before You Begin: Find Images
First, you have to decide on the image you want to use. Print your image to size on regular computer paper. This technique will not work on a regular glossy 4 x 6 printed photo.
Step 1: Add Graphite To The Back Of The Image
Scribble graphite on the back of your printed picture. I have had better success with kids using an Ebony pencil to ensure full coverage. A #2 pencil though will work just fine.
Step 2: Place Your Picture On Top Of The Drawing Paper
Carefully tape the picture on a piece of paper. You do not want it to move while you are working.
Step 3: Draw On Top Of The Picture
Trace all lines and details with a sharp pencil or ballpoint pen. Only do outlines of important features.
Step 4: Lift The Paper
Before lifting the paper, check that you have traced all important details. Once you are satisfied with the basic portrait drawing, remove the image.
Art Teacher Tip: When creating image transfer you want to pay attention to details when tracing the picture. It will help the drawing look more realistic!
Step 5: Add Black Lines
Trace over your pencil lines with a drawing pen or extra-fine tip marker.
Step 6: Clean-Up Drawing
Once you have traced all details use an eraser to get rid of extra pencil lines.
Use your portrait or self-portrait line drawing as a starting point for all sorts of fun art projects involving people.
Tips
- Even though you are tempted to lift the paper, don’t until you are completely done.
- The graphite scribbles need to cover the complete area of the portrait.
- Kids tend to press too hard or too lightly when covering the back of the picture. Showing them examples of how much graphite is needed helps.
- A sharp pencil is a must when tracing details.
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More Fun Drawing Ideas
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Basic Portrait Drawing For Kids
Equipment
- Pencil
- Tape
- Black Drawing Pen
Supplies
- 1 piece White Drawing Paper
- Printed Image
Instructions
- Find a picture to work from.
- Print your image to size on regular computer paper. This technique will not work on a regular glossy 4 x 6 printed photo.
- Scribble pencil graphite on the back of your printed picture.
- Carefully tape the picture on a piece of paper. You do not want it to move while you are working.
- Trace all lines and details on the picture with a sharp pencil or ballpoint pen. Only do outlines of important features.
- Before lifting the paper, check that you have traced all important details.
- Once you are satisfied with the basic portrait drawing, remove the image.
- Trace over your pencil lines with a drawing pen or extra-fine tip marker.
- Once you have traced all details use an eraser to get rid of extra pencil lines.
Notes
- A sharp pencil is a must when tracing details.
- Try to trace all important details before lifting paper.
- You can reuse the same picture to create multiple line drawings.
