✏️ Putting It All Together: A Practice Exercise in Portrait Sketching

Learning to draw is not about getting everything right in a single stroke. It is about learning to see, learning to observe, and gradually building what you see on paper.

In our previous drawing lessons, we explored different ways of sketching, practiced various strokes, and learned how lines can be used to create form, light, and shadow.

Now it's time to put it all together.

In this practice exercise, I demonstrate how I build a portrait sketch step by step—from the initial framework and guide lines to the layers of cross-hatching, shading, highlights, and final details.

The drawing is developed gradually, allowing each layer to contribute to the final image.

🎨 The Materials I Used

For this exercise, I kept my materials simple:

• ✏️ HB pencil – for the initial sketch, light lines, and lighter tones
• ✏️ 6B pencil – for deeper shadows and stronger lines
• Kneaded eraser – for lifting graphite and creating highlights
• 📖 My favorite drawing paper

You don't need an elaborate collection of art materials to practice drawing.

This is the practice reference

What matters more is becoming familiar with the tools you have and learning how each pencil responds to pressure, layering, and different strokes.

1. Start With a Framework

One of the most important things I remind myself when drawing a face is:

Don't begin with the details. Begin with the structure.

I start by framing the head with a simple oval. This gives me a basic boundary for the face.

From there, I add guide lines to help establish the position of the facial features.

These lines act like a map.

They help me determine where the eyes, nose, mouth, and other features should go before I begin concentrating on the details.

At this stage, I keep my pencil strokes light.

There is no need to press hard.

In fact, keeping the early construction lines light makes it much easier to make corrections as the drawing develops.

2. Observe Before You Draw

When drawing from a reference, it is tempting to immediately draw what we think a face looks like.

But drawing is really an exercise in observation.

Look carefully at the reference.

Where is the forehead?

How far apart are the eyes?

How does the nose angle?

Where does the cheek become darker?

How does the jawline curve?

Instead of thinking, “I'm drawing an eye,” try thinking:

“I'm observing this particular shape, angle, and shadow.”

That small change in thinking can make a big difference in your drawing.

3. Build the Sketch With Light Strokes

Once the basic proportions are established, I begin developing the actual portrait.

I continue using relatively light strokes at first.

This gives me room to adjust the drawing.

A common mistake when practicing is trying to make every line look finished immediately.

Don't.

Let your first lines be exploratory.

Some will stay.

Some will disappear beneath later layers.

And some will be erased completely.

That's perfectly normal.

A sketch is a process of discovering the drawing.

4. Creating Shadows Through Cross-Hatching

Now we get to one of the techniques I particularly enjoy—cross-hatching.

Instead of filling a shadow with one heavy, dark layer, I build it gradually using lines.

First, I lay down a light set of strokes.

Then I add another layer going in a different direction.

As the layers build up, the shadow becomes progressively darker.

This gives me much more control over the value.

Think of it this way:

One layer = light tone

Several layers = medium tone

More layers + stronger pressure = deeper shadow

This is why you don't have to press hard right away.

Let the layers do the work.

5. Keep Building — One Layer at a Time

As the drawing progresses, I continue adding layers wherever I see darker areas in the reference.

The hair receives more strokes.

The areas around the eyes become deeper.

The side of the face gradually develops stronger shadows.

The neck and areas beneath the chin become darker as well.

But notice something important:

I don't make everything dark.

A portrait needs contrast.

There need to be areas of light, middle tones, and deep shadows.

The untouched or lightly shaded paper can become one of your brightest highlights.

This is one of the beautiful things about pencil drawing.

You are not only drawing with graphite.

You are also drawing with light.

6. Strengthening the Important Lines

Once the initial sketch and shading are established, I begin strengthening selected areas.

This is where the 6B pencil becomes especially useful.

I can now reinforce the darkest areas and make certain features stand out.

But even here, I try to be selective.

Not every line should have the same weight.

Some lines can be strong.

Others can remain soft.

Some can almost disappear.

This variation gives the portrait a more natural and dimensional quality.

7. Don't Forget the Eraser

The kneaded eraser is another important tool in this process.

I don't use it simply to correct mistakes.

I can also use it to lift graphite and create highlights.

This is especially useful on areas such as the forehead, cheekbones, nose, eyes, and other places where light catches the face.

This gives us an important drawing lesson:

An eraser isn't only for correcting mistakes. It can also be a drawing tool.

Sometimes, instead of adding another line, we improve the drawing by taking graphite away.

8. From Simple Lines to a Finished Portrait

And gradually, the portrait begins to emerge.

What started as a simple oval has now developed into a recognizable face.

The process may look complicated when we see the finished drawing, but the drawing itself was built from relatively simple steps:

Framework → Guide lines → Features → Light strokes → Cross-hatching → Layering → Shadows → Highlights → Stronger lines → Refinement

That's the heart of this exercise.

We are putting everything we've learned together.

✏️ The Most Important Lesson: Don't Rush the Drawing

One thing I hope you notice in this exercise is that the finished portrait wasn't created in one go.

It was built gradually.

If you're practicing along with me, don't worry if your drawing doesn't look like the finished sketch halfway through.

It's supposed to look unfinished.

At first, it may look like a collection of lines.

Then shapes begin to appear.

Then shadows.

Then features become clearer.

And eventually, the drawing begins to come together.

That's the beauty of sketching.

---

🎯 Your Practice Challenge

Now it's your turn!

Choose a portrait reference that you would like to draw.

You don't have to choose a complicated image. In fact, for practice, a relatively clear portrait with noticeable light and shadow can be a good place to start.

Try following the same process:

Step 1

Draw the basic oval and framework.

Step 2

Add your guide lines.

Step 3

Place the major facial features.

Step 4

Begin with very light strokes.

Step 5

Build the shadows using cross-hatching.

Step 6

Add additional layers where the shadows are deeper.

Step 7

Use your eraser to bring back highlights.

Step 8

Strengthen selected lines and refine the drawing.

And most importantly:

Don't erase everything just because it doesn't look perfect.

Look at the drawing as a whole.

Ask yourself:

What is working? What needs more practice? Where are my lights and darks?

That's how you learn.

🌱 Practice Is Where Improvement Happens

Every drawing teaches you something.

Some drawings will make you proud.

Others will make you wonder what went wrong.

Both are valuable.

The important thing is to keep observing, keep experimenting, and keep putting pencil to paper.

Your hand becomes more confident through repetition, but your eye becomes better through observation.

And when the two begin working together, your drawing starts to change.

So keep practicing.

Keep experimenting with your strokes.

Keep building your shadows one layer at a time.

And most of all—

enjoy the process of creating. 🎨

🎥 Watch the Practice Tutorial

In the video below, you can watch the complete drawing process as I put these techniques together in one portrait sketch.

The original drawing process took about 57 minutes, and the video has been sped up so you can see the development of the sketch more quickly.

Watch closely, then try it yourself.

[Watch: Putting It All Together – Portrait Sketching Practice]

✨ A Thought to Leave With You

You don't have to be a great artist to start drawing.
You become a better artist by continuing to draw.

Every stroke is practice.

Every sketch is a lesson.

And every drawing brings you one step closer to seeing—and expressing—the world through your own artistic eyes. 💛

When the World Becomes Your Sketchbook (Part 1)

How AI Helped Me Paint an Idea That Was Already Living in My Mind

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."
— Thomas Merton

Do you see it?

Original photo taken with my Samsung A12 Phone

Before you continue reading, I'd like to ask you something.

When you look at this photograph...

What do you see?

Do you simply see the reflection of a woman standing by a balcony, taking a photo through a sliding glass door?

Or...

Do you see a silhouette embracing the sky?

Do you notice how the clouds seem to cradle her profile?

Do you feel the quiet conversation between the woman and the horizon?

Most people would probably scroll past this image without giving it a second thought.

But I couldn't.

Because I didn't just see a reflection.

I saw a painting waiting to happen.

That's both the blessing and the curse of being an artist.

We stop in places where everyone else keeps walking.

We notice stories hidden in ordinary moments.

We fall in love with light that lasts only a few seconds.

And sometimes...

...we see an entire painting inside a photograph that nobody else notices.

From Photoshop to AI: A New Way of Sketching Ideas

For years, whenever I had an idea in mind, I would manually create my studies using Photoshop.

I'd spend hours combining photographs, adjusting transparency, experimenting with layers, changing skies, moving elements around, and trying to make my vision appear on the screen.

It wasn't cheating.

It was thinking.

Photoshop became my sketchbook before I ever touched the canvas.

But technology continues to evolve.

So do artists.

Recently, I began exploring AI—not to replace painting, but to help me explore possibilities faster.

Instead of spending several hours creating one digital study, I could experiment with dozens of visual directions in one evening.

Not because I wanted AI to create my artwork...

...but because I wanted to ask it,

"Can you show me another way to see this?"

That question changed everything.

The Painting Was Never About the Girl

Prompt 2:  Enhance the photo

At first, I thought I was creating a silhouette against the sky.

But as each AI study evolved, I realized something unexpected.

The painting wasn't about the woman.

It wasn't even about the city.

It became about everything she carries within her.

The city slowly found its way inside her silhouette.

The buildings no longer stood behind her.

They became part of her.

And suddenly...

The painting began telling a story I hadn't consciously planned.

Perhaps that's what creativity really is.

Sometimes the artwork knows where it wants to go before the artist does.

Enhanced with AI
Prompt 2:  Can you make the buildings overlap with the silhouette

Why This Concept Speaks to Me

As I refined the composition, every element seemed to find its own meaning.

The soft sky became hope.

Not the loud kind of hope.

But the quiet kind that reminds us another sunrise is always possible.

The city became life itself.

Busy.

Complex.

Beautiful.

Sometimes exhausting.

Always alive.

Then came my favorite part.

Instead of painting every building with perfect detail, I imagined allowing parts of the skyline to dissolve into loose brushstrokes.

Some buildings would remain complete.

Others would simply disappear into the clouds.

Some would quietly melt into the woman's silhouette.

Why?

Because life isn't finished.

Neither are we.

I wanted the viewer's imagination to complete the painting.

Perhaps they would see their own city.

Their own memories.

Their own unfinished dreams.

That, to me, is far more meaningful than painting every window.

An Artist Doesn't Just Paint What She Sees

One of the greatest gifts AI has given me isn't perfection.

It's permission to explore.

 


 

Every version became another conversation.

"What if the clouds were softer?"

"What if the buildings faded?"

"What if the city lived inside her instead?"

Each question brought me closer—not to AI's answer—but to my own.

In the end, the final reference didn't replace my creativity.

It revealed it.

The real painting still hasn't been painted.

The canvas is still blank.

The brushes are still waiting.

And that excites me the most.

Because the AI reference is only the beginning.

The heart...

The brushstrokes...

The textures...

The imperfections...

Those will still come from my own hands.

The Story I Hope You'll See

Prompt: Get the sky on image no. 2 to soften the clouds.

As I look at the final concept, I no longer see a woman looking toward the horizon.

I think it's about the worlds we carry within us.

People see only our profile.

They don't see the dreams.

The memories.

The struggles.

The places we've been.

The hopes we're still building.

The unfinished buildings melting into the woman tell a beautiful story.

We are all unfinished masterpieces.

Perhaps that's why I wanted the buildings to disappear into light instead of ending with sharp edges.

Because our stories don't end where others stop seeing them.

They continue.

Quietly.

Beautifully.

One brushstroke at a time.

To Be Continued...

If you've read this far, thank you for joining me at the very beginning of this creative journey.

You may have noticed something.

I haven't shown you the final reference that I'll be using for this painting.

That was intentional.

Just as every good story unfolds one chapter at a time, I want this painting to reveal itself in the same way.

The concept is now clear in my mind.

The composition has found its voice.

But the canvas is still waiting.

The brushes are still clean.

And the first stroke has yet to be made.

In my next blog post, I'll reveal the final reference that emerged after countless explorations and share how I begin translating a digital study into an original acrylic painting. You'll see how I interpret the colors, simplify the composition, and allow the brush—not the computer—to tell the rest of the story.

Because this is where the real adventure begins.

After all...

AI can help me imagine.

But only my hands can paint.

I hope you'll join me for the next chapter as this idea slowly transforms from a simple reflection on a balcony into what I hope will become one of my most meaningful paintings yet.

Until then...

Keep looking at the world with curious eyes.

You never know when an ordinary moment might become your next masterpiece.

🎨 See you in the next issue of Cascade Art Studio.

 

Sketching Inanimate Objects: Practicing Value and Shading in Small Windows

This short tutorial video was created on a day when I did not have much time—but still wanted to draw.

If you have read my previous blog, Creating Art in Small Windows: Art Practice for Busy Professionals, you already know that I no longer wait for long, uninterrupted hours to make art. Waiting for “free time” often means postponing creativity indefinitely.

Instead, I learned to work within the time I actually have.

This sketching session is one of those moments.

Why I Chose to Sketch Inanimate Objects

For this tutorial, I focused on sketching inanimate objects—simple, everyday items that are easily accessible and familiar.  I used an old jar and positioned it in a way I want to transfer on paper.

Drawing inanimate objects removes pressure.

They do not move. They do not require emotional interpretation or likeness. They allow us to focus on form, light, shadow, and value—the foundations of drawing.

This makes them ideal subjects for short practice sessions, especially when you don't have enough free time.

Understanding Value Through Shading

The heart of this sketching exercise is value—how light and shadow define form.

In the video, I apply different shading techniques such as:

• Cross-hatching

• Checking

• Light and layered strokes

These techniques help us explore how dark and light areas work together to create depth and dimension. More importantly, they train our eyes to observe carefully and our hands to respond patiently.

This kind of practice doesn't require speed, although I have increased the speed by 8X. It requires attention.

What This Sketching Practice Is Really About

This tutorial is not about finishing a perfect drawing.  You will notice that the drawing is not perfect.  Still, its charm is its imperfection.

It is about training the eye, steadying the hand, and building familiarity with value.

When you practice shading—whether through cross-hatching, checking, or simple tonal buildup—you begin to understand how objects exist in space. You learn to see subtle transitions instead of outlines alone.

And when done regularly, even in short windows, this practice strengthens your drawing foundation.

Sketching as a Grounding Practice

For busy professionals, sketching inanimate objects can be deeply grounding.

It requires:

• Stillness

• Observation

• Patience

As you shade, your breathing slows. Your focus narrows. The noise of the day softens.

This is one of the reasons I return to sketching again and again—not just to improve my skill, but to reset.

You Don’t Need to Get It Right

In the video, you will notice pauses, adjustments, and uneven strokes.

That is intentional.

Sketching is a practice, not a performance. Value studies are meant to be explored, layered, corrected, and revisited. Every line teaches the hand something new.

If you are waiting to feel “ready” before practicing shading techniques, you may never begin. Improvement comes through repetition, not before it.

How to Use This Tutorial

You may:

• Pause the video and follow along

• Repeat the exercise using different objects

• Practice for 10, 15, or 30 minutes only

Choose one object. Observe the light. Apply value patiently.

That is enough for the day.

A Gentle Invitation

If you are busy, tired, or creatively disconnected, I invite you to try this:

Choose a simple inanimate object.
Pick up your pencil.
Explore light and shadow without pressure.

Let this tutorial guide you—but let your hand move freely.

Art does not always need intensity.
Sometimes, it only needs presence and consistency.

You are free to share your completed work.  Email it to me using the comment form, and I will see if I can add it to this page.

HAPPY SKETCHING!!!

Oil Pastel Painting: A Beginner's Journey with Curated Video (ROAM lessons 01)

One of my greatest challenges as an aspiring artist is to find time, space, and inspiration to paint. My job takes me to many places and demands a lot of thought to address the needs of my consultancy job. However, as my first love, I find comfort in painting, and I still do my best to explore this borrowed gift. I want to grow and become a professional artist. I paint to express my thoughts and feelings. It is also my way of sharing the talent I believe God has lent me. So, instead of giving up on painting, and as I also have a passion for writing, traveling, and teaching, I decided to bring my art with me. To do that, I need my art materials to travel along with me.

My current mediums are acrylic paint and oil paint. However, bringing a canvas, brushes, and tubes of paints is not always convenient. I learned that oil pastels can be a good medium for producing vibrant paintings. I remember that my first sold painting was done in a hotel way back in 2012. It was my Moon River freehand drawing, which was seen by my fellow consultant, "Ate Kathy." When she saw my drawing, she offered to buy it. I initially offered it as a gift, but she insisted on purchasing it, telling me that it would be the first of many paintings I would sell. She was right! If I count my sold paintings, I can say I have sold more than 30 artworks already, including 10 large paintings, 17 portraits, 7 hand-painted bags, 4 commissioned works, and a few others I cannot remember. I sold Moon River for just PhP 800.00, which included the cost of framing, and the highest price I've sold a painting for is PhP 27,000.00. Though I don't have a regular income flow from art, it's a promising activity that will help me continue with it until I retire.

Title:  Heartstring, oil pastel on Canson paper (sold)

Title:  The Reader Series 2, oil pastel on canvas panel

Title:  My Moon River, oil pastel on drawing paper 

Our First Step to Unlearning and Relearning with Oil Pastels 
Regarding oil pastel painting, I admit I still don’t know much about how to use it. I need to understand and connect with this new medium. So, to make it fun for me and helpful for those who wish to learn about art, come along with me on my journey as I study Oil Pastel Painting. I will share videos and reading lessons in my blog. All I ask is that you share your output by sending it through my page's messenger and comments and share this with those who would like to learn. LET’S ROAM!!!

LESSON 1 -  A Beginner's Guide to Oil Pastels: Exploring the Basics and Techniques

Introduction to Oil Pastels

I like oil pastels because they are a unique and versatile art medium that produces rich, vibrant colors and a smooth application. Unlike soft pastels, oil pastels are made with a non-drying oil and wax binder, giving them a creamy texture ideal for blending.  It is important for beginners to understand the differences between oil pastels and soft pastels because each has its distinct properties and uses.

Essential Supplies

When starting with oil pastels, selecting the right supplies is crucial. As beginners, we can choose from various brands, considering their price and color varieties. High-quality brands may be more expensive but provide better color saturation and blend-ability.  For practice purposes, we may want to start with cheaper one before investing hard-earned money. It's essential to consider the painting surface along with the pastels themselves. Oil pastels can be used on various surfaces, including canvas, wood, glass, and paper. Experimenting with different surfaces can lead to unique textures and effects.  I started with drawing paper, then moved on using Canson paper, and now I also uses canvas.

Basic Techniques

Oil pastels are amazing for exploring different techniques. One of the coolest things you can do is blending, which can be achieved using your fingers, blending stumps, or even oil solvents. It creates smooth color transitions and adds depth to your artwork. Another technique I love is impasto, where you apply thick layers of pastel to create a textured, three-dimensional effect. Also, layering and scratching techniques can add complexity to your piece by building up colors and revealing underlying layers. You may check one of the free lessons I’ve shared using layering of oil pastels in this blog. The possibilities with oil pastels are endless and make the learning process so exciting and rewarding for beginners like me.

Advantages of Oil Pastels

Oil pastels have so many advantages that make them my absolute favorite choice for artwork. I love using them for landscape painting because they blend seamlessly and create such rich, natural tones. Unlike other mediums, oil pastels don't dry out, so I can continuously work on a piece over time without any worries. Plus, they're really easy to clean and I don't need any solvents for cleanup, which makes them so convenient, especially for beginners like me. Another thing I love is that oil pastels are forgiving, so I don't have to be overly precise. I can easily correct mistakes or even incorporate them into the artwork, which gives me the freedom to experiment and be creative without any fear.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Oil pastels offer many benefits, but they also present some challenges. One of the main drawbacks is their tendency to smudge, making it tricky to achieve fine details. To tackle this, I can use fixatives to set the pastels in place or adjust my technique to avoid accidental smudging. Another challenge is the difficulty in layering, as the creamy texture can make it hard to apply new layers over existing ones. However, with a light touch and by experimenting with different surfaces, I can build up layers and create depth in my work.

I find oil pastels to be a fun and rewarding medium that provides a wide range of possibilities for both beginners and experienced artists. They are relatively affordable, making art more accessible, and do not require extensive know-how to get started. Although there may be some challenges, such as smudging and layering, I believe that practice and experimentation can help me overcome them. Overall, oil pastels offer a great way for me to explore color, texture, and creativity in my art. Their affordability and ease of use give me the confidence to dive in and start creating.

Here's the video I watched tonight. I'm sharing it because it's not too long, and you'll better understand this medium's characteristics and features. I've also included other reading sources below.

References:

1. Pencils Pens & Pastels for Drawing | George Weil Art Supplies. https://www.georgeweil.com/pastels-pencils-pens-ink/

2. 5 Best Cheap Oil Pastels: Affordable Art Supplies Guide. https://www.art592.com/cheap-oil-pastels/

3. Adobe Fresco Vs Photoshop: Which One Suits Your Design Needs? - ITU Online. https://www.ituonline.com/blogs/adobe-fresco-vs-photoshop/

4. Analysis of an artwork: Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. https://www.myfirstcanvas.com/post/analysis-of-an-artwork-mona-lisa-by-leonardo-da-vinci

5. How to use Oil Pastels for Beginners | Find Your Art Medium Ep. 8, by Francis Art Studio. https://youtu.be/2seqHHGb7aw?si=JlENUTo4bT-Xk7Qs

How to Draw or Sketch Inanimate Objects Easily?

Freehand sketching is a form of drawing that doesn't rely on technical aids or precise measurements. It allows for a more expressive and creative representation of objects and scenes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do freehand sketching:

Materials you'll need:

1. Pencil (preferably an HB or 2B for versatility)
2. Sketchbook or plain paper
3. Eraser
4. Optional: Charcoal or pen for experimenting with different styles
   
   

Step-by-step guide:

1. Observe and choose a subject: Look around your surroundings or find a reference image or object to sketch. Start with simple objects or scenes when you're just beginning.
2. Warm-up exercises: Before diving into your main sketch, do warm-up exercises to sync your hand and mind. Try drawing circles, straight lines, curves, and squiggles to loosen up your wrist.
3. Basic shapes and proportions: Start by blocking the basic outlines of your subject. Use simple geometric forms like circles, ovals, rectangles, or triangles to represent different subject elements. Pay attention to the proportions and relationships between these shapes.
4. Light lines: Begin sketching with light, faint streaks. Avoid pressing too hard on the pencil to make it easier to adjust and refine your sketch later.
5. Contour lines: Focus on the outlines or contours of your subject. Follow the edges and curves to define the shape. Remember, you're not aiming for perfection, so don't fear imperfections or mistakes.
6. Details and shading: Add more details to your sketch once you have the basic outline. Observe the shadows and highlights to add depth and dimension to your drawing. Use hatching (parallel lines), cross-hatching (overlapping lines), or stippling (dots) to create different shading effects.
7. Keep it loose and expressive: Embrace the imperfections and variations in your sketch. Freehand drawing is about capturing the essence and feel of the subject rather than creating a perfect replica.
8. Practice regularly: Freehand sketching, like any skill, improves with practice. Set aside time each day or week to draw different subjects and experiment with various techniques.
9. Learn from others: Study the works of other artists and sketchers. Watch tutorials, read books on sketching, and attend workshops to learn new techniques and gather inspiration.
10. Be patient and have fun: Don't be too hard on yourself if your sketches don't turn out as you imagined. Keep experimenting, exploring, and enjoying the process of freehand sketching.

Remember, the beauty of freehand sketching lies in its spontaneity and individuality. Let your style and creativity shine through, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Happy sketching!

Free online lesson on Oil Pastel Drawing - Saturday Art Class excerpts

Last 22 April 2023, we had a face-to-face online class at my Cascade Art Studio in Project 4, Quezon City. The medium we used was oil pastel. This medium is cheaper than oil paint, easier to manage by children, and for art experts, it can be very versatile if we learn how to manage its use.

CASCADE's Saturday Art Classes are affordable classes on art for children and adults. We offer PHP 350 per participant for a two (2) days-2 hours session on Saturdays. I have a regular job and still wish to share my talent in art by holding these art classes at home. Art classes are expensive, not to mention the prices of art materials. But Art Classes can be of big help to individuals to improve their focus and divert unwanted thoughts. It can also be self-expression or a form of mental health exercise.

Today, I am sharing an excerpt from our Saturday Art Classes. We hope you'll get inspired by this, and if you wish to join our Saturday Art Classes, feel free to message me using the links in this blog or at my FB Account: CASCADE Art Studio.

We also encourage you to share your work through the comment box. You may also send a direct message. I will feature your work in our blog.

You may also visit my YouTube for the next featured video:  https://youtu.be/uLn2DYmrh1s

AFFORDABLE SATURDAY ART CLASSES - MEET OUR CASCADE KIDS

I woke up excited this Saturday morning as this would be the very 1st Face-to-Face Saturday Art Classes that we will have since 2019.  We were supposed to launch the 1st class on March 2019, but pandemic occur.  We were not able to launch our school and the author just continued developing programs and learning materials for our website.  You will find useful lessons through our Free Art Lesson tab.  

Learning on your own, without a mentor or someone to critique your work is difficult.  As a learner, you would appreciate the guidance of an art teacher.  Though art maybe innate for our children, having a teacher speeds up the process of learning.

We always wanted to develop the skills of children and adults in creative arts.  But many of the offered classes are quite expensive.  And so we tried to trim down the cost of having a class by taping our friends to share their abode as venue for classes.  Luckily, Ms. Leslie Esternon helped us by opening her doors for our learners.  

The families or the parents will also spend more buying art materials.  But as a learned artist, we know that it is very essential to understand our materials first before we buy expensive branded products when we can secure less expensive art materials through bulk orders.  This is one of our strategies to lower the cost of the classes.  Thus, as part of our two-days session, we already added the handouts, drawing materials and the 2-days workshop session at Leslie's place.  

The first live class started on October 22, 2022, 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.  We had 10 students, four of which are teenagers and six are from age 8 to 10 years old.  The younger children are guided by Ate Rose and the teens are guided by Lolo Rey.  It was fun and they were given assignments so that they will be able to learn practice what they learned.  Here are some of the shots for the 1st day...

FREE ART LESSON #7: Portraiture or drawing faces: Freehand Drawing (Simple and Easy to follow steps)

 We had a three-day vacation last Saturday until Monday (August 27 to 29, 2022).  We went to a place where there's no data or wifi, and the cottage that we rented have no TV programs.  What we have are open cabanas, videoke, and a large pool.  We indeed enjoyed our stay and was able to relax because there's no internet that would occupy us, so we spent so much time bonding with family members.

This was my output during the said outing

Whenever I don't feel like swimming, I spent time doing freehand drawing.  And so our topic for today, is how you can draw a portrait, without having rulers, or grid lines but just a reference.  This approach is a freehand drawing.  Usually, if there are no scales, it is quite difficult to find where to place the parts of a face.  But with this simple guide of using circles, and shapes, you'll find it easy to draw faces.  

I have included a video at the latter part of this article.  I promised the video owner, https://www.youtube.com/c/ChommangDrawing, that I'll acknowledge him.  Check out his channel and you'll get useful tutorials on drawing.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTION ON DRAWING FACES

This will be our reference photo:

   Step 1:  First, draw a circle, which is our guide for the upper portion of the face.  If you will visualize a skull, the upper part of the head is spherical in shape. 

 Step 2:  Now find the location of eyes, nose and lips.  Cut horizontally the circle by placing a very light line.  This will be the upper lid of the eyes or where you place the brows.  If your reference picture is looking sideways, about 45 degrees, then the vertical line guide for the nose would be about 1/3 of the circle.  Draw two smaller circles for the eyes socket and a slim pear-shaped for the nose.  Take note, the end of the nose may be very close to the lower outline of the circle. 

Draw the lower shape of the face, which is the chin.  The mid line of this shape would be the place for the mouth.  Draw a line at the mouth's opening, and the upper lip and lower lip to follow.  

You may now proceed with erasing some parts of the head that you feel is not needed; determine now the exact shape of the face by outlining with heavier marks.

 Since one ear is showing, draw its outline.  Usually, the upper part of the ear starts under the brows and ends at the end of the nose.

Step 3:  Proceed with detailing.  Draw the eyes as to how you see it.  Followed by the nose and lips.  If you are distracted with the references, you can erase it as soon as you are able to achieve the exact shapes and details of the face.

 It is not necessary that you follow the guidelines as you draw.  If you feel that there are slight changes to make it look exactly as the photo, do change the parts.  It is advisable that you draw using light stroke first before you finalized the lines or parts of your drawing.

 For the hair, find the center where the hair parted.  Usually, the hair flows out of the sphere borders.  Use curves as to how the hair flows out.  Do not shade it yet.

 When you are able to fine the details, you may now use darker and heavier strokes for finishing the face outlines.

Step 4:  Shading - Now that you see how the face appears, erase all sketches or guides and clean up the face.  Then shades the eyes, lips, hair and other shadows.  Get the exact hue of shades so as to develop a 3D appearance or to put life to your drawing.  Highlights can be achieved by lifting out shades using your eraser.

Watch the video below to see how it's being done by the artist.  We hope you learned from this free tutorial.  Please like or follow and share to your friends.