Lessons in portrait drawing through observation of fellow students
This observational drawing of faces requires focus and patience. Specifically, the approach I demonstrate is to begin with a dot on the paper. This dot is the center point between the two eyes. Then carefully draw the shape of one eye, the pupil and the eyelid. When this is done, draw the eyebrow above. Do the same on the other side of the dot for the other eye and eyebrow.
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The eyes are the key to facial expression and beginning with the eyes sets the proportions of the face.
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Now, draw the bottom of the nose, placed between the eyes form the dot downward about three inches. Once the nose is drawn then place the mouth below the bottom of the nose. This progression from eyes to nose to mouth is helpful to most students in drawing the face free-hand. I demonstrate this step by step approach. The final phase is outlining the overall shape of the face and neck, finally adding the hair. This simplified approach reduces the difficulty in drawing from observation and generally results in a proportionate facial drawing.
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While the students are working on their drawing, the teacher will take slides of the students in the class.