The Secrets of Realistic Portrait Drawing
Drawing realistic portraits requires patience and observation. Before you begin, study human anatomy — especially proportions of the face. Start with a basic outline using light pencil strokes. Mark key points like the eyes, nose, lips, and ears in correct alignment.
Focus on light and shadow — this is what gives life to a portrait. Observe how light falls on different parts of the face. Shading with smooth transitions between tones will make your drawing more realistic. Use the “grid method” if you struggle with proportions.
Practice sketching facial features individually. Spend time drawing eyes — they are the soul of a portrait. Understand how skin tones vary under different lighting conditions. For deep shadows, use HB and 2B pencils; for soft shading, use blending stumps.
Remember, realism doesn’t mean copying every tiny detail. It’s about capturing the character and emotion of the person. With consistency and proper reference images, you’ll see a huge improvement.
