The following video titled “Portrait #24 – How to draw a portrait from photo (step by step)” by Yong Chen provides an extensive guide on portrait drawing easy step by step, focusing on creating a realistic portrait from a photograph. The instructor demonstrates the process, beginning with how to find the proper placement for the portrait on the paper and establishing the correct proportions of the face.

How to draw a portrait from photo (step by step)

The initial steps involve dividing the face into sections to ensure accurate placement of the features such as the hairline, eyebrows, nose, and chin. Yong emphasizes the importance of comparing distances between these features to achieve a realistic representation. For instance, he notes that the space between the eyebrows and the bottom of the nose is roughly three-quarters of the space between other facial features, highlighting the need for precise measurements and observation.

Yong guides viewers through sketching the outline of the face, including the angles of the face, the positioning of the eyes within the face, and the relation of the nose and mouth to other facial features. He discusses how to create lifelike eyes, nose, and mouth by dividing these areas into smaller sections and comparing their proportions to other elements of the face.

Yong covers capturing light and shadow, which adds depth and realism to the portrait. He discusses how to identify and replicate the shadowed areas of the face and the importance of blending to create a seamless transition between different tones on the face. Additionally, he shares techniques for refining the portrait, such as using an eraser to highlight specific areas and adding details to bring the portrait to life.

Yong Chen discusses the significance of observing and capturing the unique characteristics of the subject’s face. He tells artists to take their time with the drawing process, suggesting that a slow, deliberate approach can lead to a more enjoyable experience. The final advice focuses on the artistic decision-making process, balancing between keeping certain areas of the drawing detailed and leaving others loose to maintain the freshness of the portrait. This is great advice to help artists develop their observational skills and artistic judgment in portrait drawing.

Visit the Artist’s Youtube Channel Here

I hope you enjoyed this easy step by step lesson on portrait drawing. Find more portrait drawing tutorials on our site here.