Realistic Portrait with Graphite Pencil
A course by Diego Catalan Amilivia , Painter and Illustrator
Joined November 2017
Learn the basics and technique to create realistic anatomical drawings
Joined November 2017
Painter and expert anatomy artist Diego Catalán is as passionate about realism as he is about fantasy and horror. His incredible portraits emerge from this eclectic mix as well as the inspiration he draws from the classical masters. Diego works with a range of techniques, but finds the greatest expression in graphite as it allows him to work in maximum detail and with an understanding of the light and structure of the human anatomy.
In this course, learn how to draw a realistic portrait in pencil using a model. Diego explains a wide range of technical concepts, from composition and the anatomy of the head, to modeling and adding texture. Discover all the skills you need to make your own realistic portrait with graphite.
What will you learn in this online course?
35 lessons & 27 downloads
- 99% positive reviews (5.2K)
- 155,720 students
- 35 lessons (9h 30m)
- 27 additional resources (8 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: Spanish, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · Italian · French · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Compose a realistic drawing with graphite pencil from a photograph of a real model.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Illustrators, drawers, designers, and anyone interested in doing realistic drawings with graphite pencils.
Requirements and materials
Basic drawing knowledge is necessary for this course.
In terms of materials, all you need is a pencil and some paper. An easel or board, a range of different grade pencils, an eraser, a stick, and a mirror are also recommended but not essential.
Reviews
Diego Catalan Amilivia
A course by Diego Catalan Amilivia
Diego Catalán graduated from the University of Salamanca with a degree in Fine Arts, specializing in painting. He has done postgraduate work at the Art Students League and the National Academy of Design in New York City. He currently combines his art with his work teaching Artistic Anatomy at the Escuela Superior de Dibujo Profesional in Madrid.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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Presentation
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Influences
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History of portrait, evolution and types - I
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History of the portrait, evolution and types - II
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U2
Materials and preparation
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Materials
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Choose your model
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The photo
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U3
The drawing
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Concepts of academic drawing - I
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Concepts of academic drawing - II
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The size, scale and composition
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Face proportions
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We draw the inside of the face
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Anatomy: Advanced skull, neck and shoulder osteology - I
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Anatomy: Advanced osteology of the skull, neck and shoulders - II
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Structure analysis: perspective and 3D shape - I
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Structure analysis: perspective and 3D shape - II
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Surface anatomy: facial features and muscles - I
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Surface anatomy: Factions and muscles of the face - II
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Surface anatomy: Factions and muscles of the face - III
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Introduction of the shadow 2D - I
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Introduction of the 2D shadow - II
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Introduction of the shadow 2D - III
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Introduction of the shadow 2D - IV
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U4
Modeling and texturing
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The physics of light - I
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The physics of light - II
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Modeling - I
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Modeling - II
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Modeling - III
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Modeling - IV
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Modeling - V
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Texturing and finishing touches - I
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Texturing and finishing touches - II
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Texturing and finishing touches - III
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Texturing and final touches - IV
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Texturing and final touches - V
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FP
Final project
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Realistic portrait with graphite pencil
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
This course is designed for intermediate students who already have basic drawing skills and want to deepen their knowledge of realistic techniques, applied artistic anatomy, and advanced methods in both traditional and digital media.
You’ll need pencils of various hardness, smooth paper, blending stumps, kneaded eraser, charcoal, mechanical pencils, pencil extenders, a mirror, a camera or smartphone for photo references, and optionally a digital tablet like a Cintiq.
You’ll learn to analyze facial proportions, apply observation techniques, model shadows, manage lighting, create portraits in oil, digital media, and illustration, and understand both historical and contemporary portrait styles.
Yes, basic drawing experience is recommended since the course focuses on intermediate and advanced portrait and artistic anatomy techniques.
The course covers realistic drawing, realistic caricature, metal modeling, tenebrism, Rembrandt lighting, grid use, proportion transfer, oil painting, digital illustration, and anatomical simplification methods.
You’ll study bone and muscle structures, skull and face proportions, and use measurement and alignment methods to create anatomically accurate and expressive portraits.
Yes, you’ll learn to control light, create contrast, apply techniques like chiaroscuro and Rembrandt lighting, and understand how lighting affects mood and volume in portraits.
Excelente curso. Mejor explicado imposible, con muchos fundamentos y bien diagramado .
Yo que nunca tomé una clase de dibujo siento una notable mejora (desde luego, es mucha práctica, como en todo. Pero los consejos que brinda son valiosos)
Bastante interesante me gusto muchooo
Excelente curso, recomendado, información clara, detallada y precisa, abarca desde lo general a lo específico.
El Curso me parecio muy bueno, interesante y con explicaciones claras! Lo recomiendo muchisimo! De lo general a lo particular.
very good course