Specialization in Artistic Portrait Drawing Techniques

Influences | Marco Mazzoni

In this lesson I will talk about the artists that have inspired my artistic journey. I will also show you with my artworks which details or techniques I got for my influences.

Influences | Chris Gambrell

Now you will learn about artists I’ve taken inspiration from over the years.

Influences | Bo Feng Lin

In this lesson, I will share some of my most influential sources for my art to this date.

Module 2

Master the fundamentals of portrait drawing with just a pencil and some guided practice. Led by award-winning artist Matthew Smith, you’ll learn to build lifelike portraits from the ground up—starting with proportions, then adding depth through shading, tone, and texture. Gain confidence in capturing the human face with clarity and expression.

14 lessons (2h 41m)

Materials and How To Use Them

In this lesson, I will go over the materials for the course. These are very basic: a regular sketchbook, a mechanical pencil, and a few erasers. If you don't have a mechanical pencil, any pencil, from HB to 2B, will be fine.

Dexterity Building Exercises

Here I will be working on dexterity building exercises. This will include drawing circles and ellipses, as well as straight lines. I will also cover shapes and calligraphy/hatching.

Next, I will teach you how to construct the head with basic shapes and lines from different angles.

Basic Head Construction

Shapes and Features 1

In this lesson, I will explore the features of the face and the shapes to look for when drawing them. Each feature will be looked at individually, going from construction to shape. I will start with the eyes and continue with the nose.

Next, I will continue exploring more features. Now, it's time to work on the lips and the ears. Let's get down to business!

Shapes and Features 2

10m

Head Sketches Based on Shapes

Here I will be doing quick sketches of the head based on the light and dark shapes that I see. I will draw on the previous lesson about basic construction and the shapes of the features to create a simple, well-read sketch.

17m

Constructing the Head

In this lesson, I will begin my larger head construction. I will follow the same process as before, but I will be moving slower to be more accurate.

Advancing the Construction

Here I will be adding more information to the construction that I did in the previous lesson to create a more three-dimensional drawing.

Corrections and Filling in the Shapes

Next, I will make some corrections to my piece and I will fill in the shadow or dark shapes that I drew in to reveal the drawing more.

Here I will use the two-value drawings that I created to help judge the proportions in order to make any necessary corrections to the drawing before moving on.

Judging Proportions

Refining the Shapes

In this lesson, I will adjust the shapes for better accuracy and design. This will improve the overall look of the artwork.

Adding Darker Values

In this lesson, I will add darker values and smaller shapes to the drawing, so that I can take it to the next level.

Now, I will make some quick corrections to my drawing. Then, I will add some calligraphy/hatching to the sketch. This will create more interest to the overall drawing.

Adding Calligraphy

Next, I will go over any final details as I bring the sketch to a finish. This will include adding more darker values and calligraphy, and any last-minute shape adjustments that may need correcting.

Finishing the Sketch

Introducing the Renaissance Movement

Module 3

Travel back to the heart of the Renaissance and uncover the timeless drawing techniques of Leonardo da Vinci. With Michele Bajona as your guide, you’ll study the methods of the great master while learning to apply them to your own portrait work. Explore proportion, anatomy, and expressive line as you deepen your skills and connect with the artistic legacy of da Vinci.

19 lessons (4h 9m)

In this lesson, we’ll put Leonardo’s work into context, describing the birth of the Renaissance movement that generated a great revival in the arts. We will see Leonardo's early life, as he was learning the trade to become the most celebrated artist of his time.

The Art and Life of Leonardo da Vinci

Let’s continue discovering Leonardo da Vinci's life, career, works, and legacy.

17m

Drawing Materials of the Renaissance

In this lesson, I will describe to you the materials that we’ll use during this course through an overall presentation on the drawing materials that were used during the Renaissance period.

Support Preparation 1

Let’s start preparing our supports in order to be able to draw just like Leonardo used to. For this, we have to use some of the materials described in the previous lesson. Let’s see how they work on paper!

10m

Support Preparation 2

Now, we are going to see how to work with colors and how to create watercolors for our drawings. We will also see the rest of the tools and materials.

To end this unit, I will teach you about the importance of tonal values when it comes to lights and shadows.

Lights and Shadows

Let's put into practice what you have learned about tonal values, using some of Leonardo’s materials. I will show you some of his botanical drawings and we’ll discover how he drew them.

Botanical Drawings 1

In this lesson, we will end the study of botanical drawings and complete our exercise.

Botanical Drawings 2

Now, you will discover some amazing anatomical drawings by Leonardo. You will replicate one of his studies using his materials and following his representational method.

Anatomical Drawings

Proportions: Portrait Study 1

In this lesson, Leonardo himself will guide us through the essential elements of a portrait. You will learn about proportions, gestures, and how to capture people's essence on paper. I will show you, step by step, how the Master used to make a study of a human head.

13m

Proportions: Portrait Study 2

Let's complete our drawing by adding more depth and details to it.

Preparations and Composition

In this lesson, I will briefly guide you through the process of taking a good photo reference considering some simple laws of composition. I will also analyze the picture in order to plan things ahead, choose the right supports and renaissance drawing materials.

Gesture and Drawing Structure

Now, we will create the main structure for the drawing with construction lines that can be helpful to define where our main masses will go.

Once the construction drawing is done, we need to identify the shadow areas that create the different planes of the head. We can do this by creating different tonal values to build up the general masses.

Tonal Values

19m

Features and Details 1

In this lesson, we are going to focus on the features and details of our portrait.

Let's complete our portrait and bring it to life by adding more and more details and emphasizing its tridimensionality.

Features and Details 2

Final Revision

Once the main masses and planes of the head are in place, we can focus on the tiniest details by adding more information in the areas that we have worked on so far. It’s time to have fun!

How To Take Pictures of Your Work

When you finish your drawing, you might want to show it to the world! In this lesson, I will show you how I document my process and how I take a picture of my finished work.

Preservation

The preservation of a work of art starts with the materials that we use when we are drawing. That's why I am going to remind you how to pick the right drawing materials and show you how to properly store or frame your final work.

Module 4

Explore how color and contrast can shape the emotion and meaning behind a portrait. Guided by Marco Mazzoni, you’ll learn to apply the classical technique of Chiaroscuro to pencil drawings and bring them to life through expressive coloring. Discover how to create portraits that not only capture likeness—but tell a story.

10 lessons (47m)

The Importance of Sketching

Doodling is good for the soul because the hand works on its own. In this lesson I will explain the importance of sketching.

Planning the Portrait: Conceptualization and Choice of Elements

In this lesson I will explain the importance of the concept that the elements must have within the work, the plants in my case.

Composition + Basic Lines

In this lesson I will take as an example, some lines that I like from my sketchbook. Lines that are drawn nothing, but move well on the paper.

Chiaroscuro (Black & White) - Theory

In this lesson I will show you how a drawing is structured with the Chiaroscuro technique.

Chiaroscuro (Black & White) - Practice

In this lesson I will start drawing with Chiaroscuro. I will show you some tricks to improve the effects on the face.

Second Colour Base

In this lesson I will explain how the choice of a colour combined with black is useful for the dynamics of the final drawing.

Itten Circle and Optional Choice of Colours

In this lesson I will describe the importance of the Itten circle, an easy way to optimally include colours.

Applying First Colour

In this lesson I'm going to show you how we must decide which colour we want most to be noticed. It is important because it creates a general feeling and gives the idea of a filter.

Applying Second Colour

In this lesson I will show you how to choose a second colour in order to get what elements will the observer see the first.

Applying Finishing Touches

In this lesson I will show you some tips for making the draw even more alive and full of meaning.

Module 5

Dive into the expressive world of pastel portraiture with Chris Gambrell, where every stroke adds movement, texture, and emotion. Explore mark-making techniques, color balance, and layering to craft bold, fashion-inspired portraits. Learn how to harness the raw energy of pastels to create striking, rhythmic compositions.

14 lessons (3h 0m)

Introduction to Materials

In this lesson I’ll show you the materials we’ll be using.

The Importance of Keeping a Sketchbook

In this lesson we’ll look at the value of keeping a sketchbook. A sketchbook is an incredible tool that allows you journal and document your observations whether this be through drawings or even words.

14m

Mark Making

In this lesson we’ll apply some marks to see what the pastels can do. We’ll develop a library of different mark types and learn a bit about manipulating those.

My drawings are full of contrasting saturated colour. I like colours to connect and to move the viewer so complimentary colours are usually the point from which I start. In this lesson we will look at and use complementaries and build out a little from there.

Colour Study

10m

Sourcing References

In this lesson we’ll go over the basics of sourcing subject matter for reference images.

Initial Sketching 1

In this lesson you will become familiar with the subject matter by producing some studies, this will prime you to work on a more finished drawing.

13m

Initial Sketching 2

Let's go now for the third drawing, where we will put in a little bit of tone too.

13m

Proportions 1

In this lesson you will work on the final paper applying and building on the initial sketching studies with focus on the shapes and their relationship to each other.

Here I will continue to work on the proportions and check that the distances between the elements are correct.

Proportions 2

In this lesson we’ll close in on the smaller details in and around the larger shapes.

Details

17m

Making an Image Work as a Piece

In this lesson we’ll be attempting to make the drawing work by tying the shapes together with tone and texture

In this lesson we’ll work on harmonising the colours of the image until it's balanced.

Colour Work

Fixing the Work and Packaging

In this lesson you’ll see how to fix a soft pastel drawing and how to package it safely in a tube for sending.

Photographing and Social Media

In this lesson we will be taking photos of the work for use on social media.

Module 6

Bring your digital portraits to life by blending bold color, clean geometry, and expressive form. With Bo Feng Lin as your guide, you’ll explore how to merge figurative elements with abstraction, mastering proportion, perspective, and vibrant palettes. Discover how minimalism and creativity can work hand in hand to craft portraits full of depth and personal style.

14 lessons (2h 5m)

Finding Inspiration with References

Let's have a look at how references can inspire you. References not only help you to increase your creativity but also to build your visual library.

Learning Drawing Basics in Procreate

In this lesson, I will show you some drawing basics to pack into your toolbelt!

Practicing Portraits

Here I will show you how to start working on one of the two components that shape my paintings: portraits. I will show you how I look at references, choose one from the mood board, and then you will learn how to draw some sketches to warm up.

18m

Exploring the Abstract

I include abstract forms in my work mainly to create a visual noise around the portrait. That's why, in this lesson, I will show you how to discover abstract art's vast and endless possibilities.

Preparing the Canvas in Procreate

First, I will share my settings to create the right canvas for your needs.

Sketching the Portrait

Let’s work on the sketch for the course project! I will guide you step by step on how I approach our portrait.

A Clean Portrait

Now that you have a rough sketch, it’s time for you to learn how to clean up those lines.

Color

Here is where the fun begins! In this lesson, I will teach you how to give the subject some life by adding colors.

Shading and Highlights

The following natural step it's to add depth to your artwork. Therefore I will teach you how to add highlights and shadows.

You’re almost there! At this stage, I will show you how to add additional details to complete the artwork.

Details

In this lesson, I will show you how I approach and add abstract shapes to a portrait.

Abstract Shapes 1

I will continue showing you how to add abstract shapes in a very cool interesting way.

Abstract Shapes 2