The Colored Pencil Course: Portrait Drawing - Part 1
Lesson Description
Lesson Thirteen of The Colored Pencil Course marks the beginning of a series of modules dedicated to portrait drawing. In this lesson, students are introduced to an organized approach for creating realistic portraits using colored pencils. The focus of this module is on the eyes, a central and expressive feature of any portrait. Matt emphasizes that mastering the eyes is a key step in achieving accuracy and capturing the likeness and emotion of the subject.
The Importance of the Eyes in Portraits
Matt begins by discussing why the eyes are considered the “windows to the soul” in portraiture. They are often the focal point of a portrait, conveying expression, mood, and character. Students learn that careful observation of the shape, placement, and details of the eyes is critical for creating a believable and lifelike representation. Matt explains how even small inaccuracies in the eyes can affect the overall likeness of the portrait, making this a crucial first step in the portrait drawing process.
Observational Techniques for Accurate Eyes
To ensure accuracy, Matt introduces several observational techniques. Students are encouraged to carefully study the reference photo, noting proportions, angles, and distances between features. Tools such as measuring with a pencil and sighting lines are demonstrated to help replicate the exact placement and scale of the eyes. Matt emphasizes the importance of patience and repeated observation, showing that careful planning at this stage saves time and effort when layering colors and refining details later.
Structuring the Eye
Next, Matt guides students through the process of drawing the structure of the eye. He demonstrates how to map out the eyelids, iris, pupil, and surrounding anatomy using light pencil strokes. Students learn to focus on proportion and placement first, rather than jumping into color immediately. Matt also discusses the subtle shapes and curves that define the eyes, including the tear duct, eyelid fold, and reflections within the iris, helping students build a solid foundation for adding color.
Layering Color in the Eyes
Once the structure is established, Matt demonstrates the initial layering of colored pencils. Students begin by adding base tones to the iris and skin surrounding the eyes, gradually building up value and saturation. Techniques such as layering light colors first, blending smoothly, and applying controlled pressure are emphasized to maintain realism. Matt also explains how to create the illusion of depth and reflection in the eye, highlighting the importance of subtle highlights that capture light and bring the eyes to life.
Detailing and Refining the Eyes
After laying down the base colors, students are guided through the process of refining details. Matt shows how to carefully add shadows, midtones, and highlights to enhance the three-dimensional appearance of the eye. Techniques for rendering eyelashes, subtle skin textures, and reflections are covered, helping students achieve a natural and expressive look. Emphasis is placed on careful observation and patience, ensuring that each eye reflects the unique characteristics of the subject.
By the end of Lesson Thirteen, students have completed a detailed and accurate rendering of the eyes, establishing the foundation for the full portrait. This lesson reinforces the importance of careful observation, structured drawing, and controlled layering in colored pencil portraiture. With a strong understanding of how to capture the eyes realistically, students are prepared to continue developing the portrait in subsequent lessons, moving toward completing a fully lifelike and expressive colored pencil portrait.
Lesson Materials
Bristol paper, Prismacolor colored pencils, graphite pencil.
Lesson Resources
Download eBook
Reference Image
Course Curriculum
Founder of The Virtual Instructor, artist and teacher. Matt makes learning art easy to understand and enjoyable.
I am still experiencing difficulties down loading course video’s, the latest being nr 13 of the coloured pencil course. T
Hi Roger,
To download the video, simply click on the “Download Page” link. It will take you to a new page that has a button that reads “Clip Info/Download” When you click on this button, download options will appear. If it is taking a long time to download, you may need to check your internet connection. For more on downloading videos, you can visit…http://thevirtualinstructor.com/members/how-to-download-videos/
Where is the download page link?
This is the main reason I become a member, I have done many faces in graphite pencils but now I want to progress to doing faces with color pencils. These videos are very helpful in getting me started. Also I have always drawn the eyes first myself and worked out. I love drawing eyes.
Hi James. . . . .I too have done mostly pencil portraits and now after watching Matt’s video’s I’m trying to do my first portrait in CP. Starting with the eyes, not too many problems, but I’m doing a baby, well actually, a toddler, and the skin tones are quite a bit different than the model Matt used. I’m wondering what colour I can use for the darker shadings on the baby’s face. . . . .dark umber seems a bit harsh! Have you got any suggestions?
I’ll be watching for your portrait in CP!!
What colors do you typically recommend in Prismacolor for creating blue eyes?
Hi Regina,
Could you email me the reference? I can give you specific colors to use, if I see the photo.
I realize I’m in the trial period, but I would still like to know how you download or print the still life of wine bottles, or the dog picture in the texture lesson. Thanks, Doug
Hi Doug, In the description boxes under the video embeds, you’ll see blue text that reads “Photo Reference”. If you’ll click on that text, it will open the photo reference for you.
hi matt,
wanted to know if i can use my own portrait- (my daughter’s ,color/black & white)as a photo ref.?n
got my prisma colors by the way…much better than koh-i-noor.
tu,raquel
Hi Raquel,
Absolutely, I would encourage you to do so.
matt,
my ?? is :when using my daughter’s color photo as ref.:
1.do i have the judgement to choice the rt skin tone colors and eye-lip ,etc. colors???
2. if i don’t do this exactly module #13-14 with this portrait pic ref./experiencing the “how dos” step by step…will i
be able to transfer your knowledge/teaching going along with my portrait…??
thank you for your patience,
raquel
Hi Raquel,
1. I believe you do. You may have to experiment to find the right combinations for your subject.
2. You can pick up the tips that are covered in the module and apply them to your own work. This is the point! You are the artist!
hey matt,
want to pass this along…..bostitch twist n sharp (sharpener)
@ walmart.
It is incredible and so inexpensive.!!!for real…
raquel
Hi Matt,
Could you please explain the different grey pencils? What does the 70% mean? I can’t find anything that explains on the Prismacolor website.
Hi. I am trying to follow along but have trouble with identifying the colors used, the beige color in particular. What is the color number is the beige color(Faber Castell color chat). I am currently using the Lyra Rembrandt polycolor. Can you suggest the equivalent color for the beige color refered in this video? If not what is the Faber Castell color number?
Matt,
What pc colors would you recommend using for a lighter skin tone?
i like this course, but would like to see video on drawing BLUE eyes with colored pencils
I am glad that you are using a reference drawing of a person of color. Your graphite portrait drawings were Causasian. Half of my family are from Asia (Asia has people of many different facial types and skin color)
Portrait drawing can be an emotional experience. I recently finished a portrait of my father tenderly holding my young grandson. When I snapped the reference picture, I did not realize that it woud be the last time I would see my father alive. While I was working on the portrait, I only then noticed how his face had become so gaunt. Since I was working on the picture as a present for my mother, I debated whether to remove evidence of his weight loss.
Hi Maureen,
Do you know you can pause the video? There is also a step by step illustrated ebook that goes along with this lesson that shows you every step of the process.