The Colored Pencil Course: Portrait Drawing - Part 4

Lesson Description

In this lesson, we continue our portrait drawing series and focus on completing the form of the face. This is the fourth module in the series, and it introduces shading techniques and basic color mixing with colored pencils. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how to build realistic facial form using value, color, and layering.

Understanding Facial Structure

Before beginning shading, it’s important to understand the three-dimensional structure of the face. The face is made up of planes that catch light differently depending on their angle. In this section, we explore the major planes of the face, including the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and jawline. Recognizing these planes helps you identify where shadows and highlights fall, which is essential for creating a realistic portrait.

Introduction to Shading Techniques

Shading is the key to giving a portrait depth and life. In this lesson, you will learn several techniques to achieve smooth gradients and realistic shadows using colored pencils. We cover layering, burnishing, and blending to gradually build up value. Emphasis is placed on observing subtle changes in light and shadow across the face to avoid flat or stiff results. This approach ensures your portrait has volume and three-dimensional form.

Color Mixing for Realistic Skin Tones

Color plays a crucial role in capturing the natural look of the face. In this module, Matt introduces basic color mixing techniques to create realistic skin tones. You’ll learn how to combine warm and cool colors to mimic the subtle variations in human skin, including undertones, shadows, and highlights. Tips are also provided on layering multiple colors to build richness without muddying the drawing, allowing for smooth, vibrant skin tones.

Shading the Face Step-by-Step

Matt provides a detailed demonstration of shading a face with colored pencils. Starting with the lightest areas, you will gradually build up midtones and shadows, paying close attention to value transitions and color layering. Each step is explained carefully, including how to maintain softness in the skin, avoid harsh lines, and capture the subtle contours of the facial features. By following along, you can practice creating a lifelike and dimensional face.

Practical Exercises and Observational Tips

At the end of the lesson, practical exercises are provided to reinforce the concepts learned. These exercises encourage you to practice shading different areas of the face, experiment with layering colors, and observe how light interacts with the skin. Matt also shares tips for troubleshooting common issues, such as patchy shading, unnatural color, or overly defined edges, helping you achieve a balanced and realistic portrait.

Combining Features into a Complete Face

This lesson emphasizes integrating all the features you have practiced in previous modules—eyes, nose, mouth—into a cohesive facial structure. You’ll see how shading and color application can unify the different elements of a portrait. By the end, your face drawing will appear complete, with consistent values, realistic skin tones, and natural transitions between features.

Lesson 16 is a crucial step in mastering portrait drawing with colored pencils. By combining an understanding of facial structure, effective shading techniques, and basic color mixing, you gain the ability to create realistic, dimensional portraits. This lesson not only enhances your technical skills but also builds confidence in observing and reproducing the subtle variations that make each face unique. Shading the face with colored pencils is a foundational skill that will greatly improve the quality and realism of all your portrait work.

Lesson Materials

Bristol paper, Prismacolor colored pencils, colorless blender.

Lesson Resources

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Course Curriculum