how to draw portraits

Portraits from photos - examples and methods

I am able to supply: pencil portrait commissions of children from photographs, pastel portrait drawings of children from photos, pencil portrait comissions of girl-friends and wives from photographs, pastel portrait drawing commissions of girl-friends and wives from photos. I also provide, portrait drawings of husbands from photos, portraits of grandparents from photographs, half figure portrait commissions from photos, three quarter figure portraits, full figure portraits.

Angelina Jolie drawn from a photo in a magazine. The trick is to make the work look like a portrait done from life. This is achieved by changing the look of the light on the face from photograhic/film lighting to natural lighting. I couldn't describe how do it - it's a trick I have no explanation for except that I've done a lot of portraiture from life and I just know what it should look like.

All drawings from your own photos in pencil, pastel or oil paint. Click on Contacts & Prices button for more information on commissions. UK, European and USA deliveries of all drawings available. Where no suitable photograph exists photos can be taken by the artist anywhere in the South East.

Anne Hathaway - drwing from a photo in a magazine. This is a great original photograph, the pose is fabulous though the lighting was a little high. I've reduced the glare from a strong spot and, I think, acheived a more subtle image.

Now an example of how I tackle a portrait done from a photo:

Kristen Scott Thomas - initial stage of three quarter sized portait drawing in pastel chalk 2008 - work in progress. This is the first stage of what will probably be a three stage drawing. I've got the positioning set and blocked in the main areas of light and dark. The next stage will be to bulk out the colour and add detail to the portrait element. I'll then put it away for a week or so and come back to it with fresh eyes and tweak anything I' m not happy about. I will post the second and third stages on this site as I finish them.

Second stage of portrait drawing from an original photograph. The skin tone is worked up and the balance is coming together. The personality need to be worked on more with subtle touches to the eyes and the mouth in particular.

The final version - I've softened the face, highlighted the hair and resolved the expression as best I can. Hopefully it now works!

Be warned

Portrait drawing is not for the faint hearted. A likeness is difficult to achieve and for some will never be really successful. Drawing from photographs is perhaps easier than drawing from life but neither are a breeze. If you'd like to try it yourself there are some basic rules which will help organise the task and give you a better chance. If it doesn’t work for you fairly quickly you might possibly just give up – it’s a talent you’re born with or you will never have (I can’t work a computer to save my life so everyone has their weak points)!

Drawing from photos - pencil drawing

start with a good quality photograph which I blow up using a photocopier or photo software to the exact size I need for the finished work. I then transfer the position of the main features to the drawing paper or canvass using carbon paper or a grid. I draw in the outlines of the features and hair and, referring to the original photo, begin to show where dark areas will be. Progress slowly with this part - it's easier to add in later than to rub out lines which have been put in the wrong place or are too dark.

I start with a good quality photograph which I blow up using a photocopier or photo software to the exact size I need for the finished work. I then transfer the position of the main features to the drawing paper or canvass using carbon paper or a grid. I draw in the outlines of the features and hair and, referring to the original photo, begin to show where dark areas will be. Progress slowly with this part - it's easier to add in later than to rub out lines which have been put in the wrong place or are too dark.

The next step is to begin to add tone and detail to the portrait and to start to draw in the rhythms of the hair. The corners of the eyes should be drawn in careful detail with a sharp pencil. The eyes and the corners of the mouth are the main areas where mood comes through in a portrait whether done from a photo or from life.

The rest is largely continuing as above and involves a patient build up of tone and depth in the portrait. One thing to watch out for is false highlights caused by a flash or harsh spotlights. Try and leave these out altogether - they just make the final work look as if it has been copied from a photo by mechanical means.

I am pleased to supply: pencil portraits of children from photographs, pastel portrait drawings of children, pencil portraits of girl-friends and wives from photographs, pastel portrait drawings of girl-friends and wives, portrait drawings of husbands, portraits of grandparents, half figure portrait drawings, three quarter figure portraits, full figure portraits, all drawings in pencil, pastel or oil paint. Click on Contacts & Prices button for more information. UK, European and USA deliveries of all drawings available.

Completed Portraits

I am pleased to supply: portraits of children, portraits of girl-friends, portraits of wives, portraits of husbands, portraits of grandparents, half figure portraits, three quarter figure portraits, full figure portraits. Click on Contacts & Prices button for more information

Caroline Harper. Drawing from photo 2009. Property of Mrs & Mrs David Harper.

Gwynneth Paltrow - drawing from a photograph in a magazine 2009. Property of the artist.

James Prout - portrait from photo 2007. Copyright Mr & Mrs Richard Prout.

The girl from Daly's Wine Bar - portrait from photo 2009. Property of the artist.

Adele Schooler - portrait from photo 2008. Copyright Mr & Mrs Henry Schooler.

Portrait of a girl with long hair - pencil portrait from photo 2007

Portrait of a young negro male - pencil portrait from life 2006

portrait of a woman with dark hair - pastel portrait from photo 2007

Diana in Versace dress, drawn 2008. This is a composite - the portrait is from one photo and the dress from another. It shows how it is possible to re-invent - if you don't like one aspect of an otiginal photo it can be changed if I have detail of what you'd like it changed to.