Line Drawing
Reference Photo
This time, I’m choosing a model lit from a window on the far side of the viewer with the shadow on the near side. She is posed as working at a computer, allowing for a natural‑looking portrait.
The Abstraction
Using an H grade lead, I start with the abstraction of the head. As always, it’s an egg shape.
From my drawings from the imagination, I get the idea to subdivide the head into two shapes, divided by the eye line. I sort of capture the shape of the jaw and cheeks with the bottommost shape.
Developing the Drawing
I take my time developing the contours of the portrait. Whenever I have an issue with an alignment or a shape, I use plumb and level.
I decide what needs to be put in and what needs to be omitted. I’m not going for every detail I see in the reference photo
The edge of the hair where little wisps and strands break off from the main mass can be a challenge. I do my best to simplify the shapes I see and create a believable pattern.
Shadow Shapes and Refinement of the Line Drawing
I draw out the borders of the shadows and clean up the line art as best I can. As usual, I think of the form, making sure the shadow shapes will conform to the form of the face.
Ready to render.