Welcome to

Petals and Portraits

5

portrait one: expressive portrait

Contour drawing is an essential technique which creates a strong foundation for any drawing or painting and can develop a subject's form through a variation of line. Contour drawing will also capture the action or expression of the subject. In this project, we will commit to observing our subject as we create three expressive portraits using a variety of art supplies.  


I find this technique of drawing extremely satisfying and I love how it looses up my drawing and creates an expressive portrait. Select an image you love, put on some music and let's create a few of these together.

art supplies

Contour Drawing - part 1

Contour Drawing  - part 2

portrait two: portrait on newsprint

In this portrait project, I will demonstrate how to create a framework for the portrait using a photo reference. This process is really a guide as we study all the features and their relationships with each other.

Before I begin a portrait, I find that I have more success if I practice on newsprint. I like how the soft charcoal moves across the paper, and how I'm able to achieve a range of values from light to dark.

I encourage you to spend time observing your subject and study the relationships of the features, the spaces in between the features, the shapes of the shadows and light, and the negative space. This process can be a wonderful guide in creating the portrait, and you will become more immersed in the process and your marks will become more intentional.

Take your time and enjoy the process of seeing your portrait emerge onto your paper.

art supplies

charcoal portrait - part 1

charcoal portrait - part 2

Video description Text

charcoal portrait - part 4

portrait three: toned paper

In this portrait project, I will demonstrate how to create a framework for the portrait using a photo reference. This process is really a guide as we study all the features and their relationships with each other.

Before I begin a portrait, I find that I have more success if I practice on newsprint. I like how the soft charcoal moves across the paper, and how I'm able to achieve a range of values from light to dark.

I encourage you to spend time observing your subject and study the relationships of the features, the spaces in between the features, the shapes of the shadows and light, and the negative space. This process can be a wonderful guide in creating the portrait, and you will become more immersed in the process and your marks will become more intentional.

Take your time and enjoy the process of seeing your portrait emerge onto your paper.

art supplies

My favorite toned paper is Mi-Tientes by Canson in Flannel Gray. There are two sides to the paper, one smooth and one textured. This paper is beautiful to work on and the results in charcoal are wonderful. I especially love how the white charcoal reflects off the paper.

  • Tombow Eraser
  • Round Brush
  • Angled small stiff brush
  • Paper Towels
  • Blending Stumps
  • Cotton Ball
  • Spray Fixative
  • Reference Photo is in the Resource and Inspiration Chapter.

toned paper - part 1

toned paper - part 2

toned paper - part 3

toned paper - part 4

Let's continue to collage...