Vero Beach Art Club

Create a realistic graphite fine art drawing from your favorite photo using my 4-step method.  You will learn an easy method to scale your portrait to any size with a proportional divider. Through the use of shading with details, you will create an accurate image that you can be proud to display. Come along with me as we learn the basic drawing techniques using graphite pencils, a proportional divider, and drawing paper. Then, we are on to creating your own piece of ART!

WEEK 1

Week 1 – (a) Tools Needed—pencils, erasers, stumps, ruler, other items

                    (b) Paper types- drawing paper with smooth surface

                    (d) Four Step Method – Analyze, Sketch, Shade, Details

                    (e) Step 1 - Analyzing the photo

                     -- Find the right photo

                      – look for highlights and shadows, value changes

                      – decide on size, paper type

                      – determine composition

NOTE: your photo should clear, not blurry.  Enlarge it to 8 ½ x 11 in black and white. Print two copies.

                      f) Step 2 - Sketch in your composition and example sheet

WEEK 2

Week 2 - (a) Quick Review and Questions

              (b) Transfer outline sketch to “good” paper

              (c) Shading techniques Step 3

               --- create Value chart     

               ---how to use Value chart

               (d) How to shade—practice with a circle (maybe try fruit)

               (e) Learn how to draw and shade eyes

               (f) Learn how to draw and shade noses

               (g) Practice eye and nose, then work on final drawing

WEEK 3

Week 3 – (a) Quick Review and Questions

               (b) Learn to draw and shade a mouth/teeth

               (c) Learn to draw and shade ears

               (d) Practice a mouth and ear, then work on your final drawing

WEEK 4

Week 4 - (a) Quick Review and Questions

              (b) Learn to draw hair—straight, curly, blonde, black

              (c) Discuss background

              (d) Work on Portrait Step 3 – Continue Shading

              --Check for darkest values and highlights

WEEK 5

Week 5 – (a) Quick Review and Questions

              (b) Work on Portrait Step 4 - Finishing details

              (c) Learn methods to critic your work

              (d) Show off your project and wrap-up

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What is needed:  pencils-6H to 6B minimum with pencil sharpener

--kneaded eraser, white plastic eraser

--Strathmore Drawing paper (11” x 14” for final drawing)

--2 large photocopies of your portrait usually 8” x 11.5” is standard paper size

--jpeg of your photo

--Proportional divider and 12” ruler

15% discount is available at checkout for club members Promo Code VBACMember