ArtAcademy - Mastering Portrait Drawing 1 The Frontal Pose

Drawing portraits is generally something that most people assume one must be born with a talent for. Sure there are those for whom portait drawing is a God-given talent, but everyone no matter what their 'talent' level must study and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to grow and develop as an artist.

My name is Michael Britton. As an artist and a teacher for many years I have taught both the 'talented' and those who have had to struggle for each and every step forward. Experience has repeatedly shown me that the fable of the Turtle and the Hare is often true. A sure and steady progression of learning will sooner or later surpass the 'naturally talented' who do not work on improving their skills.

As an art student, now this is going back a ways, I studied at pretty much every art school in New York City. Like most other art students I was constantly seeking that one teacher who would give me the 'answer' - the keys to portrait drawing heaven. Luckily I found the artist Francis Cunningham who, himself had been a student of Edwin Dickinson (1891 - 1978) 30 years earlier, who had, in turn, studied under William Merritt Chase (1849-1916) and Charles Hawthorne (1872-1930). Chase and Hawthorne founded the Chase School which became the New York School of Art. This is my lineage. Under Cunningham I was thoroughly taught the centuries-proven methodology and techniques of realist drawing in the same manner that he was taught by Dickinson, and he by Chase and Hawthorne.

And, in turn, I will teach these same proven principles to you.


Being able to consistently get a remarkable likeness in your face and portrait drawing can be learned. But there is a skill-set that must be acquired. The first is the ability to strike the arabesque, that is the entire outside shape of the head. The arabesque encompasses the overall shape and proportion. From there, one constructs the portrait by fixing the facial proportions and then blocking in the initial tone.

Even at this very early stage the likeness of the sitter will begin to emerge in the portrait drawing.

The next requirement is knowledge-based: to make sense of and convincingly render the features and supporting cast of cheeks, chin, forehead, etc. you must know the underlying anatomy of bone and muscle.

Anatomy plays a crucial role in conveying emotions. There are different muscles actions for joy and for melancholy. It is more than just a smile on the lips.

Once you attain the skill-set of portrait drawing you will find it to be immensely satisfying and your growth as an artist will accelerate. Seeing the likeness of your loved one or client or model emerging from the paper under your hand is a real accomplishment. Much better than to forever be struggling with the basics of portrait drawing with little or no progress.

You will find all of the tools you need to develop your portrait drawing to a high-level in my Mastering Portrait Drawing 1 DVD Workshop: The Frontal Pose.

mORE iNFO
-http://www.artacademy.com/Drawing_Portraits.html

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