
Now that you have laid the precise foundation for your charcoal portrait drawing, it's time to add the details with charcoal pencils for a realistic portrait.Įrase highlights and lighter values using a kneaded eraser or eraser pencil, enhancing the highlights with the white charcoal pencil. Add in details, blend and highlight your sketch You can also use a mahl stick or an artist bridge to protect your charcoal portrait. The hand may sometimes leave behind a trace of oil that will affect the quality of your work. You'll also notice that the artist did not get very detailed with her strokes.Īt this stage, use a kitchen towel or parchment paper to protect your drawings from smudges. Whatever you add at this point may be erased or enhanced as you go. However, remember that this step is not yet the final step. Next, take your stump over it again to blend things until they look more cohesive. This step is vital so that you can determine the tonal values of the face. Use a makeup brush or charcoal to fill lightly in the areas where you want shading. Add more layers to refine the form of the person's features.


Gently shade to add values of the face by layers around eye level and identifying where the mid-tones and dark tones are. One helpful tip is to use a grayscale swatch so you can compare the values of your shadows. Start by toning the face, adjusting values where you see its darkest and lightest. The right amount can make your artwork stand out, and if done poorly, it will look amateurish. One of the most challenging parts of drawing portraits in charcoal is knowing where to add the shadows and highlights to your portrait drawing. Block the shadows and highlights on the sketch Keep your sketch light, so you don't have issues later. You must sketch more minor details on the face like the cheekbones, the folds on the eyelids, and the curves of the nose and ears to get an accurate drawing. Observing the ratio between eyes, nose, and mouth is crucial for capturing an accurate likeness as well as curves around ears or along the jawline before you sketch. Seasoned artists do not usually use a grid to start with their drawings, but we feel this step is necessary to get the correct proportions for newbie artists. The first step in drawing a realistic picture is establishing where the head should sit on your paper and making sure you know how big it will be to plot out its proportions correctly. Plan the facial featuresĪ portrait is a work of art that captures the likeness of someone. For more information, or to discuss a commission, please contact portrait artist Joseph Park today.Charcoal portrait of a girl - Image by Kirtsy Patridge What You'll Need Please browse through Joseph’s online gallery for a closer look at his oil, pastel, charcoal and watercolor portraits. When hiring Joseph Park, you are guaranteed a portrait of the highest quality, and a piece of art that will be cherished for years to come. Joseph accepts commissions from anywhere in the country, allowing people to enjoy his work nationwide. Born in South Korea, he has dedicated his life to the exacting art of portraits from his home in Raleigh, NC. Joseph Park is committed to using his impressive talent to capture the detail and personality of his individual subjects. Portraits also make a great gift for loved ones, to commemorate a special occasion, milestone, or achievement. Whether you commission a portrait of your children, your family, or your favorite pet, you will be left with an incredible work of art to proudly display in the home or office.

Immortalize your loved ones with oil, pastel, charcoaland watercolor portraits from master portrait artist Joseph Park. If you want oil, pastel, charcoal, or watercolor drawing or portrait was done by an artist, look no further.
