Traditional Portrait Drawing Techniques
Jennifer Gennari
Class Preview
0:59
- In-depth Instruction; over 202 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction to Sight Sizing
5:07
Meet your instructor, Jennifer Gennari, and learn the basics of the sight sizing drawing method that you'll use throughout the class.
Introduction to Charles Bargue
43:12
Referencing instructional prints created by the artist Charles Bargue, Gennari teaches realistic drawing through copying. You'll use a plumb line and a range of pencils and leads to accurately mark anchor points, create gesture and block out shadow and light masses.
Proportion and Accuracy
28:33
Discover ways to improve accuracy and proportion as Gennari walks you through techniques for using reflected images to see your subject in a new way. Working from life or a photograph, you'll develop tones, accurately depict shadow and light with the help of mirrors, and work with fan brushes to blend planes.
The Transfer Drawing
32:51
Learn how to prepare transfer drawings to use as foundation layers and compositional guides for painting. Gennari's close-up instruction guides you through the best tools to use and what line elements to emphasize as you transfer the drawing, ensuring that your proportions, shadows and anchor points are all carried over to the painting surface.
Value
24:45
Dive into value and the impact it has on your work as you learn to train your mind to perceive and recreate sculptural form as shifts in light and shadow. Gennari demonstrates how to employ simple methods to find and recreate value shifts, with helpful tips on how to create subtle, complex value changes with skill and accuracy.
Edges & Atmosphere
40:16
Explore techniques for identifying and separating large masses into smaller planes as you focus on edges, dimension and atmospheric perspective. Gennari explains how to identify and recreate reflected light, shadow and background areas, creating contour and dimension in the process.
White Chalk & Toned Paper
26:49
Learn how to use toned paper, white chalk and a kneaded eraser to create highlights exactly where you want them, blending light and shadow gradations skillfully. Gennari explains how to use the chalk to your advantage, troubleshooting mistakes and blending as you go.
Discover the methods of classical realism and harness value and proportion for a striking portrait in the style of the Old Masters. Guided by professional artist Jennifer Gennari, discover valuable portrait drawing exercises and unlock strategies to accurately depict a human likeness. Complete a Charles Bargue lithograph exercise, then progress to a charcoal portrait by blocking in basic shapes. Watch your portrait come to life as you develop and refine tricky areas like the lips, nose, eyes, and ears and carve out highlights with a kneaded eraser. Plus, enjoy an advanced lesson on white chalk and toned paper, further honing your ability to create dimensional portraits defined by value.
Jennifer Gennari
Named by Southwest Art magazine as one of the "21 under 31 Artists to Watch in 2013," Gennari received her BFA from the Ringling College of Art and Design and went on to study under founder Daniel Graves at the Florence Academy of Art. After working as an illustrator for Hallmark, she moved to New York to become a painting assistant to internationally acclaimed artist Jeff Koons, and now teaches drawing and painting classes at the National Academy Museum – and here on Craftsy!
Bonus materials available after purchase