Discover the keys to a luminous composition as accomplished artist Kerry Brooks shows you how to draw a portrait with colored pencils. You'll choose a compelling source image and use a light color to create a freehand drawing on toned paper. Discover Kerry's expert tips for achieving accurate proportion as you develop your sketch, and find out how to use tonal shifts to imply sculptural dimension and depth. Then, learn how to mix and layer colors to create a stunning spectrum of lifelike skin tones. Explore an array of techniques for sketching expressive, realistic eyes, and use glazing to add luminous catchlights. And, conquer the challenges of sketching hair as you learn to depict touchable texture and vibrant shine. Refine your work with professional finishing touches, and complete class with a range of transferable skills and an impeccably executed portrait.
Class Sessions
Subject Matters
25:43
Meet your instructor, artist Kerry Brooks, and begin your journey to create polished, lifelike portraits with realistic skin tones and hair textures. First, Kerry advises you on her favorite materials -- from paper and pencils to erasers and other accessories -- and her preferred drawing setup. Then, explore what makes a good source photo as Kerry shares what she looks for when choosing a subject and what elements to avoid.
Establishing a Framework
24:45
Start to build out the framework of your portrait and draw along with Kerry as you begin to pencil in the initial form of your subject. Discover how to achieve accuracy and likeness even in this rough stage as you work your way through your portrait, gradually adding detail and highlights. Gather tips for how to keep facial features in proper proportion, move throughout your portrait and analyze your own work.
Creating Value & Form
29:35
Continue to develop your form as you begin to establish the values in your portrait. Begin with a light touch as you start your first tonal layer and then continue to bring in highlights and establish midtones with Kerry's guidance. Learn how to add deeper tones to bring your portrait to life as you continue to add dimension and refine your work one layer at a time.
Creating Realistic Skin Tone
34:51
Learn how to layer color to build up values as Kerry leads a detailed demonstration on skin tone. Discover how to warm up or cool down your subject as you layer a variety of colors. Explore color mixing as you combine a variety of hues to vividly depict your subject's unique skin tone.
Drawing Lively Eyes
32:12
Turn your focus to your subject's eyes and give your portrait life as you learn techniques for drawing accurate eyes that are full of sparkle and emotion. Layer on colors as you push and pull values to replicate what you see, building out eyelids, shaping eyes and creating realistic irises and pupils. Learn Kerry's trick for making sure your subject's eyes are looking in the same direction, and how to add eyelashes and "catchlights" that give your portrait a photo-realistic quality.
Creating Realistic Hair Textures
25:14
Create lifelike hair as Kerry shares her tips for avoiding the common pitfalls that thwart many artists. Learn how to add lowlights and gather Kerry's tips for ensuring that your highlights stay vibrant and warm. Discover how to approach hair as a unit and how to weave in texture and color as you layer reds, grays, browns and golds to achieve maximum realism.
Finishing Touches
16:39
Put the final touches on your portrait as you use a colorless blender to smooth transitions and soften edges, adding refinement and realism. Take a final pass over your portrait as you heighten the contrast, amplifying highlights and enhancing shadows. Then, Kerry will share her advice for knowing when your portrait is done.
Your Instructor
Kerry Brooks
Kerry Brooks studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts, the Ukrainian Academy of Art and the New York Academy of Art, and her work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions across America. Her art has been featured in numerous publications, including the covers of American Artist Drawing and Art Galleries and Artists of the South. Kerry also works in oil, graphite and charcoal.
Bonus Material
Radiant Portraits in Colored Pencil - Class Materials
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?
Yes, we do have a Shop where you can purchase classes to keep. Our Shop items are located under the Shop Tab.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Craftsy to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Craftsy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great projects and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In to Craftsy, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to craftsy.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Craftsy from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Craftsy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
Explore Classes by Kerry Brooks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You may be interested in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sign up for our free newsletter today
Get the latest crafting videos, tips, patterns and techniques delivered right to your inbox.
This site uses cookies, web beacons, pixels, tags, and related technologies, as described in our privacy policy and cookie notice, for purposes that may include website operation, analytics, optimizing a user's experience, and third-party advertising or marketing purposes. These technologies may automatically collect and share with third parties information about your use of this site, such as when you access a webpage or complete a purchase on our site. By clicking "GOT IT", you understand and agree to our use of these technologies.