Drawing Realistic Children

Not all paper is the same. In this video, I explain some of the major differences. Depending on the materials you use, you might reconsider some paper choices.

Some pencils are awful. Some erasers are awful. And then, thank goodness, at least some factories made the right kind.

I know. I know. You're not an idiot. Of course, you can hold a pencil. But can you hold it the right way? Can you hold it in different ways to accomplish better results in your art? That's what we'll talk about here.

Lines make a difference. Don't underestimate how much power a line can have, for good or for bad. If you use it wrong, then you're basically dropping a nuclear bomb on your work and might as well quit forever. If you use lines the right way, then perhaps you will be the next president of the world. Who knows?

The overhand and tripod grip come in handy when using the side or point of the pencil, to create thicker or thinner lines.

More or less pressure on the pencil makes a difference. Discover what that difference is in this very serious video.

Watch as I show the difference between different differences in different arm motions and shading techniques. They're very different. Also, watch how a 10 minute portrait can be more detailed than a 1 minute portrait (the results won't surprise you - they really won't).

Everyone has their own style. I've seen various styles in various artists. It creates a lot of variety in various aspects of that art. Did I mention the various variety aspects of it? I did? My bad.

Contour lines don't exist in reality, but they can enhance a drawing in a beautiful way. Or... if you do it wrong, your drawing will look like a cartoon. Watch as the Dutch Vincent gets it all wrong and the French becomes utterly frustrated.

Work on everything at the same time! It works! Well, you don't have to do it that way, but it works for me. And I have good reasons why. You can constantly compare the one feature to the other in your drawing. And that way, you can see the bigger picture better.

Let's start with the outline of the baby. Light contour lines will do the trick.

The first shadows, done with a light pencil, very lightly, as I felt enlightened to shed some light on the next step. Don't take this lightly.

Such a cute baby! Let's draw the eyes and the nose. And no, I don't just think it's cute because it's actually my baby. If it wasn't mine, I would still consider it to be cute. Maybe a little less, but still.

Let's draw the lips! Let's get this over with. Ughh... actually, in this photograph, it isn't so bad. Comparatively easy.

Drawing the hat is easy. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Drawing the rest of the baby matters too. The arm and the hat make it all cuter and more realistic.

Time to round it up. It was fun, and I'm happy about the results.

I'm showing some of the amazing results you can have, not to brag, but just to show you how much better I am than everybody else. Yeah... but seriously... just look at how great I... I mean, you can learn how to draw if you practice and apply the things you've learned!

Children are often a source of joy for grandparents, and sometimes even for parents (when they're not fighting, screaming, or making a mess... especially when they are asleep... so cute). Let's commit to eternalizing that innocence and put it on paper. Let's face it: Photographs are too easy.

Before they were invented, people actually drew and painted their loved ones. Today, we are going to learn how the masters did it throughout history and add our masterpieces to that legacy. With a touch of humor and with new pencil techniques you may have never heard of, you will learn to become a better artist and draw beautiful children. Does that sound nice?

Shake your own hand and do a handstand, because you made it to the beginning. And yes, this is only the start of your eternal journey to becoming another skilled artist in this vast universe. This is your moment to shine. Shine... shine like the sun you are. Fly away, little bird. Spread your wings and embrace the divine potential in your heart and mind. Okay, let's get serious for a moment.... Wait, you took that seriously?
Well, I guess you could. You have the potential to learn some serious techniques that will elevate your level to a whole new category of magnificence: Drawing children's portraits. No leaning on wrinkles or caricature-like features. In this course, you are being challenged to illustrate the innocence and life of youth! Drawing can be easy or it can be difficult. How can you make it easy? Funny you should ask. By listening to me, of course. (Duh). I will show you the ropes. I will guide you on your journey to the unknown. If all this awkward talk hasn't held you back, then you are ready, my friend. You are determined. Go for it!

If you skipped kindergarten because your parents moved, you beat too many other kids up and were expelled, or simply stayed home with the flu, now is your chance to recognize shapes again.

Different angles create interesting art. Let's study them.

What is an axis line? Very simple. The divider in the face. Nothing more, really. There you have it. There you go. Tadah! Now you know.... etc.

You didn't think you would get away with going through this course without a little homework, did you? Listen to the video and do what I say, or else.... uhm... I might send a monkey to your door to keep ringing the doorbell.

Practice makes perfect. So, let's try practicing these shapes as well.

Adding shadows to objects makes them look 3-dimensional.

In this lesson, you'll learn to recognize shapes and forms in everyday objects. They're everywhere! There is no way to avoid them! Your life is now filled with these shapes and forms. There is no escape! Run!

This one is sped up. But you can see that it is perfectly possible, for you as well, to draw something in a bigger size than the reference. Estimation or measurement of proportions can work in your favor.

Outline first, then details and shadows. It's that simple. Otherwise, you might mess things up. I've seen people who do it slightly differently, but it usually seems more complicated by starting with shadows or details, unless you're tracing everything, of course. Then I don't think it matters.

I am being completely transparent here. Many artists lie or just hide the fact that they traced the outline. I am okay with doing that, but as explained here, there are also some downsides to it. Also, I don't shy away from simply drawing from observation.

I think you need to decide for yourself what you want to accomplish, so that you know what you want to do in each situation.

Do you just want to get it perfectly and you don't care about how you do it?

Or do you want to practice your drawing skills and become better at seeing and then drawing what you see?

Or do you just want to outsource it? I mean, there is artificial intelligence nowadays, freelancers, companies... save time, give someone else a job. Change the world, right?

A quick demonstration of the various methods to get the outline.

Usually, I wouldn't recommend starting with wrinkles and shadows visible in clothes, but because I am right-handed, I thought it would be better as to not smudge anything I already drew.

Let's start the details in the baby's face. Those are probably the easiest. No open eyes, and it's a baby. I mean, a lot of babies look alike. Not completely, but still... more so than adults, who have had years of facial feature development.

Finishing up the baby's face.

Start on the left, because you're right-handed. Carefully observe the details.

Finishing up the toddler's face. This is my daughter. it looks like her, doesn't it? Does she look a little like me? Or did the apple fall far from the tree?

The hair is usually not something that makes or breaks a portrait, but it usually takes a lot of lines to perfect it. Just another free tip from a wise master who has gone through all of the experiences and more. Not bragging...

Yeah, that cookie.... very important to keep her smiling in front of the camera. I'm glad we had that when we took the pictures. Thanks, Oreo.

Just some things to keep in mind. This is like an in-depth analysis... kind of, if you want to call it that. I always think it's good to reflect and reevaluate.

I just wanted to share this video to show you the amazing possibilities (and brag). Huh? What? Did I say that out loud? I hope you like the drawings and that they inspire you. If not... I'll just go crawl under a bridge and turn into a troll.

Don't you just love these awkward conversations between Vincent, Vincent, and Vincent?