How To Draw People

Explore a step-by-step guide to drawing people, authored by Expert Press and Elise White, and narrated by Nicole Graham.

Learn to draw realistic people through practice and observation, starting with essential pencils, erasers, paper, and a fixative, then use drawing boards or easels and stay patient.

Master drawing the face by learning to render the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears with proportional placement, shading, and varied shapes for realistic portraits.

Study drawing faces from straight on, profile, and three-quarter views using eye width as a standard measurement; treat the head as a sphere and a block to maintain proportional accuracy.

Master drawing different hairstyles by observing light and dark values to capture hair flow for straight, wavy, curly, and facial hair, using minimal strands and highlighted areas.

Observe bodies and map proportions by sketching basic shapes, using the head as a standard unit. Apply eight heads tall proportions, reference the skeleton, and practice hands and foreshortening.

Practice drawing adults, children, babies, and the elderly by applying distinct shapes, proportions, and facial features; study skin tones, eye shapes, and hair to portray diverse ethnicities accurately.

Learn to draw clothing and accessories with attention to the form beneath, major folds, and shading that adds dimension to shirts, jeans, hats, purses, and footwear.

Use drawing references, photographs, live models, and imagination to create drawings that look real and believable, choosing clear, large photos and practicing quick sketches to improve proportion and adaptability.

Put your new drawing skills to use by sharing artwork online, inviting feedback. Build exposure through social networks and Etsy.