DRAWING PROGRAM

Head Drawing Phase V:

Male/Graphite Long Drawing

OVERVIEW
Along with the straight on view of this pose, the facial hair can be challenging. Graphite drawing is a
wonderful medium for this. There’s very strong light-dark aspects to the reference that provide a great
opportunity to create a beautiful drawing. Watch the video to learn how I started with the lay-in, then
began adding tone and bringing the drawing to a finish. As you watch the video you’ll learn some of the
technique I use to create likeness in drawing portraits. Enjoy.

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2017 www.wattsatelier.com 1

 DRAWING PROGRAM
Head Drawing Phase V:
Male/Graphite Long Drawing

M ATERIALS
A - L ead Pencil Holder
Drawing leads, Sharpener
B - Staedler “Click” Pencils (5mm, 7mm)
Graphite inserts
C - Solid Graphite pencils
D - Various hardness of pencils
Kneaded Eraser, and other eraser options
Electric Eraser (optional)
Blending Stump (get various sizes)
Chamois for blending
Bridge

Bridge

Erasers

C B A
Blending
D

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2017 www.wattsatelier.com 2

 DRAWING PROGRAM
Head Drawing Phase V:
Male/Graphite Long Drawing

ASSIGNMENT: In this assignment, you will need to use the fundamental skills you’ve developed
from previous phases to create a strong, accurate lay-in. Focus on the edge work as you’re doing
the lay-in, now that you have a strong understanding of the important role they play in life drawing.
As you’re working through this drawing, consider adding some straights along the jawline and
beard, which I believe will help create a stronger drawing. Look for the big shape of the beard.
Idealize if you like, and as you’re drawing it keep in mind you’ll be indicating hair, not drawing it.
(Big shapes into smaller shapes)

Part 1: Watch the video, paying close attention to my procedure.

Part 2: S can the workbook and prepare your work area. Print out your reference.

Part 3: Make sure you have archival paper. Have all of your pencils out, erasers, stumps, bridge, etc.

Part 4: P roceed to mimic the procedure you just watched. Try to keep your drawing stages clear
and carefully executed. You may want to give yourself a bit more time than I use. This
process is about patient procedure.

Note: Be patient as you’re working in graphite. Layering is helpful in this medium as like many
others, but putting too much dark value early in the drawing can create issues later. I like to
maintain a mindfulness about what I want the drawing to look like when completed, as this helps
to maintain my awareness to how the drawing looks as a whole during each step. Remember it’s
very easy to get stuck in certain areas of drawing and ignoring the areas of less understanding.
Remind yourself that you have the opportunity, right now, to do the best drawing you’ve ever done!

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2017 www.wattsatelier.com 3

 DRAWING PROGRAM
Head Drawing Phase V:
Male/Graphite Long Drawing

Focus on symmetry when starting a

portrait with straight-on perspective.

As you draw the beard, think of it as simple

shapes. Avoid drawing ones that represent
hairs.

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2017 www.wattsatelier.com 4

 DRAWING PROGRAM
Head Drawing Phase V:
Male/Graphite Long Drawing

As mid tones are applied the drawing really

starts to take shape. Be mindful of edge
work and core shadows. You can add a full
value in area to establish a full frame.

Keep your pencils sharp! A surgeon doesn’t

operate with a dull knife. Don’t draw with
a dull pencil.

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2017 www.wattsatelier.com 5

 DRAWING PROGRAM
Head Drawing Phase V:
Male/Graphite Long Drawing

- TIP -
Notice the subtle core
shadows and edge work.
The darks in his hair
are full value but used
sparingly. Avoid making
highlights too light with
dark hair.

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2017 www.wattsatelier.com 6

 DRAWING PROGRAM
Head Drawing Phase V:
Male/Graphite Long Drawing

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2017 www.wattsatelier.com 7

 DRAWING PROGRAM
Head Drawing Phase V:
Male/Graphite Long Drawing

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2017 www.wattsatelier.com 8

 DRAWING PROGRAM
Head Drawing Phase V:
Male/Graphite Long Drawing

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2017 www.wattsatelier.com 9