Portraiture

Objectives- Unit 7

Demonstrate the step-by-step process of correctly drawing human facial proportions

Draw the human face at several different angles

Draw and render facial features accurately

What is a “Portrait” ?

Definition- A likeness of a person, especially of the face, as a painting, drawing, or photograph

Usually depicts a person from the shoulders-up

History of Portraiture

The Egyptians (3000 B.C.E.) made sculptured monuments that were idealized portraits of their monarchs (intended to grant them immortality).

History of Portraiture

In Asia, this religious use of the portrait was widespread until the 15th cent., when realistic Western portraiture began to influence Eastern art.

History of Portraiture

In Europe, French court painters Fouquet and Limousin painted medieval portraits.

This portrait is of Charles VII of France was commissioned (paid for) to capture his likeness.

History of Portraiture

After many centuries in which generic representation had been the norm, distinctive portrait likenesses began to reappear in Europe in the 15th century.

This change reflected a new growth of interest in everyday life and individual identity during the Renaissance

Da Vinci - Head of a Woman Three Quarters to the Left

During Baroque times (17th – 18th centuries), a portrait was often commissioned at a significant moment in someone's life, such as betrothal, marriage, or elevation to an office

Where there cameras during this time? Or was a portrait the only way to capture these moments?

History of Portraiture

Frans Hals

The Flemish and German masters developed the three-quarter and frontal portrait types, which allowed greatly increased contact between subject and viewer and enhanced the illusion of vitality

Anthony van Dyck became the leading Baroque court painter in England

Anthony van Dyck, Self Portrait With a Sunflower

History of Portraiture

Rembrandt was a Dutch painter and etcher who created over 80 self-portraits between 1625 – 1669

He created a detailed psychological autobiography, from his joyous and exalted youth to his agonized old age

Rembrandt, Age 23

Famous Portrait Artists

Rembrandt (mid 1600’s)

Age 55Age 34

Famous Portrait Artists

Edouard Manet (mid- 1800’s)

Famous Portrait Artists

Thomas Sully (mid- 1800’s)

Famous Portrait Artists

Mary Cassatt (late- 1800’s)

Famous Portrait Artists

Alice Bailly(early- 1900’s)

Rene Magritte(mid- 1900’s)

Famous Portrait Artists

Andy Warhol (late- 1900’s)

Famous Portrait Artists

Chuck Close (late- 1900’s)

Famous Portrait Artists

Proportions of the Head

Definition of “Proportion”-Part of the object compared to its whole

• All major features have a specific placement on the head in relationship to each other

Proportions of the Head

Head Shape

The human head is shaped like an upside-down egg, created with a circle on top, and an arc underneath.

The width is approx. ¾ the height (length)

While the shape may vary slightly (along the jaw line and cheeks), this standard shape acts as a good starting template

Eyes

The eyes fall approximately halfway down the height of the head

Create 5 equally-spaced quadrants across the width of the face. Place the eyes in quadrants 2 and 4.

Eyes

Process of drawing the eyes:

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

Nose

The nose is about halfway between the center of the eyes and the bottom of the chin

The width of the nostrils extends to the tear ducts of the eyes

½

½

Nose

Process of drawing the nose:

Nose

For the bridge of the nose:Do not draw a contour line that connects to the eyebrows!

Instead, use shading to indicate the change of plane along the bridge

Mouth

2/3

1/3

The lips part approx. 1/3 of the distance between the bottom of the nose and the bottom of the chin

The width of the lips extends to the center of the eyeballs

Mouth

Process of drawing the mouth:

Teeth:

Ears

Draw between the bottom of the eyebrows, and the bottom of the nose

On the front view, they lay flat against the head and are barely seen

Neck

Necks are thicker than we imagine. They connect to the tissue under the earlobes, then flair in slightly. So they are almost as wide as the distance between the earlobes

Do not give your portraits lollipop heads! (Large heads with skinny necks)

Hair

Everyone’s hairline starts at a different height towards the top of the head. Draw where the hair begins on the head.

Most hairstyles will extend a bit higher than the top of the head, especially thick, wavy, curly hairdos.

Outline the hairdo first, then add interior details, then shading.

Hair

Process of drawing hair (different styles):

Shading the Face

Consider your light source. The bone structure of the face reflects light (cheek bones, nose, chin), leaving shadows in the eye sockets, nostrils, under the lower lip, and on the neck.

Faces are rounded forms with smooth textures. Therefore, you should render with transitional value shading if you are going for rea

Portrait Views

Front View ¾ View Profile/Side View

Angled Portraits

Video- Drawing the Head from Any Angle (4:00)

Cool-Looking Portraits!

20 Cool Portraits

Celebrity Portrait Study