Composition for Portraiture, Vol.1
Added 2023-07-31 23:00:05 +0000 UTCIn this lesson, our primary objective is to create a captivating composition that revolves around the three-quarter angle of the skull. To achieve this, we will employ various techniques, including the strategic use of strong silhouettes and striking contrasts. By doing so, we will infuse the drawing with depth and dynamism.
An essential aspect of this lesson is the emphasis on artistic selection. Instead of rigidly adhering to the subject's exact details, we will make deliberate choices to create a drawing that is truly compelling. Elements may be omitted or adjusted to enhance the overall impact, making it a viable visual statement.
Throughout the lesson, the significance of composition, focal points, and framing techniques will be central. By thoughtfully considering these elements, we will orchestrate an interplay of light and dark, drawing the viewer's eye to specific areas.
Bottom line, this lesson transcends the mere act of drawing a skull; it serves as an exploration of artistic expression, composition, and creative decision-making. By embracing the principles discussed, aspiring you can elevate your art to new heights and create drawings that leave a lasting impression.
Link to silent draw along: https://youtu.be/maqFEA48fnE
Materials to use:
- Graphite pencils
- Sketchbook or drawing paper
- Paper stump
- White chalk (optional for added contrast)
- Downloadable source image of a skull (provided in the description)
Comments
Very helpful
Mai Otaibi
2025-07-19 18:33:45 +0000 UTCThanks you for this video and tips. My art teacher in South Africa used to say that you have to be better than your reference. Meaning, don’t just copy what you see. Make changes so that the composition works better.
Sonica Odendaal
2024-06-04 09:34:44 +0000 UTCHi Pete, these lessons are only available to stream on Patreon- no way to save them, exactly. Is that what you meant?
Stephen Bauman Artwork
2024-03-29 09:43:44 +0000 UTCHi, new guy here. How do I save this for later? I just paid my monthly.
Pete Pala
2024-03-28 20:59:29 +0000 UTCThis video was extremely helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼
Elizabeth Bright
2024-03-23 11:07:39 +0000 UTCHad a good time with this. Thanks so much for the tutorial, 👍🏻, and on to the next one. Have a great day ya'll.
Doug
2024-03-06 21:49:24 +0000 UTCSome it is a manufacturing question- how much would a dark background add to the picture vs. how long it would take me. After that- do I want a picture that is about light or about structure. In this case I chose structure.
Stephen Bauman Artwork
2023-12-04 08:44:50 +0000 UTCI’m always wondering how to set my subject against the background and in this example I would probably have re-created the dark background all the way round the subject. Can you explain your decision process around leaving the darkest part of the background light.?
Eddie Bryce
2023-09-30 12:32:00 +0000 UTCOoooo! I loved it! Especially the part about focal point and composition. Inspiring as always! Thank you.
Traci Murphy
2023-09-22 15:37:59 +0000 UTCI gave it a try. The most difficult thing for me is to leave things out. I always creeping in every detail with a magnifying glass. But I admire your drawings. Now it's the most exiting way to follow your lessons. In round about a year I will see how it had changed my drawings. It feels it could be a relief.
Mais Schiff
2023-09-07 08:50:43 +0000 UTCHappy to help, Dave!
Stephen Bauman Artwork
2023-08-28 08:49:11 +0000 UTCIt is between some other lessons- the Anatomy for Portrait Artists is coming back in September. Maybe after that.
Stephen Bauman Artwork
2023-08-28 08:48:58 +0000 UTCWhen will we see the next lessons? Thanks
Arthur
2023-08-28 04:24:02 +0000 UTCGreat lesson Stephen, thanks for putting this together and sharing.
Dave Emerson
2023-08-28 02:57:04 +0000 UTChttps://www.amazon.com/BOHIN-Mechanical-Pencil-Refill-White/dp/B019JC98IY/ref=sr_1_3?crid=H1TT9NM819ZP&keywords=Bohin+white+refill&qid=1692985336&sprefix=bohin+white+refill%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-3
Stephen Bauman Artwork
2023-08-25 17:42:29 +0000 UTCStephen, may I ask where did you get the white chalk leads for a mechanical pencil? Apologies if you posted it earlier on your site...
Scott Shulman
2023-08-25 13:45:48 +0000 UTCbeautiful to see you staying a student, even after so many years of study. Hats off for your humility and openmindedness! You are being a great example
Peter wimmelwutz
2023-08-25 12:15:07 +0000 UTCVimeo can be a bummer, I get it. For creators though it's currently the only way to keep our content private.
Stephen Bauman Artwork
2023-08-20 17:15:51 +0000 UTCWhy is Vimeo so useless compared to YouTube? I want to cast this tutorial to my TV. I never have a problem with the YouTube videos, but I can't get Vimeo to work 😕
Marc Paull
2023-08-19 20:00:53 +0000 UTCThanks, Nicolas!
Stephen Bauman Artwork
2023-08-13 09:12:25 +0000 UTCLoved this lesson, thank you
nicolas collings
2023-08-13 04:06:46 +0000 UTCTried a little but never invested too deeply. Seems cool.
Stephen Bauman Artwork
2023-08-07 08:53:11 +0000 UTCHi Stephen, have you tried Silverpoint? I'm very curious, I'm considering trying it.
Naomi G
2023-08-06 14:01:16 +0000 UTCEnjoyed this. I am going to try this in my next drawing. Thanks
Andrew Konitzer
2023-08-05 16:25:24 +0000 UTCBohin, ceramic chalk in a .9mm mechanical pencil. Online for sure.
Stephen Bauman Artwork
2023-08-05 08:12:38 +0000 UTCWhich white chalk works well for you and can we get it online?
Marco Moura
2023-08-04 18:21:47 +0000 UTCTaste is taste. Each one will have to decide when too much is too much. This is why you try many different solutions in many different drawings- you will see what works and what doesn't. Guaranteed.
Stephen Bauman Artwork
2023-08-04 13:23:07 +0000 UTCVery good content Stephen. But when it is too much? I feel like the very light value in the far eye is too much.
El Chivo
2023-08-04 09:21:17 +0000 UTCWow, 😊 thank you
antonella prosperi
2023-08-03 11:41:17 +0000 UTCReminds me of learning piano... learn chords, runs, copy... eventually take all of this and play jazz!!! the ultimate goal creating a piece of art that is UNIQUE to the creator. Thank you Stephen! Fantastic journey!
Chantal Graveline
2023-08-02 01:35:33 +0000 UTCWhoa!
Sherry Pound West
2023-08-01 02:46:01 +0000 UTCReally cool this lesson! Creativity at his highest point. Different artist different approach of expression of art! I'm below beginner level but learning so much and loving it. This lesson reminded me of chess not every player plays the same position the same way. Creativity!
Romualdo Pina
2023-08-01 00:14:47 +0000 UTC
