How to Draw ANY Portrait from Reference! Step by Step

[@allietaylor4991]

I LIIIIITERALLY say this every single time, but JESS, your drawings don't just show emotion, they SCREAM emotion, in a stunning way. Or, at least I can FEEL that emotion you were talking about, and that's so interesting. I love that. I'm in AWE OF YOUR TALENT, Jess. Your art evokes SUCH emotion in me, I always leave comments about how I'm in tears after watching you create. Your videos AND your art have helped me so much, inspired me beyond words, and touched my SOUL. Thank you, Jess!

[@artofjesskarp]

wow, thank you so so much! Your words mean the world!

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

Another subscriber mentioned a book, a wonderfully illustrated coffee book with all your expressive portraits. I'd sit for hours, looking at it! Each line, each detail! One can only wish right?! 😉

[@hannahcrumley3103]

Yes yes!!!! I’d buy that!!! Absolutely!!!💕

[@Rohvannyn]

I'd for sure buy a book with Jess Karp art! I love supporting artists I admire.

[@artofjesskarp]

YOU GOT IT!! thanks so much!!

[@marshalepage5330]

You put a little of your happiness into his face.

[@MaheshChoudhary-wu7wh]

Those cross hatching I am just in awe 💖💖

[@j9hnck]

I’ve never seen ur videos before and your talent is crazy insane! Holy cow you are A mazing.

[@Joe-gq4hh]

Hello Jess, have you ever consider doing a book of sketches? It would be a great sell. Your art work is amazing and so are your videos 😊!

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

I agree... imagine a coffee table book of all her wonderful and expressive portraits!

[@hannahcrumley3103]

Yes please Jess, a book of sketches!!! What a wonderful idea!

[@J.5in]

I love how she kept saying it's done now and still kept drawing.

[@artofjesskarp]

It happens sometimes :)

[@J.5in]

@artofjesskarp I'm waiting for your new videos. I'm so deprived of them that I'm rewatching the old ones.

[@maggiealvarez948]

I adore all your videos but this kind of video is my favorite. I love working along with you on these!!!!! MORE PLEASE ❤❤❤❤

[@Melissatheartist]

I would LOVE more of these videos. The amount of knowledge and inspiration is priceless ✨

[@Vinylfiend60]

I love this portrait. It’s not an exact copy of the reference photo it’s actually better. I always get upset because I can’t make my sketches look perfect. This video taught me you can actually improve on the original source material through using your imagination.

[@Alina90277]

One of things that you may or may not have emphasized that I learned only recently is that the cross hatching or single hatching needs to follow the contour of the face to make the 2D into 3D = the magic as you described! As a novice, I was always crosshatching/hatching straight lines. Something to simple that I missed. Great lesson! Your talent is amazing.

[@ToriBladeCreations]

That looks amazing! You really inspire me to want to learn to draw people

[@xboxgamertrev6763]

I love these tutorial videos thank you for making it, as someone who struggles with drawing people it'll help, doesn't matter if it's anime, cartoons or real life I'm struggling lol

[@djrnmx87]

Jess, that is wonderful! I keep thinking wizard from Middle Earth. You are always so inspirational. Thanks for another wonderful lesson.

[@lantiguartofficial]

I feel amazed seeing another artist describe drawing skills

[@thekarsdraws]

I appreciate you making this video. The cross-hatching and the details in your drawing are really incredible. Whenever I'm suddenly motivated to switch mediums and learn to draw in the sketchbook, I always rewatch your portrait sketching videos to observe and learn how you draw because it's inspiring and is a drawing style I want to combine with my current skill. And I'm one of those viewers who ask themselves, 'How did she draw that' because it has this technical skill, personality, intention, and flow in your artwork. It's just amazing. Thank you, Jess, for sharing your knowledge with us, artists who wanted to grow and learn, and for being an inspiration.

[@CHARICEFAVORITES]

You are AWESOME! I learned quite a bit from your video. The way you describe your process is very helpful. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@adryandiaz]

Your likeness and cross hatch ability are so on point. Thanks for sharing your process. I'm inspired!

[@VisionTyMedia]

This was an amazing walk through. I stopped drawing for a long time but I believe I'm ready to jump back in. You've gained a new subscriber. This relaxes me. My therapy. Bless your soul Jess!

[@eddieesparza2635]

Love the fact that you don’t know where you’re going but you’ll know when you get there… fabulous 🙏🏼

[@ChantelleArts]

your portraits are always so incredible, they inspire me to reach for my sketchbook every time 🥰🥰

[@shawnrobertson9618]

Super interesting to watch your decisions on mark making - the weight and direction of cross hatching, the glazing, and how you slowly build values. For me the midtones feel the most challenging. watching you build slowly around the drawing helps. I can see how it’s easier to not over-do the tonality because it’s all relative. Thanks!

[@nichadaye1007]

I used that same picture from Pexel to draw a face in my sketchbook. I’m trying to learn hatching but I used graphite and used a blending stump. I like the different color pencils.

[@MollyCutie]

I would like to see you draw more whimsical, fantastical subjects - fairies, witches, unicorns, etc. :-)

[@TheVanillatech]

Witches and unicorns? Really? THEY DONT EXIST! Fairies though, I can agree with!

[@koontyb4827]

@@TheVanillatech Try telling my Granddaughter Unicorns don't exist 🦄😁

[@libbyallen2566]

@@TheVanillatech what's your point?

[@TheVanillatech]

@@libbyallen2566 Breaking point.

[@ambero8726]

What a joy to watch this come to Life 😃 thanks for having us in the studio and letting us watch you work. Always a pleasure to join in the creativity. Till next time ☕

[@duaneknight868]

Excellent instruction throughout the demonstration. Imagining the thoughts and personal story of the subject help transfer those emotions into the drawing was my favorite part.

[@tulesg2008]

I for the first time had made a portrait reference... and OMG I love it!!! Even the MEGA imperfections I had on it... But I think I NAILED the eyes!!! Thank you so much!!! I am a SUPER BEGINNER.. AND MY GOD As usual your portrait is Awesome!!!

[@creative2716]

Darker eyes (the irises) and fuller, rounder beard at bottom. He has a very strong face. No? You made his beauty shine from the inside out. Your talent is transfixing. Very good!

[@lauraszasz5818]

You make me feel as if I’ll be able to learn to draw! That’s a talent on it’s own. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@Madhumitha-o5g]

Hey jess! you always been my favourite to spend time anytime I feel down, your so smooth and calm. Keep doing, Happy journey!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Jess, I hope your viewers enjoy this video and drawing as much as I am! You are truly inspirational, so extraordinary too! You are an awesome teacher using every “tool” available. Pre-drawing on the iPad? Awesome! I hope everyone goes to your website and purchases an artwork that speaks to them! I smile every time I come into my kitchen as I have several of your prints hanging on my wall! You are so amazing I simply cannot express how wonderful you are, I feel like I am just not doing your talents Justice! Please take care, be safe and keep creating Art, sharing your thoughts and creations with us.

[@ralphlw]

I probably will try this, and I'm grateful to you for the inspiration. Mostly, however, I feel like my day has gotten much better for having encountered such a cool, grounded person. You have a wonderful, natural way about you, and it translates to your teaching.

[@Twofeathers22]

Ohh ps you have inspired me to carve out more time to painting and drawing when I paint I step into my own little word where time don’t exist thanks again Timmy

[@mayyingiang8021]

I love this video and love to hear what is on your mind when you are creating your art! It is so inspiring and though provoking. As a 53 year old, I would love to try drawing a portrait with this cross hatch technique. Thank you for sharing your amazing skills and making my day! :D

[@rosssanders1050]

Not only are your portait drawings amazing but your videos are inspirational and full of so much good information that I have to pick up my pencil and start drawing every time I watch!

[@gablp30stm]

So beautiful, I really like the lightness of the line. This is something I want to achieve one day.

[@Disuelta]

That flowy wispiness is lovely, makes me want to dance. wonderful portrait. Very soulful eyes.

[@Aries61]

Beautiful work Jess! Thank you for sharing your artistic gift! ❤🔥

[@susanjohnson8986]

I definitely love more of these Jess. This is stunning. X.

[@TionneSolusar007]

That was very beautiful!!! I agree with you that your reference should excite you; I've drawn from references that excited me and the drawing drew itself, while those that didn't excite me, drawing them was like pulling teeth. Thank you for this very informative tutorial.

[@crazycam4u]

Jess unfortunately I am not an artisit (no talent at all) I am a photographer,I think your art is beyond amazing, and I love looking at all your work.

[@jlm517rocks]

Yr explanation, like yr pencil, brought us into the experience, as if we are drawn in ... much like the man coming to life in a darkroom photo...you truly inspire this one to keep seeing past the surface...ty.

[@stacyegan5719]

I really enjoy hearing your thought process as you work through this drawing, very helpful and insightful!

[@sarahguzik3566]

This is amazing!! I love the expressions you bring to your portraits!! Please give us more!! 🙏🏼😊

[@lisabaurmeister1572]

I absolutley love this step by step drawing. You've balance the process out well throughout your video. This really helps with conceptualizing and telling the story of not only how you characterize your subject, but also how you infuse it with your style. Your ability to maintain the feelings in his eyes, and still give his eyes your character style is amazing! You took a man who, at a guess, has lived ruff and add your personality to his portrait; which then leaves now doubt to the viewer that it is a Jess Karp portrait. I LOVE YOUR WORK AND TEACHING STYLE!!!!!!

[@georgeharriott2995]

I've seen many pro artists on here. My personal opinion is that you're the best hands down. You could just talk without drawing and still be fantastic , Jess love what you do, and I will be watching loads more to improve my art 🎨 🎉 Thank you 😊

[@vesicafemme]

Ahh you are so delightful! What a beautiful drawing your style is so whimsical and easy. Just flows. You are amazing and inspiring. I’m so glad I stumbled across your channel today. I had looked for tutorials on character drawing long ago and never found anything. Out of nowhere here’s this and it’s the first one that really speaks anything to me. It’s taught me how to find shapes and exaggerate things. Here I see how you’re exaggerating the elongation of his face and narrowness of everything. This really helps with how to do something unique also I appreciate the reference to free resources royalty free❣️ I wasn’t even looking for anything today, KZbin just felt my vibe lol❣️✨🙏🏽💕✨

[@koontyb4827]

@artofjesskarp what a lovely, happy, relaxed lady you are. Thank you for chilling me out for the last 30 or so minutes. BTW your art is stupendous.

[@Amalayia]

You can see how much experience there is in this picture. I love it! As always, a brilliant video. I look forward to seeing more!

[@brianalka2876]

You have such a great style. Awesome!!!!

[@eileenmartinez2927]

Love your art! More real time videos with step by step process like this would be great, on KZbin. I second the motion of a book with your portraits and drawing!

[@korielliot8279]

NEED MORE VIDEOS JUST LIKE THIS

[@laschizo]

Big big thanks to you Jess! I´ve been working on a portrait for my uncle´s birthday coming up this weekend and as I wanted to nail the portrait´s likeness, I´ve made several attempts with very detailed measurements and spent HOURS on it, but I seemed to always fail, and the portrait lost all its spontaneity and life even. I stumbled upon your video this morning, and decided to give it a go, and apply your advice to my portrait. And you know what? I´ve nailed it in just 40 minutes! No measurements, just observation of shapes, and I managed to capture his expression and feeling, that I completely missed in the previous attempts. I´m so grateful to you! 🤩

[@Fsuholley]

Such a great story. Trust in your eyes and rely on your gut feeling. Your Uncle will be so blown away with your portrait, I’m sure.

[@laschizo]

@@Fsuholley That´s so kind of you, thank you so much! I do hope he´ll like it! Yes, that was definitely a good lesson for portraiture!

[@ninamurphy4952]

Thank you Jess! Your portraits are my favorite thing that you do ❤

[@joeblankenship377]

Nice to see somebody draw a face and not starting with the Loomis method. I taught myself to draw by starting with eyes and nose and drawing out. Whenever I try to do Loomis, my faces end up looking all the same and boring.

[@damiettamataram3492]

I've been creating doodles and zentangle drawings using black pens for a while now. But I've recently ventured into sketching, and I'm really enjoying the learning process. Even though I've faced some challenges, I'm determined to improve my skills. I'm confident that this video is going to be a big help! Thanks a lot, Jess! ❤

[@UrraSergio]

Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing the process. I am also a fan of Prismacolor. Mainly 901, influenced by Thomas Fluharty.

[@oldman5487]

Marvelous! I marvel at your bringing this man to life on the paper.

[@jennifercochran2100]

This is really beautiful, thank you for sharing how you create such incredible work!

[@petehotoff3715]

Absolutely love this session, final work, thank you for sharing 🎉

[@christieraper5472]

I've been wanting to try cross hatching since watching your videos, now I have to. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@solrart]

Your creative process, my meditation. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@leslie4421]

Fantastic!.. Jess, faces and colored pencils = my favorite!!

[@creativewah]

Fantastic!!! I really enjoyed watching your step-by-step process! Thank you so much for sharing! ❤❤❤

[@Godswillmpofu]

Pure sketching prowess

[@shenawix]

I’m loving it … amazing

[@joyjohnson8776]

WOW! Magnificent

[@ArtOfDan9908]

Wow. Absolutely beautiful work.

[@destinationsweeteats]

Omg I LOVE LOVE this style of your art especially and I would love to see more like this! This came out beautiful 😍makes me so inspired to pickup my pencils again 🥲

[@btmovements360]

this style of vids are the best!!!!

[@dianeo]

So much movement and expression in your drawings! I love it. A reminder for me to loosen up my pencil strokes. I noticed that you worked flat rather than having your sketchbook angled. When my sketchbook is completely flat, my drawings end up skewed and out of proportion but yours did not. Maybe I just need to work with my sketchbook a lot closer to me. Anyway, thanks for this wonderful session!

[@wilmastein8945]

Absolutely gorgeous!!😊❤

[@ashley-deniseikner4136]

NICE STYLIZED PORTRAIT !!!!❤

[@Newsunrai-zx4bq]

you should also do more 'new sketchbooks' ❤opening because we are missing the first page opening with you😊😊😊😊

[@cathykaden]

Thanks for this cross hatching video. I love this drawings and your tips on how to make it, gorgeous. 👍 😍 Cathy 🙋🏼‍♀️ from OreMountains 🤩 Germany 🇩🇪

[@Ailheen]

Thank you so much for this video! It actually helped me break down some animal portraits too, I know more how to search for the shapes now. It simplify the process greatly! I like to study the way you cross hatch too, it's so beautiful. I love your artwork!

[@Teti_K]

Jess is unstoppable today! 😄

[@Mr59Kenzo]

always wanted to try and learn more of a style like yours very inspirational you really captured his character 👍👍☺

[@oldmanGANS68]

Hi jess, I'm new to this channel,and I must say I have learned alot just from this video.your amazing,I love the way to talked through the process and the fun you instill as well. I need to do portraits,more(I actually have real,trouble with this style),and your positive energy has inspired me to do just that. Thank you ..thoroughly enjoyed this tutorial.😊😊😊

[@JonnieComp]

I learned quite a bit from watching you..I am new to your channel thank you for showing your technique....

[@AustinKeith-qu7dq]

Love drawing portraits this helped me out a lot thanks

[@ScottH.]

So good. What a great drawing style.

[@liliaharrabi6015]

I like this video a lot! ❤ Thanks Jess!

[@Thecommandersartist]

That's the Commander's Artist!!

[@DoraDraws]

THANK YOU for all your helpful videos 🙏🏻 you are amazing!! 🫶🏽

[@artbyramona]

Excellent, excellent video! It was so fun to see this process! I tend to hurry through things, I feel. This was so relaxing. 🌸💕🌸

[@ChrisDevine-pm4gj]

Amazing, loved this

[@Rock-i4o]

Jess, enjoyed the new- agey thought and feeling proces of art 😁😁

[@psyfreak3]

Beautiful drawing and great lesson. Thanks! The character looks like Adrien Brody form the movie "The Pianist".

[@rowinakagoo]

Wow ….. soulful drawing I must say ❤

[@DorianDJeffries]

I know im new but… can we get a video every week???😭 I’ve already watchedall of your videos and im feening right now🥲 im itching …… pleaseeeeeeeee just one every week😁

[@MrsBarnabas]

Jess is a real person, and has a life and a busy schedule, not just KZbin, and she posts for us when she can - *for free*. Also, are you completely unaware of the hurricane which has caused such massive destruction in Florida, where Jess is, and the south-east coast of the US?????

[@XenaArt]

Дякую за цікаву, креативну роботу!❤❤❤

[@nscan2]

What a wonderful and generous video. So well done. ❤

[@Reynalicia]

Prismacolor indigo blue color pencil is mi favorite for practice drawings, is the best!! blend it out with white or ginger root color pencil on gray paper, the best convo!

[@carollawson5854]

best video! no other words

[@DFmusician]

Love your work.

[@azadehshalgooni8919]

WoW, WoW, Absolutly Excellent and So Perfectly Portrait Draw, Thanks for your sharing and efforts. 👍👍👏👏🤩🤩💜💜

[@Richard-o1u]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent.

[@malvenachristianmusicbaxte8830]

Love this! Enjoyed hearing your process and thinking…Thank you!

[@EddiePedroza]

You are amazing. Great work!!