DO'S & DON'TS: How To Draw a Face with Coloured Pencils | Realistic Drawing Tutorial Step by Step

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I go through common beginner mistakes for drawing a face with coloured pencils and what to avoid when you are trying to draw realistic faces. I show you how to make your portrait drawing look realistic with coloured pencils.
Longer Drawing Tutorials | PATREON - patreon.com/kirstypartridge
MATERIALS:
Caran D'ache Luminance coloured pencils: geni.us/Luminance76Set
Strathmore Bristol Smooth 300s: geni.us/Bristolsmooth300s
Derwent Superpoint Sharpener: geni.us/DerwentSharpener
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OTHER DO'S & DON'TS VIDEOS: bit.ly/2t5g5IC
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[@hhmmhmhm5743]

One of the biggest breakthroughs I had in my art journey is the realization that art takes time. If more people realized this, I think there would be less frustration.

[@zombeez5432]

I tried to tell this to my teacher once along time ago but I just got constantly rushed haha...

[@fractionpassion]

Same I always try to rush it

[@IceColdFires]

A bunch of people realize this but they’re still impatient because it’s a habit. That’s why there’s still frustration :P

[@squidneythesquid2487]

Ice The Caterpillar that’s the reason for my love hate relationship with colored pencils. I love doing them, and it’s very satisfying to see a bunch of random scribbles of color turn into a very realistic piece. I also think I’m fairly better at them then other mediums, I just need to do them more regularly, but it takes so long! I have very little patience and sometimes I just need to leave so I don’t rush, (backgrounds make me want to just die and I usually end up using paint). But I also enjoy the length of the process, because I often feel empty when I finish a piece(like a book series) and colored pencil pushes that feeling back.

[@k_k9063]

Squidneythe Squid Very true and same here

[@nicolechen8612]

When you think the first one actually looked way better than what you can draw..

[@rebecca1796]

Ikr.... Also Bts!

[@violetselim6874]

Rising PHOENIX omg ya

[@tofucube7703]

All these kpoppers in the replies not relating to anything the op said but simply looking at the profile pic

[@tangen4573]

Exactly...

[@kristinni539]

Nicole Chen Right.

[@kyrier9827]

Who else thinks the "Don't" side actually looks really good

[@CompletelyZoningOut]

It does

[@vonKasa]

not really.

[@becabooboo5681]

totally!! she's just so good she must struggle to draw anything less than brilliantly x

[@jotsntittles5783]

Unless I missed it in the beginning, I had no idea she was actually doing a "don't" side, just a "lot" of fast talking and way too many quick movements all over throughout... No idea what she was actually doing...other than sketching and talking...wasn't helpful

[@jotsntittles5783]

If the paid talk-through version blows though just as fast, there's no point for me wasting $$$

[@youtubeaccountcausewhynot1537]

Her: Use lots of different colours to make it work Me: *has one set of 20 colours*

[@ashleemeekhof8759]

KZbin Account 'Cause Why Not relatable 😂

[@anutpalgogoi9741]

Me : 12

[@lelolanga9074]

To quite honest, it's not the tools that make the artist. It just makes life easier.

[@geojoseph]

That fact is demotivating me😐

[@manishaverma9977]

She's made a vid where she uses only 5 colour pencils

[@unphayzable6637]

Bruh, the don't side isn't even that bad lol. Shows how much I gotta learn.

[@michellepernula872]

It's nice too, but too cartoonish. Doing it the correct way results in photo realism.

[@lavillanelle]

The don't is about my level of skill, so this is really useful, thank you Kirsty 😊

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

My pleasure, glad it helped :)

[@schokolade3374]

Same but only my eyes is not really symmetry I can almost draw a potrait but I am bad at colouring.

[@segund0784]

Emily Gould You are really good then, congrats

[@willowofhoax]

schokolade same so I normally use charcoal

[@mayachh8995]

Yes me too I have gotten pretty good using regular pencils and I wanna expand my talents

[@jayzepickle6637]

Just wanna express my extreme appreciation towards the creator. She has a patreon for taking lessons yet she still makes youtube videos for us who can't afford to pay for lessons. Thank you so very much, and if I get some cash for lessons I'd be sure to use yours.

[@jojijohn3070]

Twinkle Twinkle little star Why is art so freaking hard😭 Up above the world so high I am not able to draw the other eye

[@midnightwolf8061]

The amateur artists anthem

[@maxwell_o.o5460]

This is getting old

[@jojijohn3070]

@@maxwell_o.o5460 ikr😂

[@bridgetkane2856]

One way to help with uniformity between eyes is to draw them at the same time. Do one step on one eye and then repeat on the other. They look much more uniform that way

[@emmanserv960]

@@bridgetkane2856 Thanks for the advice.

[@AvrilFanCarson]

Your don’ts are way better than what I could do

[@vensfacuen5240]

She makes good vids and gives good tips that I intsantly get a better result from just watching her vid...

[@hafsahparveen1788]

same

[@DMSG1981]

Your "Don't" pictures look far too good. If you want really crappy pictures, let me draw them. I would even make an effort to make 'em look good, I swear.

[@andji2883]

DMSG1981 same like her don't is actually somethibg I'm trying to achieve

[@chapicorn]

Andjelija Markov because that’s your goal, the goal of this channel is realism

[@oliviadavidson5573]

I think that the Don'ts side is not meant to be horrendous but to just outline mistakes that many people(including myself) make and how you can make it better

[@michellepernula872]

LOL

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

lol

[@val2670]

You got some skill , and you are self taught .... Big respect !

[@kishanram3390]

FgfgdZx gotta come to an c h can lx

[@shu6733]

WAIT WHATT YO!! I'm new here so idk but, That's amazing!!!!!!!!!!

[@xitlalisantillan6813]

I like how she draws the "don't". She actually makes it seem if someone ( who is practicing realism) will draw. Usually, other channels that do the "don't and do" draw the "don't" as a child or the worst way possible and making it less likely for a fellow artist to relate or grow with their drawing.

[@EmilyIlett]

The “don’t” picture isn’t supposed to look horrendous. She’s a professional artist at the end of the day remember so it’s still going to look like a human being. This is purely just to give people tips on how to make their drawings more realistic in general.

[@tigereyes5]

We get that. But she’s presented it as “don’t” when it is just another style really

[@jasonpie5048]

@@tigereyes5 its a dont if youre drawing realism. Obviously it doesnt apply to everything everyone could ever do but shes helping people develop realism. also what she was doing was examples of poor technique generally for a lot of the things she said in the dont. a style can look like the dont but the artist would still want good technique.

[@delicatemindarts9786]

Thanks again for reminding me to sharpen my pencils. I heard you say it before but I forgot. So lately I've seen a slight improvement in my portraits except that it doesn't look like I shaded all of the paper. I was wondering why and then I heard you say it's because the pencil isn't sharp. So I should be good now. Nice work btw.

[@micahandme8078]

Before I even read the comments I’m assuming a bunch of them are all “the first one is better than anything I can do blah blah blah”

[@Ebelon]

You're right... but

[@milktea7988]

I know, it’s so annoying

[@nthncarl]

Micah and me yeah i keep seeing them over and over again.. ugh...😐😐

[@dearmaria4654]

Yes

[@maxwell_o.o5460]

So annoying

[@waldys222]

beautiful, even the don't looks awesome!

[@siddhartha4343]

waldys222 I really agree.....that even the don't looks nice 😁😁😁

[@prabhulkrishna6181]

Agree

[@Jack-tv5ed]

I just found your channel and this is easily one of the most well done and useful tutorials I’ve ever watched. Since I’m a mostly self taught artist videos like these really make a difference so thank you

[@dbodooley]

It would be funny if the don't was like a 5 second stick figure

[@tammyeaton4791]

Shang Tsung 😆

[@tofucube7703]

Shang Tsung *5 second master piece

[@crossed7971]

@@tofucube7703 😂

[@dailyhoodnewsreport6888]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😢😢

[@Emerald.She-Ra]

😂

[@reemswartz7257]

Kristy I love your style in instruction! I had very few art classes a very long time ago,and now am reviving my art work for my own satisfaction. Thank you for helping me along, I can follow you easily. Love from above, you are the greatest!

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

If you are struggling with coloured pencils it could be your supplies that are stopping you making great art. Download my FREE Coloured Pencil Supply Guide to find out the best, affordable supplies for beginners: bit.ly/3kGd2Qy

[@exjuanluis]

Kirsty Partridge Art to what college you went?

[@shereencorea3855]

Kirsty Partridge Art i

[@just_hersh]

this was exactly what i needed thank you

[@adamsaoud7191]

yess its cool so useful

[@maethomas78]

Kirsty Partridge Art yes I want to learn how to do this

[@cosmichellion]

Honestly this helped me so much. I'm trying to get back into colouring after a year and a half, and this video was exactly what I needed. Also your voice is soothing af.

[@mossillustra]

Your tips are so thorough! I followed your advice on my last portrait and the difference is honestly mind blowing! Thank you for your effort!!

[@isabelguzmanmiranda5025]

Kirsty is the BEST online tutor for color there is. I have to yet see her black and white tutorials (but I handle black and white sort of so-so, so I focus on the ones on color). No one has taught me so much in so little time.

[@deanmacka4975]

Wow!! Your really good at this young lady, I'm going to have a go at this. Looking forward to seeing the next great vid, thanks for all the tips, great stuff

[@zellykat]

Omg! I blew on my phone to move the flecks of pencil from her drawing 😳 I must be tired.

[@kiaracorbo7166]

samee

[@TherLoy]

Lmao 😂

[@fionabromby4546]

Sorry the drawing is slightly crooked nose etc eyes are also not quite right. Did you trace it ? Never use black in skin colour. Hair grows out of head.

[@fionabromby4546]

Odd isn’t it. You never see or hear of a self taught doctor!

[@mustihaveausername7969]

That happens to me when I am drawing/writing wearing the mask. 🤦

[@kalebh5315]

Thanks! I can’t wait to watch and learn how to draw a face correctly!

[@gloriaabraham8534]

I came across your tutorials today and they are just what I've been searching for! I want to try my hand at repainting vinyl dolls but not knowing the first thing about art or the use of colour I was at a loss as to where to start. Having watched two of your tutorials however has given me a much better in sight into what I need to be doing to eventually get started. Oh, and you are an amazing artist.

[@MissDebra]

Kirsty, I am very picky when it comes to art. You truly impress me! I am so impressed that I show your videos to my artist friends, including my art teacher! Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@juliachro]

Well you see the thing is i only have like 12 different colours

[@ashnikfield4224]

Thank you so much Kirsten! I am really good at drawing with graphite, and I just got some huge portrait sketchbooks and some colored pencils for Christmas! I can’t wait to start learning this medium!!!

[@ashnikfield4224]

*Kirsty

[@liamandres9859]

Thank you so much for these do's and don'ts videos! I used to just sketch simple things for fun, and evemtually decided to try somwthing more complex, like a portrait. Within three days of drawing portraits and watching your videos, I had drawn an easily recognizeable portrait of my sister with a single mechanical pencil. Your videos helped me unlock a talent I didn't know I had. Thanks so much! Can't wait to draw my first colored pencil portrait.

[@wordninja2494]

Thank you! I've only been doing portraits for 5 years so this helps tremendously! I was recently commissioned to do a child portrait, my first, and your video really helps with the finer detailing needed for it. Your technique is brilliant!

[@alpacawithouthat987]

The “don’t” on the thumbnail kind of just looks like a different art style

[@shimetta152]

No

[@tigereyes5]

I agree.

[@JacobArts]

Yep

[@kevindouglas6120]

Best demonstration I've seen so far. I've been trying to figure out how to get the skin so smooth. My gosh ! I thought I was an artist but sheesh. I'll definitely slow way down and try this out. I was thinking you guys might have been using something besides pencils but I guess not. Wish me luck and God bless.

[@MikeC19100]

WOW! Both drawings/paintings were amazing and so life-like. Thank you for the wonderful tips and demonstration. It was almost like magic that the faces started to grow out of the paper. Especially with the eyes on the second drawing. It was a little comical on the first drawing when you mentioned keeping the pencils sharp, but at that moment you were using a dull pencil to color in the sides of the first face. You were very clear in the instructions why a sharp pencil is so important, but it still brought a smile to my face listening to it. You have a great talent and I hope to find one of your videos that talks about the colors you used in the layers to do a picture or a portrait.

[@chelyha55]

I love your tutorials. I've been working in colored pencil for over 40 years and I'm learning things from you that I knew nothing about! Thanks!

[@rinniethepooh25]

me: *new to portraits with colored pencils* lets watch a video so i can learn some new tips also my brain while watching this: wait renegade, renegade, renegade, boom, dah, boom boom pow,

[@river1135]

Adri Melendez bruh 😂💀

[@gia5059]

Literally 😅

[@cvgaming6101]

I love the way u teach bc i learn more than what anyone else actually says n the donts is still better than the way i do it

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Oh my gosh! I came here to learn more about blending, but wasn't expecting this. I'm blown away by your skill.

[@charcoalsmoke9325]

I will be happy if I am able to draw the "don't" part.

[@nicole02pac]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS SO MUCHH!

[@blinddatereject]

I literally sat here, watched you draw this and talk through it. and I'm still amazed! ^_^ I've actually never used colored pencils seriously in all of time doing art and experimenting with mediums... but has me feeling like I should try!

[@geraldinehomenchuk8655]

Absolutely gorgeous, Kristy! Love the natural progression that you have demonstrated ... thank you for sharing your critical observations throughout ... just delightful to follow along. It's all about "seeing" and observation, isn't it?!

[@HolySparda00]

Amazing vids and very talented. I really appreciate a lot every of your vids Kirsty!!! Thx for keep doing them

[@sonalichakrabarty4567]

I really appreciate how smooth you make the skin and pop out of the paper. I love it!!

[@aprilrainsfineart3250]

Those Luminance though... so smooth, so beautiful, so mesmerizing to watch. Makes me want to do a piece with them again Wonderful tutorial by the way! I've never seen that crafting knife trick before

[@raghadmalawani1343]

Your don'ts are better than my do's

[@Sai-wf8pz]

amazing drawing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(as always) but i couldnt find the reference photo link in the description box.

[@aliceduren6542]

It always good to start off a video with a hyper-realistic colored-pencil face starting right at you. Your work is AMAZING!

[@tapabratapal8411]

You are an amazing artist Kirsty! The don'ts were really the things that we often do..A very good tutorial where you explained how each and every part of the face should be done. The do potrait looks like a picture👌

[@Kev27RS]

Awesome! 👏 End conclusion: Observing, patience and time! 👍

[@natelavalentin7150]

Can I be honest... I actually loved both! I wish I could even draw the outline lol :) you are amazing!

[@tracywheeler1227]

I have watched your videos over & over. I haven't yet achieved a realistic portrait, but I am making progress. I have learned So Much from you Kristy!! Thank You !!

[@gsagadin]

oh my goodness. this is phenomenal!!! the detail with that exacto knife was great!!!!!

[@donnawalter3061]

great video again Kirsty, I learn so much from you, Thank you for sharing 😘

[@anapaupriego6412]

When the don’t is better than your actual drawings

[@DLee1923]

I can see a trend starting of me being tongue tied to express how wonderful I think you are at what you do ! I did text my daughters straight away so they could check your channel out !! I know they'll be in awe as much as I am !! 💖🙂

[@chingyannie8610]

I started watching your videos last night and absolutely loved them! I came from a cartoonish character to something that could pass as a human face. Your videos are great for everyone!

[@Mj-yo8xn]

I already watched this, the reason i rewatched is I'm loosing my motivation to continue my drawings and it hurts like hell.. If only i could be this good like you i won't suffer

[@llrogers8206]

My moto

[@lelolanga9074]

Lol, art take years of pain before you can go like oh God yes. Just try to be proud of each of your drawings as ya go n try to tone down the comparison thing. If ya wanna do that as motivating, find artists closer to your LVL(still above you) n work to surpass them. Take that cake n cut it into slices then to bit sized bits.

[@yakuzaman5074]

God your videos are God sent!

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

Good suggestion :)

[@mika4670]

Oh my God, you re AMAZING! I never would've seen all those different shades, and values in the skin. It looks amazing!!

[@danlcorneail6426]

I have been drawing for a while I'm just putting color into it. I am retired, what's time in my life. I love how you did this. I hope I learn as you teach me. Thank you so much Kristy

[@flexivibes8330]

But the dont's side is still sooooo goood

[@bettyannfieldberg7746]

flexi

[@k_k9063]

Yeewwpppppp Peeple doing good o. The planet

[@crystallifecoaching4822]

tbh both versions are excellent.

[@izzya3987]

This video is stunning. It sounds simple but the time comment was my key takeaway, layering is so important. Thank you for the crafting knife advice for fly away hair.

[@mediocreartiste]

I love watching your channel because none of the artists on here that have a large following are british(idk why but youtube seems to be biased against us) and the fact that you've done and you're almost on 1 mil really gives me hope for my artistic future. thanks.

[@iamjoellearts1237]

Beautiful as always 👍

[@neicykavanagh8367]

She just named all the faults in my art.. 😭 😂

[@MisTikkalRosy]

Thanks so much Kirsty. I haven't tried the craft knife yet, and take your point about trying it out on something else first.

[@SteveSmith-dk4kv]

love your videos, just got some coloured pencils and watching your videos has given me a starting point thank you for sharing your talent.

[@cozza358]

Love your artwork! Really appreciate your videos, helpful as always, feel as though I'm learning some neat tricks and improving as a result! 😄

[@KirstyPartridgeArt]

That is great to hear ! :D

[@bettyannfieldberg7746]

cozza358 iiiit

[@zombooboo]

Early for once love your art

[@songlismom98]

Stunning work on the "do" version. Thanks for the tips!

[@MaeBelleArt]

Great piece of art. I appreciate the details and specifics. Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@ArtguitarSikho]

Aweasome video .... love ur art ...👍

[@YasmineArt]

LOVE IT

[@arafamatheen4476]

This was so much more helpful than some of the classes people PAY for!! Thank you for doing this!!

[@Guru]

I liked both versions but I see how it’s more classical if you take ur time. The rough sketch looked one has its own charm tho. I learned that I need to stop rushing my pencils and build up color and stay light where my hightlights will be. Thanks for all the advice great content. Subscribedz

[@DeuceGenius]

Your voice sounds just like gilly from game of thrones. I love her lol. Fantastic tutorial thank you so much. I need so much practice with color.

[@MUNDODIBUJOS]

Te quedó genial amiga! ✌

[@k_k9063]

MUNDO DIBUJOS ola

[@engx3733]

I just ordered some colour pencils - So a very great find to see this on your amazing channel! Your so talented! Thank you!

[@IYQ2-22]

OH MY GOSH, YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful Talents with us Kirsty. I just found your channel, now it is time to binge watch:-)

[@breathiyn]

Me: following this tutorial Also me 2 hours later: are we done with the eyes yet...?

[@nehoraybenshitrit502]

When I came to watch this video I didn't know. I didn't know I have so many mistakes.

[@chelseygooch4073]

Fantastic! Your tutorials are incredibly helpful! Thank you.

[@Kakemagi]

Thank you so much for sharing all of your brilliant content. I absolutely love your videos!

[@cecile476]

I love it! I just started with colouring my drawings since I always did black and white drawings. I don’t have good pencils yet. Do you know some good affordable pencils?

[@Ari-ih5un]

delete delete did you get any? I want to learn too

[@cecile476]

Aria Carlson I got the prismacolors they r really good.

[@anonivan]

again, another notification smashed

[@david_a_uno]

You're such an incredible artist and a fabulously inspiring teacher!

[@kevinpatrick4670]

Hi Kristy... thanks so much for sharing. I painted 4 portraits for some clients last month and they were satisfied, but I was not. I knew something was wrong, but I couldn't put my finger on it!!! After watching your video, I found out the mistakes that I was making, (about four of them to be exact)...I definitely plan on correcting those errors now that I've been exposed to what I'm supposed to do, as opposed to what I'm not supposed to do. Thanks again Kristy, this video has been very informative!!! Njoi

[@user-ki5fh2xf9x]

how are you able to film your drawings so good? when ever i take a picture of my drawing it looks way worse then it is.

[@shanibaloch472]

Superb Please, tell me Which paper is good for pencil colour?

[@river1135]

Shani Baloch you can get strathmore paper from amazon :)

[@abigailgonzalez74]

Great job‼️You helped me A lot in this video for faces are way harder for me!! So Thank you for your Awesome Tips 😊👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@tanyasingh3137]

thanks for being the best online tutor here. now this was the exact problem i was facing and u helped me so much. thanks a lot!!

[@kevinrojas8573]

the dont looks really good tho

[@BrendaFOBRocks]

it looks good but it doesn't look realistic which i think is what she was trying to show us :)

[@kestin46]

I cant come close to the dont version. That would be my masterpiece

[@user-pn8ui9sm3t]

your drawings are so amazing! you definitely my favorite art youtuber... i thing i watched all of your videos this is crazy... i wish i was talented like you... btw i really liked this video, there are so many great tips

[@minty0751]

Both of the drawings are beautiful. I'm trying to get as realistic as possible in my drawings, so thank you so much!

[@missseaweed2462]

Whoa...

[@schroederhnga9665]

English bad apoligize but you really good! I draw people of stick. You draw real istick! 😚