What is the best way to draw a portrait?

[@karinvankempen6892]

I’m so happy to see there are still people on you tube that actually teach how to draw a portrait. So many people are tracing the basic shapes and proportions before shading or painting and pretend to be great artists on you tube….skipping the most difficult part, getting the proportions right. Thanks for teaching people how to draw it all by yourself!

[@vartanarakelian4643]

Thanks!

[@eioclementi1355]

I always recommend that you learn all the face mussels and have that going on all the mechanics of face drawing.

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Mos def

[@CristianDuvan1991]

@@stephenbaumanartwork de que es este metodo

[@nataclyst]

Thank you for breaking down the process! Usually we end up drawing what we ‘think’ we see rather than what is really there, great video :)

[@mattgomez115]

This breakdown was super helpful. I've been working on portrait studies and found a major breakthrough using a visual style to block in shadow shapes to achieve a good likeness, but this helped me understand the importance of the structural block-in style I've seen you use. Thanks for this video, and I'm looking forward to your course!

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shirachanchinski6869]

I tried the first technique with your explanation and it came out so good!! I’m really impressed with myself thank you!😊

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

You are so welcome!

[@kevvondragon]

I’ve always know only about the structural method and have been struggling with it for a while. Anytime I was to take a break and just tried to draw more instinctively I always ended up doing what you call the visual style. Now I’m very excited to try doing that following your tips.

[@hlaefdige17]

Mir gefällt die Trennung in Analyse und Hingabe ins bloße Sehen, denn so erst wird bewußt, daß beide Anteile miteinander interagieren, sich hinterfragen beim Naturstudium, bzw. künstlerischem Schaffen überhaupt. Ich habe mir Deinen Kurs gegönnt, ich nehme sehr viel mit. Eine angenehme Art von Disziplin/Struktur, die mir gut tut.

[@eslammohamedaziz3007]

You're the best teacher that's for teaching me ❤❤

[@dandon1968]

thank you! using the skeleton when explaining the anatomical landmarks really put things into context

[@joycesmith5786]

Thank you for this! It really helps to get the measurements.

[@zachalicea1987]

I have been circling around becoming a patreon of yours for a few months. The main thing stopping me is I do not know, necessarily, what the main differences between your tiers are and what exactly I need to facilitate a growth period. For example: my initiation into portraits was buying the Loomis book and practicing and conceptualizing that method until I can now draw arbitrary heads at will and at any angle. I wanted to begin using reference images or live models and approach them in a more traditional way, say like copying a Bargue plate with the block-in, mass-in, modeling rendering, and finishing stages. However, unless I divide the reference image into halves then quarters my proportions are off. This phenomenon is odd because as I mentioned I can adeptly draw a head, just not in this more structured way. I go out of my way to make the reference image and my drawing different sizes so I am forced to utilize comparative measuring. I am still left with the feeling as if a human head is a foreign oddity when trying to begin a block-in from tick marks denoting the height and width; my minds eye cannot fill in the gaps with just those marks. I am confused as to what I am confused about. If I can draw a head from imagination adeptly, why does trying to draw one from humble beginnings make a fool of me? What skill am I lacking and what membership of yours would be of most use to me? If you read all this and respond I thank you kindly.

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

This is not an uncommon friction between the 2 different approaches to drawing. I think that the conflict is between 2D vs 3D design. They can work together but you must get to know both first. This is covered in my block in Bootcamp lessons.

[@gepetodelamorte8149]

why do you force yourself to use comparative measuring while you struggle with proportions? Dont skip steps unless you're very confortable... Use a same size drawing / reference to begin with proportions. And yes, you need to work both 2d and 3d, but you dont need to buy everything to progress, there is a LOT of good free tutorials, but more importantly, you need to pratice, and be your own judge: when your drawing is finished, watch it closely and try to see what are you mistakes. Write them and try to work on that on your next drawing. That maybe sound trivial but it's the core of learning, the route every master has taken. Good luck with your journey!

[@eddosart]

Thank you for the video! Throughly explained. Now I understand that the visual style is just drawing what you see while the structural style is drawing what you’re thinking. In conclusion seeing and observing are not the same thing.

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Yes, exactly!

[@oguzhanart3307]

This is a really good tutorial sir, thank you!

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

You're very welcome!

[@marvy777]

Excellente vidéo, surtout par rapport à l'utilisation et l'utilité du ressenti. Merci de produire et partager.

[@tyroneperry5008]

Thanks. Very helpful. I'm gonna look into your block in coarse.

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pseudonamed]

it would be interesting to see the same photo used for each, and see if the result is any different in the end?

[@matthewwilliams3827]

Niice technique. I prefer starting with broad gestural lines and shapes like ovals cubes etc, drawn in perspective. Kinda like the loomis method. One of the best art books. Best type of teaching books. Also you have a lhysical book comign out soon huh, ill definitely consider getting it.

[@colofulartsit8674]

Omg please do hair next! I love your videos ✨

[@izabelconceicao-vd6ix]

I love the frst method.

[@dineshsinghrajpurohit2734]

Superb explanation 👍💥

[@c0nr4d]

Great inspiring work sir.

[@mrchristian8782]

Really appreciate this one, thank you for this Stephen!

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

You’re welcome 😉

[@markanthonyart]

Different approach for different situations. In both methods, to get a likeness of a person, you need a system of measuring. If you have the task of contructing without a reference or "draw this person, but looking in a different direction" the constructive method is better. In both, it is 2D surface. The 3D part is in your imagination in both approaches. Its a matter of if you want to show it on the paper process or not.

[@eslammohamedaziz3007]

Amazing you're the best ❤❤

[@music.2886]

Fantastic

[@Cookie-o7w]

You guys help me so much

[@MarcLaisneARTVenture]

very nice

[@vartanarakelian4643]

EXECELLENT

[@Lima_Lima_Lima]

Nice! Thanks!

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

No problem!

[@yme3345]

You've mentioned that you use the asaro head for the planes. Can you please talk about how and which planes you use and which ones you think that aren't as usefull, or if you add any? I'd also like to know what you do with chubbier models, where the asaro planes aren't as obvious. Thanks for everything man

[@daytonagreg8765]

When the video started there already were horizontal marks indicating 1) the top of the head, 2) the bottom of the chin, and 3) the hairline. There also were vertical marks indicating 4) the center line, and 5&6) the left and right side of the face. [Im assuming the proportions are either an initial estimate or already worked out?] I’m going to watch this a few times and I’m trying to understand where I’m supposed to start. I think I understand the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 concept & the WIDTH being twice one of those “thirds”. DO WE we just do that to start & then measure the reference and adjust accordingly? Thank you so much. Your videos have been excellent. I plan to use an online course (or courses) to nail down these fundamentals & follow up with a beginner portrait (oil) painting course. Thanks again.

[@markdeguzman6556]

The first one called the "visual" block-in is the method most artists used in oil painting right? I guess focusing on light and shadow shapes during a block-in is probably very useful in water color and charcoal portrait too. As a beginner who aspires to progress from pencil drawing to oil painting, it would be advisable to master the first method right?

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Yes- but for ultimate versatility, learn both 👌

[@oliveuk]

I paint with oil and construction is to me the only way to learn how to become a versatile artist who can draw and paint from imagination.

[@DoxIllustration]

There is a question in my mind poping up - it's about the hybrid style you told us it has only pros and no cons, so a technique that good should take a lot of time. Can I get decent idea about that. And Yes the video was really great thanks for that trying to adapt skills like you.

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

I wouldn’t say it takes any more time than the others- and eventually it should be the fastest. Fundamentally its about taking what is most useful from any source and finding a way for all these parts to from a super efficient whole- your style.

[@DoxIllustration]

@@stephenbaumanartwork thanks sir for replying i'll keep that in mind.

[@darrensurff8554]

I find its a bit rigid and boring i prefer art of wei style hes very fluid and its fun ,

[@DoxIllustration]

@@darrensurff8554 nah bro it's the basics required for any kind of art it's really the best way to learn . Don't doubt him sir stephen bauman is the master of graphite

[@alishajoy225]

What type of a pencil are you using? Love your videos by the way.

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Answers are in my FAQ's: www.patreon.com/posts/frequently-asked-37008290

[@daytonagreg8765]

Hi Alisha, he’s using a Tombow “2B” pencil. They and other brands like Staedtler are easily found on that big online shopping place. Good luck! -Greg

[@alishajoy225]

@@daytonagreg8765 Thank you!!

[@gato3937]

👏👏👏👌 excelente

[@mailie6403]

please explain how you get such a beautiful long point on your pencil. i use a sharp knife, but never manage to get such a good length. thank you for your amazing tutorials I am watching from Australia

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apzbZJmVhMhrkJI

[@rrmm2644]

What a great lesson ❤ If I would buy the course; would I be able to download the lessons ? I am going to live in a place where they will no wifi ? Hopefully you can answer me. Thank-you for sharing your knowledge with us. Jesus bless you 🙏✝️

[@msd9824]

Im pure structure myself because visual style i find makes me think too abstract to the point im not really thinking when i draw. With structure i am thinking critically and can draw with or without a reference and am never a slave to copying and accurate drawing. If you want to invent characters or do things like concept design you need structural thinking.

[@BTT16]

Stephen I teach Portrait Drawing Classes, and some of my current and prospective students are obsessed with the grid method of drawing. Is there any way I can break them out of that?

[@berbatdalyrrk]

❤

[@sofilove...20]

Thanks for all broh I need u like a Teacher:)(:for my own life...

[@grimsonforce7504]

I'm in the structural camp but that's because I like to break things down. Once I understood how the frame (skeleton) and rhythm works it became easier to draw. Especially when it came to anatomy.

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Same.

[@timotheuspeter734]

For the first version: Is your ability to get these, say, first two stages of the portrait ‘correct’ based upon an extensive study of Bargue-panels in order to get the shading correct? Or did you start directly with the models?

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Hard to say/ I did start my education with Bargue plates though.

[@timotheuspeter734]

@@stephenbaumanartwork Ok, thanks! (Your videos are very helpful btw. Great channel.)

[@Mario543212]

I have a question. Is the course the same as the block in camp from your patreon or is one more extensive / better than the other?

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Bootcamp on my Patreon is live the BIC on my website is pre-produced.

[@abesauer2189]

what type of pencils do you recomend?

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Tombow homo-graph. Great pencils 👌

[@paulomelettilestrade]

I've been trying to "escape" the visual method since it's way less helpful (atleast for me) for drawing from imagination

[@jrclanton69]

Hey Stephen, would you recommend this course over your patreon to begin? I was a $25 member but found all the videos to be overwhelming...I did not know where to start. Thanks!

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Hard to say. The organisation of the lessons in the BIC is more linear, easier to follow. I can't say for sure you would find it less overwhelming though. I'll say this though- if you try it and don't like it just contact me for a refund.

[@stephencurry6743]

Okay so can the measuring method with your thumb be done through a picture from a phone or does the person need to be sitting infront of you

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

Maybe a phone is a bit small- I do it on my iPad though.

[@katesill1987]

🍂🌻✨🍁

[@beefysquids]

Is the block in course included in your Patreon? Or is this seperate?

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

The full BIC is separate. But- half of it is available on the block in Bootcamp tier.

[@rrasch8125]

Everyone on KZbin seems to use slightly angled and contrasted models to teach portraiture drawing …which is relatively easy. And bit of a cop out. Would be good for someone to actually teach something a bit more challenging and useful like a front facing, symmetrically proportioned female portrait with very little shadow.

[@athensarker2731]

Same thought

[@carloseduardooviedorios6304]

no alcancé la promo pipipi

[@beedeeuniko]

The information on this is a bit sparse given the asking price, how many hours/lessons does this include? 😅

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

The course is 6 hour long- that being said we worked really had to get it to be as short as possible. Eventually I think that in online education faster and more concentrated is best. It is split into 6 parts not including the course intro/outro.

[@beedeeuniko]

@@stephenbaumanartwork thank you for the clarification, I feel the same about length etc. but still it felt like buying a pig in a poke… I hope this is the right translation, in german it would be “die Katze I’m Sack kaufen” 😂 as an improvement for the website I’d prefer to read a bit about structure and lesson length to make an educated decision, I guess this would be appreciated by most customers as well since this is standard practice on other sites, keep up the good work 👋🏼😀

[@merobertd]

Are the lessons downloadable to view off line or are they only streamed?

[@stephenbaumanartwork]

They are only streamed- I have been reluctant to offer downloads due to potential piracy…

[@johnsmithiii5862]

Trying to draw a wireframe takes me hours to get remotely correct. It's like I spend more time trying to get that right than the actual portrait. I just can't do it smh

[@1dddave]

I hear some sort of distracting low ambient "music" in the background under your voice. perhaps it's just my computer, but it starts and stops when I play/pause the video. This is great instruction, though.

[@alphavillejerusalem6763]

How can i like drawing you?

[@MarcChessMarcChess]

With ur hand

[@lLenn2]

The visual style is the only correct way, everything else is unethical.

[@MFDOOOOM]

🤓

[@bozoclown2098]

,..,in addition to human 0 psychology (inherent ) bias . Look inward

[@someguyanime2286]

250 dollars for a course? Jesus Christ, my wallet is crying lol

[@bozoclown2098]

We do nuance perception deception. Despite aids as here

[@bozoclown2098]

Why wear a hat indoor ?

[@Flan90]

The dude just spilled his heart, teaching you something of value. The drawing, the recording, the editing... and this is the first to come out of your mouth?

[@ThePhobosAnomally]

I sometimes wear a cap indoors. I find it comfortable.

[@edchelrun]

He answered this question on one of his livestreams. The main reason he wears a cap indoors is to avoid unnecessary light that may cause some trouble when perceiving the tonal values of the subject.