Realistic Pencil Portraiture: Capture Stories and Emotions

Illustrate lifelike portraits using a reference photo as your guide and make them your own with personalized details

• Introduction
• Preparation, Form and Composition
• Setting up Your Portrait
• Portrait Feature by Feature
• Finalizing the Portrait
• Final project

Realistic drawing doesn’t have to mean making an exact copy of reality; it can also be interpretive and personal. Portrait artist Alan Coulson creates highly detailed portraits driven by an interest in people and their stories. He has collaborated with The New York Times, Sunday Times Magazine, University of London, and more.

In this course, Alan teaches you how to make a realistic pencil portrait using a photographic reference. Create lifelike illustrations filled with emotion and use experimental techniques to make them your own. Capture the stories of the people around you with a pencil.

This is Alan’s second course with Domestika. In his first, Realistic Oil Portraiture: Conveying Detail and Expression, he dives into creating detailed portraits through the vibrancy and versatility of oil paints.

• About Me
• Influences
• Introduction and Materials
• How to Create Form
• Composition of Your Subject
• Approaching Your Photo
• Creating a Grid and Outline
• Refining the Drawing
• Eyes 1
• Eyes 2
• Nose and Lips 1
• Nose and Lips 2
• Ears
• Shading the Face and Neck 1
• Shading the Face and Neck 2
• Hair
• Final Details
• Personal Twist to Your Drawing
• Realistic Pencil Portraiture: Capture Stories and Emotions