Embarking on the journey of portrait drawing can be an intimidating task, especially for beginners. However, with the right techniques and examples, you can master the art of drawing portraits with ease. This guide will walk you through a series of easy portrait examples, helping you build a strong foundation in portrait drawing.
Understanding the Basics: Facial Proportions
Before diving into portrait examples, it's crucial to understand the basic proportions of the human face. The average face can be divided into three equal parts, each roughly the same size as an eye. This understanding will help you create accurate and proportionate portraits.
Facial Landmarks
Familiarizing yourself with facial landmarks is another essential step. These include the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. By understanding where these features are placed in relation to each other, you can create more realistic portraits.

Easy Portrait Examples: Step-by-Step
Example 1: Simple Line Drawing
Let's start with a simple line drawing of a face. This example focuses on capturing the basic shapes and proportions.
- Divide your paper into three equal horizontal sections.
- Draw a circle in the middle section for the face.
- Divide the circle into three equal vertical sections to place the eyes and nose.
- Add two smaller circles for the eyes and a simple line for the mouth and nose.
- Finally, add a simple line for the neck and you have a basic portrait!
Example 2: Shading and Form
Now that you've mastered the basic shapes, let's add some shading to give our portrait some depth and form.
- Start by lightly sketching the basic shapes of the face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Using a light source in mind, shade the areas that would be in shadow.
- Gradually build up the shading, using darker shades for deeper shadows.
- Don't forget to add some highlights to the areas that would be most lit.
Example 3: Portrait with Hair
Adding hair to your portraits can greatly enhance their realism. Let's try adding some simple hair to our portrait.

- Start by sketching the basic shape of the hair, using simple lines and curves.
- Add some shading to give the hair some depth and texture.
- Remember, hair isn't just one color, so don't be afraid to add some highlights and shadows.
Practice and Refine
Portrait drawing is a skill that improves with practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. Keep practicing, keep learning, and keep refining your skills. With time and dedication, you'll be able to create stunning portraits with ease.
Resources for Further Learning
There are numerous resources available for those looking to improve their portrait drawing skills. Here are a few recommendations:
| Resource | Type | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Proko - YouTube | Video Tutorials | Beginner to Advanced |
| Portrait Drawing - Udemy | Online Course | Beginner |
| Portraits - Glyphs | Book | Intermediate |
Remember, the key to improving your portrait drawing skills is consistent practice and a willingness to learn. With time and dedication, you can master the art of portrait drawing and create stunning, realistic portraits.






















