Learn how to draw portraits and faces like a Master

There are numerous methods to portrait drawing. But they can all be categorized into two approaches: drawing from the inside out and drawing from the outside in. The former is the purview of the untrained artist who, inevitably will stumble their way through art.

The most common beginner's error is to start with an eye and 'grow' out the face from there. Once in a while you will get a decent drawing but such a method lacks both unity and consistency.

Drawing from the outside in is far, far superior, particularly when it comes to painting.

When you are beginning to draw a portrait the first, all-important step is to establish the overall outside shape of the head. Most artists call the outside shape the contour, envelope is also used. I prefer to call this initial step striking the arabesque. This entails accurately gauging both the height/width proportion and the actual shape.