Drawing a Tonal Portrait.
As this is the first drawing demonstration of an animate subject in the book, you might be sur-
prised that the approach is identical to that of other subjects. Although it may seem a little calcu-
lated or cold, using careful observational methods is the best way to achieve a convincing depiction
of your subject in realistic, three-dimensional terms.This tonal charcoal portrait begins on a good-quality piece of
charcoal/pastel paper. The first step is to create a medium-
value tone on the paper by using the side of a piece of soft
vine charcoal and then lightly smear the charcoal with a
paper towel to make the tone more uniform.
Carefully observe the model (or sitter) to take notice of
his/her posture or gesture. A large part of achieving an
excellent likeness comes from capturing this aspect of your
subject. A useful technique is to look at the tilt of the
model’s shoulders compared to the tilt of the head. Most
people don’t sit with their shoulders exactly horizontal or
with their head and neck completely vertical.
To see this subtle relationship of angles more clearly, you
can use a long, straight instrument such as a paintbrush or
(^1) ⁄ 4 " dowel rod. Hold it through the center of your model’s
head (the center of the top of the head to the center of the
chin). In the diagram, this line is labeled as A. Then place
the brush or rod in front of his shoulders (at the tops of the
shoulders) and label as B. Compare these angles. Also check
the angle of the neck, C—usually less tilted than the head.
Record these three angles on your toned paper with very
light lines. After you have done this, you can begin to build
the shape of the head and its placement on the shoulders
and torso of your model. Once you have very roughly placed
the features, you can put a line through the center of the
eyes and mouth, and at the end of the nose. This will make
you draw these features at the right angle for the head.
These lines are parallel to the chin.