In this blog post, I will show you how to create a graphite portrait of Chris Pratt. I will start by discussing the materials and techniques that I used. I will then walk you through the steps of creating the portrait, from the initial sketch to the final details.
First, let me tell about Chris Pratt. He is an American actor who rose to prominence for playing Andy Dwyer in the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation. He also appeared in Everwood, a WB drama series, and had supporting roles in the films Wanted, Jennifer's Body, Moneyball, Zero Dark Thirty, and Her.
Pratt has starred as Star-Lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with Guardians of the Galaxy, and as Owen Grady in the Jurassic World trilogy. He has also voiced the main characters in the animated films The Lego Movie, Onward and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Pratt's other starring roles were in The Magnificent Seven, Passengers, and The Tomorrow War, and the action thriller television series The Terminal List. In 2015, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Pratt is married to Katherine Schwarzenegger, the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. They have two children together. He is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood and is devoted to his wife and children.
Materials:
The materials that you will need for this project are:
HB, B, 2B, 4B & 6B graphite pencils
kneaded eraser
Tombow Mono Zero eraser
Staedtler Mars plastic eraser
blending stumps
tissue
cotton swabs
white paint pen
8x12 Strathmore 400 Series drawing paper.
Techniques:
The techniques that I used for this project are:
The envelope method
The Reilly method
A 5 value system
Smoothing out the transition between values
Adding details
The Envelope Method:
The envelope method is a great way to get the basic outline of your drawing. To use this method, start by sketching the outline of what you see with straight lines.
The Reilly Method:
The Reilly method is a great way to add realism to your portrait. To use this method, start by drawing a center line marking the center of the face. This will help with keeping the facial features symmetrical. Next, draw a series of lines that divide the head into thirds. These lines will help you to determine the spacing of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Then add lines to reference the rhythms of the face. These lines will help with the placement of the cheeks, smile lines, dimples, and other characteristics of a face.
A 5 Value System:
A 5 value system is a simple way to add shading to your portrait. To use this system, start by identifying the lightest and darkest areas of the portrait. Then, divide the range of values between these two extremes into five equal parts. This will give you five different values to work with. I like to start with the lightest shade of graphite first.
Next, I will add the medium shade of graphite, and the dark shade of graphite. Finally, I will add the blackest of graphite. I love this method of shading because it really brings the portrait to life fast.
Smoothing Out the Transition Between Values:
Once you have added the basic values to your portrait, you will need to smooth out the transition between them. To do this, use a blending stump, tortillon, or my favorite tool to use is a cotton swab to blend the edges of the values together.
Adding Details:
Once you have smoothed out the transition between values, you can start adding details to your portrait. This could include things like hair, eyes, and wrinkles.
Conclusion:
Creating a graphite portrait of Chris Pratt can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps in this blog post, you can create a portrait that is both realistic and beautiful. I will admit that this portrait is one of my favorites. Using the 5 value system the way that I've been, has made the process even more enjoyable. I think that it might be because it brings the picture to life fast. It also makes the final step, which is rendering, a lot easier. I hope that you try this process and it works well for you.
Here are some additional tips for creating a graphite portrait:
Take your time and don't rush.
Use a light touch when applying the graphite.
Be patient and allow the graphite to dry between layers.
Use a variety of values to create depth and realism.
Don't be afraid to experiment.
With a little practice, you will be able to create stunning graphite portraits that will amaze everyone who sees them.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for taking the time to explore my recent blog post. Your engagement and support mean the world to me. If you've been captivated by the featured drawing or any other pieces showcased on my website, they are available for purchase. Additionally, I welcome the opportunity to create a custom piece just for you. If you have a specific vision or if there's someone special you'd like me to draw, feel free to reach out. You can contact me via email at artbymikelsean@gmail.com. Your interest and enthusiasm fuel my passion for art, and I look forward to the possibility of turning your creative ideas into beautiful, personalized works. Thank you once again for being a part of my artistic journey.
Warm regards,
Mikel Sean