How I draw portraits of the deceased - step-by-step instructions

Drawing portraits is an art form that allows you to keep memories of loved ones alive in a special way. In this blog post, I'll show you how I drew a portrait of a grandmother and her granddaughter - a work that captures not only the external features, but also the deep emotions and life story of the people.

Why is drawing portraits so special?

Portraits have the power to show more than just how a person looks. They capture the soul, the emotions and the stories hidden behind every face. Especially with older people, it is important to accurately draw every wrinkle and every line on the face, because they tell of lived life and experiences.

Step-by-step instructions: Drawing a portrait of the deceased

Here I take you through my creative process, from selecting the right photos to the final stroke with the pencil.

1. Choose the right photos as a template

The first step in drawing a portrait of a deceased person is to select suitable photos. The clearer the photos, the better I can portray the person. But even with less sharp photos, it is possible to achieve an impressive result with a little patience and sensitivity.

2. Create the sketch

After I have selected the photos, I start with a sketch. It is particularly important to position the people so that they behave naturally and lovingly towards each other, as if they were in a photo together.

3. Draw the large areas with charcoal

I use charcoal to draw the large areas and usually start with the older person, in this case the grandmother. This gives the portrait a solid foundation and helps me define the depth and structure of the face.

4. Work out details on the face

Now I focus on the details of the face – eyes, nose and mouth. These features are crucial to capture the person's emotions and personality.

5. Drawing hair and clothes

The hair and clothing are carefully drawn to complete the portrait. Here, too, I pay attention to the details to maintain the authenticity of the depiction.

Why I love drawing portraits

For me, drawing portraits is more than just a job - it's a passion. Every time I pick up a pencil, I feel happy and fulfilled. It's especially touching when my drawings reach people's hearts and maybe even bring tears of joy or remembrance.

I hope my video inspires you and shows you how valuable the art of drawing can be. Please watch it and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of hand-drawn art.

Thanks for reading and watching! If you want more tips and tutorials on drawing portraits, subscribe to my YouTube channel and stay updated.

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