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How do you....?

How do I learn to draw people: like faces, clothing, hands, feet....can anyone give some websites or tutorial links, or how to get started? (something that doesn't require buying books, subscribtions..ect.)


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Well, Kelly, I suggest you TRACE. No, tracing is not cheating, either!

No doubt you have a few pictures of people that you like more than others. A close up of the face or head works best to start.

Now get some tracing paper. The thinner and cheaper the better! Use some magic tape and tape a piece of tracing paper to the picture (small pieces - it's only temporary)

Now trace it. Pay close attention to detail. The highlights in the eyes, the lines in the lips...etc. Do this exercise about three time..all of the same picture. I know it sounds redundant, but after the third time, get a plain piece of white paper and just draw it.

You'll be surprised at how much more lifelike it will look. The tracing is forcing you to "see" detail. Doing it 3 times is forcing eye/hand coordination.

When i have to draw something or someone I have never drawn before, i use this little exercise myself so i will be familiar with what I am about to draw. I have been drawing pencil portraits for money for slightly over 20 years, so when i tell you the tracing exercise works, I mean it.

The next progression, then, is to practice drawing. Every night, at least an hour just draw. sharpen your skill just like you do your pencil...often and deliberately.

Above all...Have fun!