Step one:

First, lightly sketch a basic draft but make sure it isn't too dark. If you make it too dark it will be hard to erase, if you make a mistake. I used a mechanical pencil here with a .5 diameter lead HB. Use a gummy type eraser, they work best. The first three sketches are just to lay out the drawing for shading in later.

A good likeness comes in when you do a good job showing the differences in values. you want the drawing to reflect where the light is shining. It will be brighter or lighter in those areas and the areas away from the light will be shadowed. It also helps your drawing to look realistic, and lifelike. Try and make sure that you make the face look realistic but shadowing the darker areas of the cheeks and mouth. At the same time use your eraser to make the peek of the cheeks brighter.

The next series of sketches begin to show how I started changing the values. I press harder with the pencil and then use my “gummy” eraser to make highlights. After I get the light and dark areas right I use a “Tortillion” to blend. A Tortillion is a roll of paper with a pointy tip. You use it like a pencil and blend the pencil marks.

 After you start on the eyes and hair, begin to shadow the entire drawing. I'm right handed so I start on the left side. If you're left handed, you might want to start on the right side. If you don't do it that way, you will "smudge" the drawing and make it hard to erase. You can also lay down a piece of plain white paper under your hand as you lay it on the drawing, to keep it from smudging.

Notice in the next few sketches as the drawing begins to come to life.

The final drawing should have all the highlights in place and dark shadows. Don't be afraid to use your eraser and redo as needed. You want people to be able to recognize who the drawing is ok. Take your time. Notice the detail on the clothes and chain links in the jewelry. I spent some time there trying to make those areas look real/ As good as Adam's complexion is, you still want to place stubble, or moles, and or wrinkles. He doesn't have much of any of those things, but it helps bring the drawing to life, if you make a good likeness.

After you finish the drawing, spray it with a good clear-cote to protect it from fading or smudging.

Please leave me comments and if you have a subject for me to draw, let me know and thanks!

Jeff

PS If you would like to get a personal hand drawn portrait of you or a loved ones, please visit this address www.soulreflectionsbyjeff.com