How To Draw Michael Jackson
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Start by finding an interesting reference photo
Drawing isn't hard if you follow a few guidelines and take your time.
The first thing you need to do is find a reference photo that is interesting. It makes the process much more enjoyable. Try and size the photo approximately the same size as the finished drawing. If it is smaller or even bigger you can resize it in the computer and then print it out.
The reason you want the photo the same size as your drawing is so you can compare the facial features and make sure they are in proportion. If you get the eyes off a little bit the drawing will not look like the person you have intended to draw.
There are a few tricks to getting a good likeness. Until you are comfortable with free handing the outline of the drawing, try using a grid which contains a bunch of small squares. This way you can get all of the important features correct. As your skills improve you can attempt drawing your subject free handed.
Lay out the outline
Start on one side and work your way over
I'm right handed, so I start shading on the left side. If you don't do it this way you will smudge your drawing before you are finished. I use a mechanical pencil with a soft lead. I simply look at the dark and light areas and fill them in on my drawing. If you see a shadow, just put it on your paper like the photo. Go lightly at first and gradually get darker.
Gradually add detail
Keep an eraser handy
I use a gummy type eraser to clean up my drawing. It doesn't leave the eraser particles and makes the highlights easier than a conventional eraser. I also use a tortillion or blending stump to smooth my pencil marks together. The combination of eraser and tortillion give you a nice 3-d look when you are finished.
Now it's lookking like the photo!
Make sure the shadows are right
Pay close attention to the light in the drawing and your shadows. Where the sun or light source are hitting the subject it will leave a shadow. Make sure it makes sense on your sketch and you have the lighting and shadowing correct. Don't forget you have a good eraser!
Almost done!
Finishing touches
The teeth, eyes, glasses and etc, all need to be correct. There will be highlights and you can create this affect using your eraser. Just erase where it is supposed to be white and you can add pencil marks to make corrections. I use a good quality of paper too, because cheaper paper will not hold up when you do a lot of erasing and shading.
Your almost finished
Look the drawing over good. If there are any last minute details, make them now. Compare every section of your drawing to the reference photo and make sure you have everything you wanted. Again you don't have to make it exact, just have fun and the more you do this, the better you will get.
After you have finished your sketch, get a can of spray clear and protect you artwork. You can also use any hair spray, it does the same thing. You don't want your finished art to fade or smear.
If you like my art tutorial, leave me some comments. I can be hired for private lessons by webcam for a reasonable fee. I also have a website if you want to get a portrait done for you or a loved one. Just go here
You can also go to http://www.soulreflectionsbyjeff.com/
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Comments
That's amazing, I particularly like the reflection on his sunglasses, as it reflects well the way you've drawn it.
I must have a go and do some of this type of stuff again as I haven't done any since art college!
Thank you Karen and Wayne!
Karen, maybe you should just try? You never know, you might have some artistry that needs to come out.
Wayne, I think that is what I liked most about the reference photo was the reflection on the glasses.
Impressive drawing. I went through a phase two decades ago (don't laugh) of face drawing from pictures. I turned the pic upside down and did it in sections, grid like. I drew a bit at a time and covered the bits I was not drawing so I wasn't distracted. Does that make me a bit dyslexic in the drawing department? They turned out better than I'd expected.
Hi Jewels
Don't worry, no laughing here!
Drawing with a grid is an excellent way to get a good likeness. I sometimes use a grid when I really want good detail. There are some other shortcuts too that make it easy to get a good likeness.
Of course it's the shading in my opinion that makes a drawing look 3-d and realistic. That part takes a lot of practice!!
Thanks for the nice compliment!!
THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
R.I.P MICHAEL JACKSON
Thanks Joey!
It's really helpful i've got some on this website : http://www.showmyfolio.com/candidats.php?candidat=
OMG i love michael jackson sooo much and when i seen your picture i fell in love with it straight away...you are so goos at drawing. i'm going to try and draw a michael jackson picture at some point aswell.but it wont be anywhere near as good as yours. i have saved your picture and it is on my mobile. ily michael rip
Emily,
I have a daughter with that name!
I just finished a drawing of her and posted it today. Thanks for the kind words! Just keep practicing, you might be better than you think.
That looks great, i'll have to give it a shot sometime. Thanks for the great hub :)
Sure thing Jackson and thanks!
He is so he! If you get what i mean! Niceeeeee!
Thanks that was what I was going for!!
kj0956 says:
3 months ago
Sounds so easy. I'd like to have the patience to try drawing. Perhaps some day! Thanks for sharing valuable info. Great portrait of Michael.