← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

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GRADES 3–5 · Proportion · Simple Portraits

Place Features on a Face: Use Fewer Lines

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Create a detailed first study and a simplified version with five to ten main marks, focusing on place features on a face. Use the subject steps as practice before making this final pair or set.

Shared feature reference for Proportion
Shared feature reference. It may not show this task’s exact pose, accessory, or style. Use the teacher’s matching reference too.

Draw it step by step

Use guides lightly, then adjust them to the person you see. Translate the observed feature into a clear, simplified drawing. Keep its identifying shape while reducing detail.

  1. Look at the reference and choose three important curves, angles, or shapes. Make a tiny plan using only those.
  2. Draw the whole head, including the top—not only the face.
  3. Add a centerline and an eye guide roughly halfway from crown to chin as a starting check.
  4. Observe the real positions of nose, mouth, and ears; adjust and erase guides.
  5. Make a second version with fewer marks. Remove texture and small shadows; keep the outline changes that communicate the form.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: Adding small details before the main shapes and placement are clear.

Repair: Return to the first subject step: Draw the whole head, including the top—not only the face. Compare the biggest shapes before refining.

Check your work: Did observation change any of your starting guides? Can someone identify the feature in the simpler version? Explain which marks you kept.

Materials: pencil, eraser, paper, and a mirror or teacher-approved reference. Optional black drawing pen; no painting required.

Place Features on a Face: Use Fewer Lines · Practice page

Name ____________________ Make light trials first. Divide a box further if your task needs extra versions.

1 · Observe and plan
2 · First drawing
3 · Change one choice
4 · Independent application

My evidence: Did observation change any of your starting guides? Can someone identify the feature in the simpler version? Explain which marks you kept.

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________