← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

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GRADES 3–5 · Whole Portraits · Whole Portrait Challenge

Light from One Side: Use It in a Portrait

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Make a warm-up study and a head-and-shoulders portrait that uses the skill. Focus on light from one side.

Shared feature reference for Whole Portraits
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

Organize a portrait into light and shadow groups.

  1. Practice the focus once in a small box. Plan a larger head-and-shoulders drawing, choosing observed or original cartoon style.
  2. Plan the head and features.
  3. Choose the light side from the reference.
  4. Shade broad shadow areas before the darkest details.
  5. Use the practiced skill in the larger portrait. Keep other details simple; mark where the skill improved the final work.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: Tiny details before big values

Repair: Squint at the reference and group the shadows first.

Check your work: Where did the warm-up change a decision in your final portrait?

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

Light from One Side: Use It in a Portrait · Practice page

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

1 · Warm-up: Light from One Side
2 · First plan
3 · Revise one choice
4 · Independent application

My evidence: Where did the warm-up change a decision in your final portrait?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________