← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

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GRADES 3–5 · Whole Portraits · Construction

Soft and Sharp Edges: Plan It in Shapes

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Make one labeled shape plan and one drawing built from it. Focus on soft and sharp edges.

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

Vary edges to show focus and form.

  1. Divide the practice space in two. In the first half use only large guide shapes; label three useful landmarks.
  2. Draw the portrait plan lightly.
  3. Select one sharp edge near your focal feature.
  4. Soften another edge with lighter marks and compare their effects.
  5. In the second half rebuild the subject using your plan, then remove guides that no longer help.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: Every edge equally dark

Repair: Reserve strong edges for a few important places.

Check your work: Can you point to three landmarks that helped place the drawing?

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

Soft and Sharp Edges: Plan It in Shapes · Practice page

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

1 · Warm-up: Soft and Sharp Edges
2 · First plan
3 · Revise one choice
4 · Independent application

My evidence: Can you point to three landmarks that helped place the drawing?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________