← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

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GRADES 3–5 · Whole Portraits · Whole Portrait Challenge

A Neck Shadow: 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 a neck shadow.

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

Show the head above the neck with a cast shadow.

  1. Practice the focus once in a small box. Plan a larger head-and-shoulders drawing, choosing observed or original cartoon style.
  2. Draw the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
  3. Observe the shadow beneath the chin.
  4. Shade the shadow shape while keeping its boundary believable.
  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: A thick black necklace

Repair: Match the shadow shape to the chin and light direction.

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.

A Neck Shadow: 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: A Neck Shadow
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: __________________________________________________