← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

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GRADES 3–5 · Whole Portraits · Realistic Observation

Finish a Portrait with Light and Dark: Look Closely

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Create an observed study beside a revised study, focusing on finish a portrait with light and dark. Use the subject steps as practice before making this final pair or set.

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

Use a few value groups to show form. Work from a mirror or one teacher-approved photograph. Try to show what you actually see, not a memorized symbol.

  1. Study the reference for 30 seconds. Name two visible shapes and compare their widths or heights before drawing.
  2. Plan a head, features, neck, and shoulders from one reference.
  3. Find the lightest area, middle tones, and darkest small accents.
  4. Shade in those groups, keep highlights light, and revise one feature after comparing.
  5. Compare your study with the reference. Revise one contour or placement and add only the shadows you can actually see.

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: Plan a head, features, neck, and shoulders from one reference. Compare the biggest shapes before refining.

Check your work: Can you point to light, middle, and dark areas? Point to one measured or observed relationship that became more accurate.

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

Finish a Portrait with Light and Dark: Look Closely · 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: Can you point to light, middle, and dark areas? Point to one measured or observed relationship that became more accurate.

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________