Let's Draw: How to Draw and Paint Realistic People! from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to draw both the male and female figure
How to draw heads, hands, and feet
How to draw gesture
How to paint with a light source
How to paint the human figure

How to paint/draw different ethnicities
How to draw/paint portraits
How to paint digitally
How to simplify values

How to draw both the male and female figure
How to draw heads, hands, and feet
How to draw gesture
How to paint with a light source
How to paint the human figure
How to paint/draw different ethnicities
How to draw/paint portraits
How to paint digitally
How to simplify values

Syllabus

Hey everyone! Welcome to the course! Hope you guys enjoy the course :D

Music: https://www.bensound.com

These are the materials for this course.
Notes:
Photoshop isn't the most necessary program to use but it will be what I use.

If you have any programs that you are comfortable using, feel free to use it as long as you can replicated what I do in the videos.
Any devices that you use have to include a drawing pen and tablet, whether it be Huicon, Wacom, or ipad pro. PLEASE DO NOT USE A MOUSE, INSTANT REGRET!

if you can't afford it, feel free to use paper and pencil for the drawing portions :)

Introduction

Here are the disclaimers in the course, what it doesn't teach and what it does

This is your first assignment! Have fun following along, using my colors or your own :)

Basic Shapes

Here are the basics of drawing circles smoothly. This is useful for any kind of drawing, whether it'd be heads or the body, the circle is one of the essential basic shapes.

Here are the basics of drawing cylinders. This will help you with seeing cylindrical shapes in the gestures or any part of the body such as the arms, legs, and neck.

Here are the basics of drawing boxes in perspective. This is useful for figuring out what direction or orientation the body is in, and it can be used as building blocks for drawing people

Here are the basics of lighting using primitive shapes. Lighting primitive shapes gives a basic understanding of how to shade forms of the body and head later on

Lineweight is very important when it comes to drawing, and it's especially important what types to avoid and what to aim for

This is a video on photoshop basics at least what I use throughout the course. If you have a question on what I do that I haven't mentioned, feel free to ask!

Male and Female Anatomy

This video explains male proportions in the body using the 8 heads method. Feel free to ask for feedback!

This video explains female proportions in the body using the 8 heads method. Feel free to ask for feedback!

This video focuses on the basic muscle structure of the male neck and chest using simple shapes. Feel free to ask for feedback!

This video focuses on the basic muscle structure of the male abdominal muscles using simple shapes. Feel free to ask for feedback!

This video focuses on the male leg muscle structure. Feel free to ask for feedback!

This video focuses on the male arm muscle structure. Feel free to ask for feedback!

This video focuses on the back muscles and their placement. Feel free to ask for feedback!

Following the male muscle structure, the female muscles are the same but different in appearance. This shows the overall muscles from the previous lectures onto the female body

For the final assignment of this section, you will be taking an image of one of the old masters, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Carvaggio etc, and tracing on top of their drawings to identify the muscles and anatomy.

How to Draw Hands

Here is a brief video on the basic hand structure. Feel free to ask for feedback!

Here is a video on drawing various male hands. Feel free to ask for feedback!

Here is a video on drawing various female hands. Feel free to ask for feedback!

How to Draw Feet

Here is a brief video on the basic feet structure. Feel free to ask for feedback!

Here is a video on drawing various male feet poses. Feel free to ask for feedback!

Here is a video on drawing various female feet poses. Feel free to ask for feedback!

How to Draw Heads

We all want to draw heads, but do we know how to see the structure? This video talks about how to view the head in simple shapes. Feel free to ask for feedback!

Eyes are the window to the soul, and it's best to understand how the eye looks. This video goes through how to draw various types of male eyes. Feel free to ask for feedback!

Noses are tricky, but there's a way to break it down. This video is how to break down various male noses in different views. Feel free to ask for feedback!

This video is about how to draw mouths simply. We are doing various kinds of mouths men have. Feel free to ask for feedback!

This video goes through how to draw various types of female eyes. Feel free to ask for feedback!

This video goes through how to draw various types of female noses and different perspectives. Feel free to ask for feedback!

In this video we are doing various kinds of mouths women have. Feel free to ask for feedback!

In this video I correct the male face to look more attractive and I use a model as reference. I also include some additional information about the skull. Enjoy!

Ears look really complicated, but there's a way to understand what part goes where. Here's a video on how to draw ears. Enjoy!

After drawing the head in frontal view, it's time to see how you can draw heads in perspective. In this video, I draw angles people usually have issues with, and I hope that this helps!

Like the previous video, I will be showing you how to draw different head views for women.

Here are some styles of hair for men, ranging from short to wavy.

This video talks about how to draw hair for women ranging from straight to curly to wavy.

How to Simplify Portraits in Black and White

To paint portraits, we first start to know black and white. In this video, I show you how to sketch out the female head.

This video goes through using graphic black and white simplification to block out lighting.

After separating black and white, we then, expand those values into mid range values.

Here is an overview of how shadows appear on the face. This can be translated to more stylized drawings as well.

Portrait Studies Black and White

Using everything we learned before, you will be painting a male portrait in black and white.

image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/855613629190877281/

Using everything we learned before, you will be painting a female portrait in black and white.

Self Portrait Project

Hey everyone! Congrats on your first checkpoint in the course! Keep it up, you're getting to your goal :D

Here's a short video featuring my face :) on how to take your own reference images. Be sure to take images with good lighting that isn't too bright or too diffused. Make sure it has direct lighting and a good range of values

In this video, I will be taking a photo of myself and sketching it, using everything we've learned

In this video, I will be painting the whole portrait using a full range of values starting from middle to dark, then to light (or vice versa)

Gesture Drawing

When it comes to gestures, you always want to start with the line of action.

In this video, we will be going through putting cylinders to pull out the forms in the body.

Afterwards, we will put in our basic muscle structures in the body.

To further practice form and muscles, here is a simple exercise with basic shapes.

Sometimes, it's difficult to picture out the torso, but visualizing the torso as a bean bag or a pillow and using that as reference will help out the confusion.

In this video, I will be going more in depth with the pelvis box and how to spot it.

Here are a few types of male bodies ranging from skinny to plus size. Enjoy!

Here are a few types of female bodies ranging from skinny to plus size. Enjoy!

How to Draw Drapery

In this video, we will be going over how to draw one of the most basic folds: the pipe fold.

In this video, we will be going over how to draw the diaper fold.

In this video, we will be going over how to draw the zig zag fold.

In this video, we will be going over how to draw the half lock fold.

In this video, we will be going over how to draw the spiral fold.

In this video, we will be going over how to draw the flying flag fold.

In this video, we will be going over how to draw the last fold: the dead fold

For the final assignment of this section, you will be drawing clothes on top of a person, using your new knowledge of how folds work.

Fast, loose, long lines

In this video, I will be showing you how to draw very loosely. This will be a good base for your drawing.

After that, we will be drawing over the sketch with a darker tone.

Finally, to complete the gesture, use your darkest value to do some finishing touches.

In this video, I will be doing a version with color to simulate painting.

How to light your subject

In this video, I will be drawing the figure for this project.

To simplify the values in black and white makes the process easier. Tip: think of the body as basic boxes or cylinders.

In this video, I will be doing the same expanding value method in this painting.

Full Figure Studies Black and White

Here is the full process of painting a black and white male figure.

In this video, I will be doing the same thing but with the female model.

Color

Color theory is very important for knowing how to paint. In this video, I will be covering the basics of color theory and the color wheel.

In this video, we will be doing a color swatch assignment using black and white and using the 12 step color wheel. Though this assignment is difficult, take your time on it. It will help you understand more about color!

In this video, we will be covering subsurface scattering and how to make skin look more vibrant.

Portrait Studies (color)

In this video, we will finally be painting in color starting with portraits! We will be covering the whole process.

image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AUH5F0Kz4sIYE2C1mjszhV0z0f5feuRUqGLQYjtk43-NrJWk1jcNlt4/

In this video, I will be painting a female portrait. Here are the sketch and color versions.

image: https://bboygentleman.tumblr.com/post/148920835520/alfadolls-lauren-de-graaf

As a bonus, we will also be doing portraits with crazy colors. I feel that it would be helpful for you guys who want to experiment with different light colors and know how to paint them!

image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/288723026115911502/

Painting the Full Figure (male)

In this video, we will be going over painting a full color figure from start to finish. Feel free to use other references as you'd like!

Painting the Full Figure (female)

In this video, we will be painting a female figure from scratch. Be sure that these references have good lighting and direct shadows.

In this video, we will be finishing up the painting by cleaning it up and adding some details.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Begins with the basics of shapes and forms, which is helpful for learners who are new to drawing and painting

Teaches how to use reference images to create original illustrations, which is a valuable skill for artists

Covers a wide range of topics, from basic shapes to color theory, which provides a comprehensive learning experience

Requires a drawing pen and tablet, which may be an additional expense for some students

Uses Photoshop, which may require a subscription, although the instructor notes that other programs may be used

Includes assignments that involve copying master works, which is a standard practice in art education

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Let's Draw: How to Draw and Paint Realistic People! with these activities:

Review 'Figure Drawing: For All It's Worth' by Andrew Loomis

Show steps

Reinforce foundational knowledge of figure drawing principles before starting the course.

View Melania on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Figure Drawing: For All It's Worth'.
Read the sections on proportion and basic anatomy.
Practice drawing figures using Loomis' construction methods.

Practice Basic Shape Construction

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Reinforce the ability to construct complex forms from basic shapes, a fundamental skill taught early in the course.

Browse courses on Basic Shapes

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Gather reference images of simple objects.
Break down each object into basic geometric shapes.
Practice drawing these shapes in different orientations.

Gesture Drawing Practice

Show steps

Improve your ability to capture the essence of a pose quickly and accurately, which is crucial for dynamic figure drawing.

Show steps

Find a source of gesture drawing references (e.g., online pose libraries).
Set a timer for 2-5 minutes per pose.
Focus on capturing the line of action and overall movement.

Four other activities

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Create a Value Study of a Portrait

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of value simplification and lighting, key skills for creating realistic portraits.

Show steps

Select a portrait photograph with clear lighting.
Identify the key areas of light and shadow.
Create a grayscale drawing that simplifies the values into a limited range.

Review 'Color and Light' by James Gurney

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of color theory and lighting principles to enhance your painting skills.

View Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions) on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Color and Light' by James Gurney.
Read the sections on color theory, light and shadow, and atmospheric perspective.
Experiment with applying these principles in your own paintings.

Paint a Full Figure Study from Life

Show steps

Apply the skills learned in the course to create a complete figure painting from direct observation.

Show steps

Set up a live model or use a high-quality reference photo.
Create a preliminary sketch to establish composition and proportions.
Paint the figure, paying attention to anatomy, lighting, and color.
Refine the painting based on observation and feedback.

Analyze Master Paintings

Show steps

Improve your understanding of composition, color, and technique by studying the works of master artists.

Show steps

Select several master paintings that feature figures.
Analyze the composition, color palette, and brushwork of each painting.
Write a short analysis of each painting, focusing on the artist's choices and their impact.

Career center

Learners who complete Let's Draw: How to Draw and Paint Realistic People! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Portrait Artist

A portrait artist specializes in creating images of people, often commissioned by clients. A portrait artist will find the course extremely helpful, as it focuses on essential skills such as understanding human anatomy, mastering head drawing from different viewpoints, and accurately painting features. The course walks through the processes of drawing and painting portraits in black and white, and then in color, culminating in a self portrait and making use of lighting. All of these lessons will help a portrait artist hone their skills and produce high quality artwork.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portrait Artist

Comic Book Artist

A comic book artist creates the illustrations for comic books and graphic novels. This course provides extensive instruction in drawing the human form, making it a valuable asset for a comic book artist. The course’s curriculum covers the essentials of figure drawing, the study of anatomy, gesture, and how to render figures from various views, which are all important aspects of comic book art. Additionally, the course will help a comic book artist develop the ability to use color and lighting techniques to enhance their artwork.

See salaries and explore the career path for Comic Book Artist

Figure Painter

A figure painter specializes in painting the human figure, often in a fine art context. This course is ideal for those wanting to be a figure painter, because it has a specific emphasis on drawing and painting people using various techniques, including essential anatomy, and methods to render a figure in both black and white, and in color. The course explores the full process of creating a figure from start to finish, including the use of light, and the rendering of portraits. The course’s focus on mastering the human form makes it highly suitable for the figure painter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Figure Painter

Character Artist

A character artist designs and creates visual representations of characters for various media, such as video games or animation. This course directly helps a character artist because it covers the fundamentals of drawing and painting people, including anatomy, proportions, and how to create dynamic poses. This course provides a valuable foundation for those wanting to become a character artist, as it teaches how to render realistic figures, which is essential for crafting believable and engaging characters. The course's focus on drawing and painting people, along with the included projects, makes it particularly beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Artist

Freelance Artist

A freelance artist works independently, offering their artistic skills to clients on a project basis. This course is invaluable for a freelance artist, particularly one who specializes in portraiture, figure drawing, or illustration, because it provides a strong foundation in character drawing and painting. The course provides a thorough education on drawing and painting people, such as the study of anatomy, understanding proportion, and various methods for creating lifelike figures. The course's practical focus on creating full illustrations also helps a freelance artist develop a portfolio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Artist

Illustrator

An illustrator creates images for books, magazines, and other publications. The course is ideal for those aspiring to be an illustrator, as it meticulously covers the techniques necessary for drawing and painting people, including the understanding of anatomy for both genders, and mastering portraiture. This course can help an illustrator develop the ability to render figures accurately with different poses and clothing, and it also helps develop an understanding of color theory. The emphasis on creating a full illustration from start to finish makes this course a strong fit for those wanting to work in illustration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Animation Artist

An animation artist creates the moving images that make up animated films and TV shows. This course can be particularly beneficial for an animation artist, due to its focus on drawing and painting human figures. The course’s lessons on understanding anatomy, drawing poses, painting with light, and applying color are all directly applicable skills for creating believable and expressive characters in animation. The course also provides practical projects that take the learner through the whole process of creating a figure, from start to finish.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animation Artist

Visual Development Artist

A visual development artist is responsible for the look and feel of a project, often in animation or film. This course may be useful because it extensively covers the fundamentals of drawing and painting human figures, such as understanding anatomy, muscles, poses, and drapery. The course also includes lessons on painting with light and color. These elements are essential for a visual development artist to create compelling and realistic depictions of characters for a project. This course helps build the skills needed to establish the visual style of a project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Development Artist

Video Game Artist

A video game artist creates the visual elements of video games, such as characters, backgrounds, and props. This course is a strong foundation for a video game artist, because it teaches the essentials of drawing and painting people, including the understanding of anatomy, proportions, and poses. The course allows learners to practice rendering figures from various viewpoints, and how to use color and light effectively, all key skills for a video game artist. The focus on creating full illustrations will also help the video game artist develop a portfolio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Artist

Concept Artist

A concept artist develops visual ideas for characters, environments, or props, often in the entertainment industry. This course may be useful to a concept artist because it teaches the fundamentals of figure drawing and painting. This course teaches how to understand anatomy, and how to create poses, along with how to paint and render figures in both black and white and in color. The understanding of human anatomy, drapery, and lighting provided by the course will be invaluable in creating believable and compelling concept art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Storyboard Artist

A storyboard artist creates the visual layout for film or animation projects. This course may be useful for a storyboard artist, because the ability to draw figures in perspective and in dynamic poses is directly taught. The course’s curriculum, which covers the simplification of values, light, and color, may also help a storyboard artist create expressive and functional storyboards. The lessons on gesture drawing and anatomy are especially helpful for portraying characters believably.

See salaries and explore the career path for Storyboard Artist

Medical Illustrator

A medical illustrator creates visuals for medical publications and educational materials. This course may be useful for a medical illustrator, because it emphasizes the importance of accurately depicting human anatomy and form. The curriculum includes lessons in drawing the body's structure, muscles, proportions, and various views of the head, all of which are foundational to medical illustrations. The course’s instruction on simplifying values and lighting may also help a medical illustrator clearly communicate anatomical features through their art. A medical illustrator typically needs an advanced degree.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Illustrator

Tattoo Artist

A tattoo artist creates designs and applies them to clients' skin. This course may be useful for a tattoo artist because it goes into detail on the techniques of drawing and painting the human form, including anatomy, muscle structure, and the rendering of different body parts. The course also covers various ways to draw the head and hair, as well as methods to use color and lighting. A good understanding of drawing people will help a tattoo artist create original work and satisfy clients with their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tattoo Artist

Art teacher

An art teacher instructs students in various artistic techniques and concepts. This course may be useful for an art teacher, especially one who wants to teach figure drawing and painting. The course curriculum includes a full overview of drawing and painting the human figure, including understanding anatomy, proportions, and how to paint and render people using both black and white and color. The course’s step by step approach makes it easy to teach to others. An art teacher will likely have a strong foundation in the arts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Fashion Designer

A fashion designer creates clothing and accessories, often beginning with sketches and illustrations. This course may be helpful to a fashion designer due to the detailed instruction in drawing and painting the human figure, since accurately rendering the human body is essential for designing clothing. The course's exploration of anatomy and muscle structure can inform the way clothing is designed. The course's focus on drapery and folds will help a fashion designer visualize how fabric interacts with the body. Most fashion designers have a degree in fashion or a closely related field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

Let's Draw

How to Draw and Paint Realistic People!

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