The body is angled and some of the features are foreshortened, which makes this figure study more challenging to draw than a straight-on or side view. The light source is coming from the upper left, which causes most features to be lighter at the upper left, gradually getting darker going to the lower right. Block in the figure, then add the chair.
Paper: 12" × 9" (30cm × 23cm) medium-texture drawing paper
Pencils: 2B graphite, 4B graphite
Other Supplies: kneaded eraser
Optional Supplies: 12" × 9" (30cm × 23cm) medium-texture sketch paper, lightbox or transfer paper
With a 2B pencil, sketch horizontal lines for the top of the head and the lowest placement of the toes. Sketch a vertical line, from top to bottom, at the side of the face. Sketch a horizontal line at the base of the chin. This distance from the chin to the top of the head can be used as a unit to measure and compare distance, though it is not a true head height because it includes the hair. Add two more vertical lines, one for the placement of the knee on the left and the other for the arm on the right.
Continuing with a 2B pencil, sketch the form of the head by adding curved lines for the forehead and the outer shape of the hair. Sketch more curved lines for the shoulders and the outer form of the arms. Add a straight line for the underside of the front leg.
Add more to the form of the hair, and sketch the arms, legs and a short curved line for the neck. Add circles for the closest elbow and the knees.
Add lines for the placement of the eyes, nose and mouth. Sketch basic shapes for the hands and feet. Add lines for the cuffs and edges of the clothing.
Continuing with a 2B pencil, start sketching the form of the chair as a basic shape with attention to its placement in relation to the form of the figure.
Refine the form and start adding details to the face, fingers, shoes, clothes and chair.
Erase unwanted lines if working directly on drawing paper or transfer the sketch onto drawing paper using a 2B pencil, leaving out unwanted lines. Add more details including lines for shadows and her hair.
Using a 2B pencil, begin adding values starting with the lighter regions including the face, neck, hands, pants and chair.
Continuing with a 2B pencil, add the middle values, gradually darkening areas and developing the form throughout the subject.
Remove graphite to create highlights in the hair and on the pants by pressing the tip of the kneaded eraser down and dragging it along the paper surface. If the graphite is too dark, it is difficult to lift off with the kneaded eraser. This is why we haven’t added the darks to the hair yet.
With a 4B pencil, start adding darks. Place the darks of the hair around the previously highlighted areas.
Mary
Graphite pencil on drawing paper
12" × 9" (30cm × 23cm)
With 2B and 4B pencils, continue adding the values, including darks, details and the shadow under the chair. Lighten by lifting graphite with a kneaded eraser if necessary. Sign the front and write the date on the back of the finished drawing.
Mary
Watercolor on cold-pressed watercolor paper
12" × 9" (30cm × 23cm)
The understanding you gain through drawing the human figure doesn’t have to be limited to drawing, but it can be carried over to other art mediums. I took this drawing a step further and turned it into a painting.