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CONNECTING WITH YOUR SITTER –
Curtis Holder
Reference Image
Materials
Sketchbook or any available paper (scrap paper, printer paper, even an old bill)
Coloured pencils or markers
Graphite pencils
Acetate window
Blackboard marker
Eraser
Find these items at cassart.co.uk
Loosening Up with Blind Drawing
Begin with a blind drawing exercise to break free from expectations and focus on observation. Without looking at the paper, draw the sitter while keeping full attention on their features. Choose a bold, primary colour to ensure the lines stand out. Keep the hand moving fluidly and try mapping all facial and body features. As your eyes will be focused on your sitter this is a great time to engage in conversation to help them relax.
Top Tip: If the proportions felt too large or too small, try a second drawing with a smaller range of motion, using only the wrist instead of the elbow.
Switching Hands to Loosen Up Further
Take a pencil and hold it using your non dominant hand. This time feel free to look at your paper as well as your model. The aim is to continue working on observation whilst embracing the unexpected lines and out of control nature of working with your ‘wrong’ hand. Avoid erasing mistakes but instead try layering new lines on top of ones you aren’t happy with to refine shapes.
Top Tip: If the model moves, keep drawing. The motion will add energy to the lines.
Focusing on the Outline
As another exercise spend some time only focusing on your subject’s outline. Use a piece of acetate sandwiched within some card. Hold the acetate in front of your subject, close one eye and trace your sitter’s outline with a whiteboard marker. Observe how head size compares to body proportions as this exercise corrects common mistakes like making the head too large. Use the outline as a guide before moving on to the final drawing.
Bringing everything together
With a better understanding of the sitter’s shapes, posture, and personality, begin a final expressive drawing. Choose colours to reflect the sitter’s energy. Keep lines loose and playful, avoiding rigid outlines. If hands are important to the composition, focus on their shape over detail. Include meaningful elements like jewellery or clothing that reflect the sitter’s personality.
Top Tip: Remember that conversation and movement should continue during the drawing. A sitter’s natural gestures and expressions will enrich the final portrait.
