How to Sketch a Self Portrait

Try sketching a self-portrait. Although it is probably the face you look at the most, it is probably also the face you're least familiar with. Not only will it help you see yourself in a new light, you are also a willing and handy model for yourself when sketching.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Mirror

Instructions

1. Study your reflection in the mirror. Having a mirror is a necessity for drawing a self-portrait. If using small hand-held mirror, only sketch the face. Adjusting your position to see more in the reflection will distort the picture.

2. Pay close attention to the composition of your face. Look at how much the face is covered with hair, where in relation to the head are the features placed, and the actual shape of the head and face.

3. Let go of pre-conceived ideas of what you look like. This is often very challenging to do. Related to the psychology of self-image and confidence, people usually have much different idea of what they actually look like. Draw what you see and not what you think you see.

4. Begin the sketch by sketching in basic shape of the head and face. Once this is satisfactory, add a basic shape of the hair and the rough area that it will cover.

5. Sketch in the features. Remember that eyes are usually right in the middle of the head from top to bottom. Also sketch the nose and eyes.

6. Shade the picture. Shading the picture may be the hardest part. It is what will change the overall appearance of the sketch the most. Shading helps determine the bone structure and contours of the face.