How to Draw a Person With a Hood On

Who can resist a little girl in a Red Riding Hood costume?

With a few easy steps, anyone can draw a sketch of a friend in a hood. The size of the hood depends on the clothing, such as the difference between a cloak and hooded jacket. Choose the fullness and draping quality of the hood, and use shading for the creases. Cover much of the subject's face for drama or pull back the hood to expose the facial features. Follow the suggestions below to draw a Halloween costume or capture a friend with a hooded sweatshirt.

Things You'll Need

• 6B, 4B, 2B, H and 2H Graphite Pencils
• Set of colored drawing pencils
• Large eraser
• Pencil sharpener
• Drawing sketch pad 8 inches X 11 inches
• Flat work surface

Instructions

Prep, draw, shade and color.

1. 

   For beginners, a profile drawing of a human face is easier.

   Set all the supplies on a flat surface with good lighting. Don't worry that using a child as a model is problematic. Take a picture of the child, and enlarge the photo to sit by the sketch pad. Or cut out a picture of a hooded costume, jacket or cloak from a magazine or catalog. Use this hood as a template and take note of the folds and how the fabric drapes.

2. 

   Shading and highlights make a drawing three-dimensional.

   Examine the child's photo for clues on facial structures such as an oval or heart-shaped face. Look for details such as a larger upper lip or a brow that is higher than another. Start with a 4B Graphite pencil and draw the outline of the child's face and neck. Add shading to show characteristics such as cheekbones and a round chin. Smudge a line with your finger to add depth.

3. 

   Color is a powerful tool. Too much, and the drawing will not stand out.

   Use a sharpened 2B pencil and lightly draw a hood around the subject's face and shoulders. Use the eraser to take out overlapping hair, part of an ear or cheek where the hood and cloak covers. Draw lines where the fold or draping occurs in the cloak and hood. Leaving an area clear of pencil lines will highlight. Shade the interior of the hood to make shadows along the face and neck.

4. 

   Add a landscape or an interesting object in the drawing.

   Draw in the fine details of the subject's face and overall portrait. Once completed with the subject, add a basket of flowers, a tree or grass at this time. When the Graphite pencil work and shading is complete, begin to color in the drawing. Many artists only will add color to the eyes, lips and cheeks for drama. Consider coloring the hood red and nothing else in the drawing.

5. 

   Choosing a frame is as important as the colors in the portrait.

   A neutral frame will allow the portrait to command attention. Using a flashy red or printed frame might take away from the drawing. Bring the portrait to the store, and find the best frame and mat.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a finger to blend and shade the drawing. An eraser will make any errors or smudges disappear, leaving the portrait with clean lines. Sharpen a pencil to get a fine line, useful for around the eyes and lips. A dull pencil with a rounded surface is excellent for shading. Colored pencils can be used in the same manner.

• Keep all fluids away from the drawing. If an accident occurs, use a dry sponge to lift water from the picture, then let the portrait dry overnight.

References

• Draw Real People: Lee Hammond
• Draw a detailed portrait in Graphite: Empty Easel magazine

Resources

• How to Draw What You See: Rudy De Reyna