How to Trace for an Accurate Portrait Sketch

/ Uncategorized
/ By Matt Philleo

Why tracing isn’t cheating: The benefits of using this method

Tracing is a useful technique for ensuring precision in portrait sketching. In this post, we will explore how tracing can help you create an accurate acrylic portrait sketch and offer tips for using an overhead projector for best results. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting, this method can save you time and frustration, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of painting.

Introduction: The Importance of Tracing

Tracing is often misunderstood as a shortcut, but in reality, it’s a tool that helps artists maintain accuracy and focus on the painting process. By tracing, you can capture the key proportions and likeness of your subject efficiently. In this tutorial, we will be tracing a portrait of the Apostle Paul, which will eventually be part of a book cover. The goal is to accurately depict his facial expression while minimizing the effort spent on freehand sketching.

Why Tracing is Not Cheating

It’s important to address the misconception that tracing is “cheating.” Many professional artists, including those who have mastered freehand sketching, use tracing to expedite the painting process. By using an overhead projector, you can skip time-consuming freehand work and focus on the more creative aspects of painting, such as shading, lighting, and color application. Tracing allows you to preserve your artistic vision while achieving accuracy in the foundational sketch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tracing a Portrait

1. Set Up Your Overhead Projector

The first step is to position your overhead projector correctly. Ensure that the canvas is aligned with the image you intend to trace. The positioning of your subject is crucial to the composition of the entire painting. In this example, the Apostle Paul is positioned according to the two-thirds golden proportion rule for balance.

Make adjustments to the projector or canvas as necessary to ensure that every element, from the main figure to background details like windows and scrolls, is well-placed. It is also recommended to work with an original or properly licensed image to avoid copyright issues.

2. Sharpen Your Pencil and Begin Tracing

Using a dark brown prismacolor pencil, start by tracing the main areas of contrast within the image. Sharp lines are essential for creating clarity in your sketch. Keep your pencil sharpened throughout the process to ensure precision.

Start with the areas that have the most contrast—such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. These facial features are crucial for capturing the likeness of your subject. Avoid adding excessive details; this can make the final painting harder to interpret once the projector is turned off.

3. Focus on Contrast and Simplicity

A key to effective tracing is focusing on areas of contrast. Identify the darkest and lightest sections of the image and trace these clearly. For example, in this portrait, the shadows around Paul’s face and the folds in his clothing provide stark contrast. Simplifying these areas during tracing will give you clear guidelines for the painting process later on.

It’s vital not to over-detail the sketch. Too many intricate lines will make it difficult to follow once the projector is turned off. Focus on the major shapes and let the painting process take care of the finer details.

Tips for Tracing Effectively

Key Tip #1: Composition First
Before you begin tracing, make sure your composition is set. Proper placement of your subject within the frame will make the final painting more visually appealing.
Key Tip #2: Focus on Areas of Contrast
Identify where the values in the image change the most. These areas, such as shadows and highlights, are where you should focus your tracing efforts.
Key Tip #3: Avoid Over-Detailing
Too many details in your tracing will overwhelm the painting process. Keep it simple and focus on the overall impression rather than the fine details.
Key Tip #4: Use a Sharpened Pencil
Always keep your pencil sharpened to achieve fine, clean lines. A colored pencil like Prismacolor works well because it smears less, is easier to paint over, and erases cleanly if needed.

The Final Sketch: Turning Off the Projector

Once you’ve traced all the important elements of your portrait, it’s time to turn off the projector and examine your work. This step will show you how well the tracing captures the proportions and key features of your subject. At this stage, you may notice areas that need refinement, such as the hands or certain facial features. Don’t worry if some parts appear non-descript; you can add these details later during the painting process.

Freehand Refinement

Although tracing simplifies the sketching process, some freehand work will still be necessary. After turning off the projector, refine areas like the hands, facial details, and any other intricate elements that need more precision. This combination of tracing and freehand sketching allows you to maintain accuracy while infusing your personal touch into the portrait.

Tracing for Better Portraits

Tracing is a powerful tool that allows artists to focus on the creative aspects of painting without getting bogged down by complex freehand sketching. By using an overhead projector and focusing on contrast, composition, and simplicity, you can create an accurate portrait sketch that serves as a solid foundation for your painting. Whether you’re working on a commissioned piece or a personal project, tracing can enhance your workflow, giving you more time to explore color, shading, and expression in your artwork.

Watch my tutorial to learn more about how to trace for an accurate portrait sketch.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me. I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.

Yours for Better Portraits,

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