Mistakes to avoid while drawing portraits from photos

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Mistakes to avoid while drawing portraits from photos


The main objective that you should have while drawing portraits from photos is that the resultant pictures that you draw should be a great replica of the original photo. While it is alright to have some changes as per customized instructions from your customers, there are certain things that are strictly no-no’s in this process. When you commit these mistakes, your portraits look shabby and it is a complete injustice to the original picture. As an artist, there can be disappointment bigger than being branded “unreliable� by your customer. So, here are some common mistakes that beginners do and how they can be avoided at all costs.


Incorrect and artificial drawing of the hair

One of the most common mistakes that beginners commit is drawing artificial hair that looks like plastic. When the person in the picture has nice wavy hair and when you just draw few artificial dormant lines to show that you have drawn something on the head. It is a blunder. The key is to show some darkening space around the scalps to show that the hair has grown. Give importance tie the dark and light lines of the mustache (especially if you are drawing from a picture of an old man) and don’t ignore sideburns, if any. All of these are minute details, but they make a world of difference to your portraits.


Focussing on too many details of the background

This problem usually happens when you are drawing house portraits from photos. If you want your end-product to be perfect and you keep on referring back to the original picture again and again. As a result, you tend to focus too much on the background than the house itself. When you are drawing houses, it is important to get the outline and the details right, in the first place. The background and colour combinations can be decided as per the client’s personal interests and preferences. This rule applies even when you are an expert in creating house portraits online. Use digital software tools to get the basic structure of the house first and then use the autoadjustment features to make the necessary changes in the image.


Personalized instructions

This may look like a simple mistake; however, it creates a huge difference on your When you get the shape of an iris Not getting the portraits. eyes in focus wrong, it distorts the final portrait. When you are drawing the eyes, it is always better to draw a full circle, when you are drawing inside the eyes. Place a dot in the center of this circle to denote the iris. This way, you can take into account, the impact of opening or closing eyelids as well.


These mistakes are only the tip of an iceberg. Drawing portraits is an exhaustive field and there is scope for learning every day. Be aware of the latest trends and styles in this field so that you can make the most of technological advancements and provide tailormade portraits from pictures for your customers, to their utmost satisfaction.


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