Concept · 4 steps · Subjective frame

The Portrait

Not a copy of a face — a claim about a person. The full climb, from why humans have always made images of each other, all the way to deciding what your own portrait will argue. Four short steps, each with its own toy to play with.

1 Where it comes fromPick a reason a portrait exists — remember, power, love, identity — and watch the picture argue it. 2 How to do itThe six choices that carry the meaning: pose, gaze, setting, props, clothing, scale. 3 Where it gets trickyLikeness versus truth — and the trap of chasing photo-accuracy. 4 Out in the wildHolbein, Frida Kahlo, the Archibald — and building an argument of your own.

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Drawing & Mark-making Basics

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The Four Frames
Drawing the Face