Portrait Drawing Book Recommendations
3yr
Ewan Jones
I have recently been taking portrait drawing more seriously and have found myself itching for some good reference materials to help my learning. Ideally I am looking for a book which has many example drawings of specific features as well as entire portraits.
Does anyone know of such a reference? I would appreciate any recommendations, there are so many books out there that I am a little overwhelmed.
Thanks everyone!
3yr
This one was the first portrait drawing book that actually helped me: https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Lifelike-Portraits-Photographs/dp/089134635X/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=lee+hammond+drawing&qid=1621462138&sr=8-11
I think there's a newer edition.
3yr
Hey Ewan, as @James Doane said, you can't go wrong with Andrew Loomis. He's awesome, and he's what @Stan Prokopenko has based a lot of his teaching off of.
A couple I'd add to the list are Vanderpool and Bargue. They have some of the best drawing books out there for simplifying the human body. I also think their drawings are beautiful.
James Doane
3yr
Those are good additions @Kristian Nee!
3yr
Hi Ewan! Portraits are tough! Andrew Loomis is a great starting point, as others have mentioned. The Loomis method is not for everyone, but it is a solid starting point. I am personally not a fan of Hogarth, but you can try it if you want. I would also not recommend George Bridgman if you are just starting, but I would highly recommend his books as you get more advanced and move toward anatomy more.
3yr
hi @Ewan Jones you can look for andrew loomis book and burne hogarth book and some good portraits drawings from artists you like their works
3yr
Thank you for the suggestions! I don't remember seeing the Hogarth book when I was browsing so I will take a look.
3yr
Hey Ewan! I have been trying to practice more head drawing myself recently. “How to draw the head and hands” by Andrew Loomis is an absolute must own. It has helped me immensely
