How do you start a beginner portrait sketch?

Creating a realistic and detailed pencil portrait sketch can be a challenging task, but with practice and patience, anyone can improve their skills. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful pencil portrait sketch:

1. Start with a light sketch: Begin with a light sketch of the subject, focusing on the general shapes and proportions. Avoid pressing too hard with the pencil at this stage, as it will make it difficult to erase mistakes later.

2. Work from the general to the specific: Build up the details gradually, starting with the overall shapes and working your way down to the finer details.

3. Use a range of pencils: Experiment with different pencils to achieve different effects. A harder pencil (e.g. 2H or 3H) will create a lighter, finer line, while a softer pencil (e.g. 2B or 4B) will create a darker, thicker line.

4. Pay attention to shading: Shading is key to creating depth and dimension in your portrait. Pay attention to the direction of the light source and use shading to create highlights and shadows.

5. Don't forget the eyes: The eyes are the most important feature in any portrait. Spend extra time on the eyes to ensure they are realistic and capture the subject's personality.

6. Use a blending tool: A blending tool such as a blending stump or tortillon can be used to create smooth transitions between tones and textures.

7. Take breaks: It's easy to get lost in a portrait sketch and spend hours on it at a time, but it's important to take breaks to rest your eyes and prevent burnout.

8. Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you will become. Set aside time each day or each week to work on your pencil portrait skills.

Remember, creating a beautiful pencil portrait sketch takes time and practice. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you.