Tom Hanks! It was an easy choice to redo the drawing I did back in December. I didn’t mind how it turned out then but I also knew it could be better. I went through the online course I took, and mentioned in my last post, step by step, and really took my time making sure this turns out. Here is the result!

Here’s the steps taken (kind of).

I started with the basic layout. I actually did this drawing with the way you learn in most basic drawing classes, with lines and circles. The instructor explained it so simply, a light bulb went on in my head and I finally was able to use this method successfully. Next was adding shadow shapes and the actual features and final checking over and over again to make sure everything was in it’s proper place.

Next was what’s called “Keying the Drawing” to get the contrast I wanted. I started with the eyes. Then I moved on to the forehead, than the nose. The instructor called this “modeling the form” which is pretty helpful in remembering to make the shapes on the face more defined. Next, the mouth and chin. On to the ear, cheek and hair. Then finished off with the neck and the collar of the jacket.

I’m going to be bold and say the improvement is awesome! It took me about 10-12 hours to do. Significantly longer than the original 2 1/2 hours. I knew taking my time makes a big difference. Proportions are much better and the facial features are better placed and angled. What do you think?