In this lesson we’re going to draw a downward tilted head, using just one pastel pencil. Actually, I created two versions of this portrait, using two very different methods: the first by measuring all the proportions carefully, but I didn’t like the outcome. And the second by working in a more gestural, loose and intuitive way, which turned out to be a portrait that I reallly love. Both versions however were important for the final outcome.

What is special about this lesson, is that I show both processes side by side, so that you can immediately see and compare the differences.

This is a great lesson if you want to learn how to draw in soft, loose and free style while also creating a more challenging head direction like a downward tilted head.

• In the first video of this lesson I’ll show you how I created the first version of my portrait. You’ll learn about the main proportions of a downward tilted head, and how I take my measurements using my pencil and sometimes a compass.
• You’ll also learn ways to work in a more gestural, loose and intuitive way, which I’ll show in the second video where I create the second version of the portrait. I love how this portrait turned out, because it shows softness and depth.
• In the final video I’ll show the drawing process of both versions side-by-side, so that we can compare both approaches. Even though I didn’t like how the first version turned out, I do think that it helped me in creating my second version, the portrait that I like.
• At the bottom of this page you can find downloadable PDFs with the list of supplies, a diagram with the proportions of a downward tilted head, and the reference photo that I used for this lesson.

I really loved making this lesson, and I hope you’ll enjoy it!