How to Draw Realistic People

Co-authored by Renée Plevy

Last Updated: April 11, 2024

People are arguably the most difficult subject to draw realistically. Read on to discover the rules of drawing a realistic face as well as a realistic figure.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Semi Realistic People

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Make sure you draw lightly so it's more of a sketch than the final project. When you are finished with the sketches, erase them. They are easier to erase now that your lines are lighter.

Add connecting lines to form the guides to jaws and the chin of the human head.

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Draw the realistic lips of the human at the bottom of the nose symmetrical of shape on either side of the vertical dividing line.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Realistic People

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1
Create a smaller circle and bisect it with a vertical line extending out from the bottom of the circle.
- Make your drawing seem more realistic by adjusting the perspective slightly. A lot of people draw at eye level, rather than adjusting the subject a little bit.
Add a small detail to the chin as well.

Community Q&A

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Question

When I draw a person I always draw the body too small for the head. How do I fix this?

Community Answer

Pan out the body first, in pencil very lightly, so that you can rub anything out and resize it as needed.

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Question

How can I erase the guide lines without erasing the face?

Community Answer

Erase slowly and lightly. If you accidentally erase the face, you'll still be able to see it, it will just be faded. You can easily redraw it.

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Question

Once I learn how to draw, can I sell my drawings, or would they be just for fun?

Community Answer

You can always sell your artwork. Consider learning how to draw portraits or caricatures of people, and then sketching people at craft fairs, etc. You can sell your sketches and drawings there as well.

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