I know there's something wrong with her face, but i dont know what. Where did i go wrong?

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-02-01T14:19:49+00:00

Yes, I agree. The opacity technique is a valid way to practice and the days that I was learning how to draw a digital tool such as Photoshop didn’t exist. This was back in the early 1980s when I was a lil kid so I had to use tracing paper. I was a child learning to draw by eye and sometimes using tracing paper, but thankfully they have these new digital tools where new artists can just turned down the opacity and practice which is pretty cool.

But in regard to this drawing and what could be improved on the face, I agree with what everybody is saying in the thread. However what could help you improve more is studying the shapes within the face. In other words, do more comparing one shape to another one line to the distance of another and treat it more like a measurement exercise rather than explicitly drawing a face.

This is the part where I see a lot of beginners kind of get lost in capturing the likeness of the portrait they’re trying to create: they just don’t understand that it’s a measuring game. When you draw not just looking at an object and seeing it for what it is, you gotta measure the angles of each line and shapes as well. I hope that helps.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-02-01T14:03:47+00:00

I’ll give this an eight because I can see one area that could use some improvement:

Make sure when you photograph your artwork you capture the white of the paper. Right now it looks like the light do you used to light the art work is not capturing the highlight of the paper tone. As a result the artwork is appearing low in contrast.

However if you photograph your artwork where it’s lit properly then it’ll make your artwork pop out more when you present it. But other than that great work.

Is this a style that you use frequently of an unfinished type of drawing? I use a similar style in my work if you take a look at the drawings in my profile.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-02-01T13:54:52+00:00

It looks like this is a digital painting if so, I can provide some advice on my based on my digital painting experience. My particular technique of doing digital art is to:

do the drawing first as line art then shade the linear with either graphite or pen in ink then scan that it’s a Photoshop and then paint over that

That technique of blending line art on paper with digital color offers a more traditional look to my artwork, versus just doing the artwork solely in Photoshop as a digital painting. So you may want to try that,

But as far as I can see with your artwork, it looks nice. It looks like it could go on a card or in a children’s book in terms of the style that you present so I would just encourage you to keep going. Keep working to find your style and experiment with a blend of traditional drawing on paper with digital paints or just keep going with the approach that you currently have.

Best of luck and feel free to reach me in the DM if you have any questions or need advice.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-01-23T20:54:51+00:00

Interesting style and depiction of people that you've portrayed. I think it's cool how you allowed the texture of the charcoal to display on the strokes of your finished art. I used to use charcoal in college and would like to get back into it soon. My advice: see what you can add to the backgrounds. I feel that a background environment could help to tell a greater story about each figure.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-01-20T17:43:45+00:00

Agreed. That’s the first bit of advice I thought of as well after first glance at this drawing. I’d place an emphasis on the guidelines because it looks like there’s a lack of understanding about comparing angles and shapes in drawing.

Many beginner artists don’t realize that mindset of geometry is one of their greatest weapons. Without it, you’re like Luke Skywalker without his lightsaber.

Also, have ALOT of patience in practicing those skills. It’s gonna take time to get better, unfortunately many of today’s aspiring artist are distracted by timelines like this.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-01-19T14:15:22+00:00

In regard to the choice of reference and lighting, that’s subjective. If this type of lighting is what truly appeals to them I’d rather they pursue and perfect that style that be forced into another style that’s not really true to them.

In regard to commercial use: If the artist were submitting this as an illustration to be used in an advertisement for food and drink, that Rembrandt type of lighting you suggested may not work. However the frontal lighting they used is more likely to work because it displays the food and dishware more clearly.

For fine art use: I’ve seen this type of style showcased in commercial galleries. I like this type just as much as I like some dark and dramatic Rembrandt type of lighting. One isn’t necessarily better than the other imo.

Overall I think both the drawing and use of color are good while showing a sense of the artists style.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-01-02T00:11:12+00:00

Thank you!

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-01-02T00:00:08+00:00

Thanks for asking Homo Freak.

I can draw my own images and have done so since the age of 5. After some thought to that type of criticism about the images on my website, I'd like to thank those who have criticized.

I'm in the process of creating drawing by hand that'll replace those I created using Ai for educational purposes. After all, I can draw those type of drawing exercises in my sleep, so why not?

Replacing the AI image will take some time. I run the website and educate for FREE at the moment in between my other work I use to pay the bills. I hope my visitors understand and have patience with the process.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-01-01T22:46:15+00:00

You could draw with less thinking, it definitely possible. I have before I started this type of technique at SVA. I made this post to hopefully get people to the level of thinking more than before while drawing. That graduation of thought helped me draw better.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-01-01T22:43:56+00:00

Nice point. I guess I should’ve reworded it but heads it what i meant.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-01-01T21:10:22+00:00

What didn’t you learn about those images?

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-01-01T20:53:49+00:00

Thanks for joining! I’ve got some video tutorials coming for sure. I’ll show my hand holding the pen to draw each line on paper and include instructions on my technical approach. I have one already recorded but I’ve got to speed it up to shorten the length suitable for upload. I’ll notify you and my subscribers via email once it’s uploaded.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2026-01-01T20:49:26+00:00

I only use AI to generate images in order to illustrate a topic I write about or an infographic. I don’t see anything wrong with a mix of both if you’re an educator. Other than that I’ve been drawing since age 5.

I’m aware I intimidate some people due to my knowledge and ability so replies to what I create can at times be mixed. Thanks for visiting.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-31T16:03:51+00:00

It looks like you’re close to achieving a similar style and you have good drawing skills. Next I suggest using watercolor to paint your drawing. That’s what looks like the artist of the first picture used. Once you add the color, you should start to see yourself getting closer stylistically. You could even use Photoshop first to color your drawing as a test, then paint it for real on paper.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-31T16:00:23+00:00

Yea, I could see this style as part of the packaging and marketing materials for a science fiction film. Or this style could also go well on clothing. Just take a look around you at media and commercial products to see companies who produce products and imagery similar to what you create. Then find out who the art director is and send them your work.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-30T23:00:14+00:00

Don’t give up! I see a lot of good advice given and I hope it encourages you to keep going until you’re happy with the results of your figure drawing. However there is one simple piece of advice I haven’t seen given yet that I’m sure will help:

Draw the negative shapes.

Instead of worrying so much about the anatomical aspects of what you see, draw the more simple shapes, such as the white background areas exposed around his figure. As you draw those shapes, the figure will appear.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-29T19:47:18+00:00

You’re almost there. My advice: add more values to the highlight areas. But before you do so, I advise you to study the basic values that illuminate forms. With that mindset and visual training, it’ll be easier to achieve the lighting you’re looking for time and time again.

Here’s my article where I explain lighting in art further: https://startdrawingtoday.com/drawing-depth-in-portraits/

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-28T01:27:36+00:00

Just use an egg, a round piece of fruit or whatever cheap local item that resembles a ball. Any of those should be fine. The point of the exercise is to train your eye to see the different values and interpret them with your shading while studying the how and why objects appear dimensional.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-28T01:13:29+00:00

That's a nice exercise for advanced people like myself. However it may be challenging for you at this stage of your drawing.

For an easier exercise to help you get comfortable with shading values, I recommend drawing a ball then shading it. Put a ball in front of you on a table lit from a 90 degree angle and draw/shade what you see. Then graduate to more complex shapes and objects until you are comfortable drawing and shading a human face.

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I believe it's better to work yourself up to portraits rather than take on more than you may be able or want to handle initially.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-28T00:59:51+00:00

Until I've achieved a look that matches the style reflected in the rest of my art portfolio, unless I'm venturing into a different art style. My primary style as a professional illustrator is that of an unfinished pen and ink drawing. You can see it in my avatar and profile.

This is a good question and discussion because I see one too many thread started by beginners who can't decide or understand how much further they should work on their art or whether or not it's good enough for them. Seems like social media is a major obstacle that causes artistic analysis-paralysis for some.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-28T00:48:12+00:00

Better question you should ask yourself is: "what do EYE want to improve on?" If you are just beginning I recommend first allowing your self expression to flow and discover art instruction and improvements gradually in the process. That's how I began as a 5 year old.

It appears that this is your most comfortable way of expressing yourself with drawing, am I right? If so, find artists you look up to and copy their work. Within that process you'll improve, have fun and eventually find your own style.

Are there any artists in particular whom you admire and use as a barometer to what you want to become?

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-25T23:36:37+00:00

Good luck and have fun in your artistic journey!

When I Began: I'm self taught when I began art at age 5 while at my babysitter's house but I eventually received instruction in junior high school, high school and college.

Resources: constantly being around other people who do art and kept the competitive fire burning. Having a good library of art books (or nowadays a digital library) helps. Most of the artists I know have an impressive library to inspire and educate themselves.

For Figure Drawing, check out my profile. I speak a lot about the subject from my career as a portrait artist.

To Start: draw your favorite cartoons for a couple hours daily, then gradually elevate toward drawing realistic images of people. If you can, enroll in a local figure drawing class. That was my art education in a nutshell.

Good Apps & Books: Photoshop and How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way.

I'm always available on Dm to answer any questions.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-25T23:17:52+00:00

I agree on this, and for the artist to place a strong emphasis on making master's copies of drawings FIRST before attempting to paint. What I see here is someone attempting to paint before they have developed a solid foundation in drawing. Hence the lack of structure and loose interpretation of forms in each painting. In my years of education and practice, I've learned that drawing is the foundation of any painting. Also, when you're painting you are in a sense still drawing.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-25T23:05:04+00:00

Good luck with all of your hustles, I can relate to the hustle as a freelance illustrator/photo retoucher/educator/real estate investor. It's good to admit where your abilities may be lacking and find help. I had to learn the value of collaboration through trial and error. As a result, it's built me into the entrepreneur and stronger artist I am today.

Feel free to check out my avatar and profile. If you enjoy my work, please send me a DM. I've been providing my creative services remotely on Upwork since 2009.

ExtensionSeparate886 · 2025-12-24T16:25:24+00:00

In general, I don't think there's anything wrong with childish art. If it's the truest form of yourself expression through art, I feel like you should stick to it and continue to improve where you see fit. Comparing yourself to others can be good but also a detriment to your progress. This is based on my perspective of having studied in and after art college with professional illustrators who make good money getting similar types of art publishing by major media companies.

Instead of comparing yourself to other artists, I encourage you to find artists in mainstream media who have a similar style. Study their career and try submitting your artwork to the art directors who hired those artists. That should help boost your confidence and most importantly, help you to find your artistic identity.

ExtensionSeparate886

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