If you have ever wondered how to draw something that is real looking, versus more cartoonish looking people. Then this can be your moment to clarify the difference between the two very distinct approaches.
One is that when you draw from life you are translating the visual information in front of you. It can be very zen like, to just transcribe small bits of information piece by piece into a related whole. This is a powerful method to learn how to draw real people.
The other approach which is cartooning, is to give shape to your inner expressions. Both can be ultimately expressive, yet one you are finding the rythm the life and the flow to describe an emotion, the other is like channeling that emotion to recreate the person you see before you.
You can always start with lines. Lines are the marks of each drawing down to the most basic stick figure. When you learn how to draw real people always be looking for the accuracy of your lines. Look for the truthful moments that lines go from one point to the next. measuring each one with your own personal guess making.
Then you can always come in to see how realistic your own perceptions were using a measuring device. In most cases a pencil or paint brush is best. Hold it vertically straight in front of you and compare a top half to a bottom half of your object. If they line up on your drawing, then you are on point! That is success. Then you continue to add complexity to your work line by line, each one building off of the last.
For a much more illustrative demonstration take a look at these free videos on the top right. Just enter your info so I know where to send them. All my best, Evan.
