Ink Portraits with Lines and Dots

Meet your teacher, Leonardo Gauna, who tells you about his art and illustrations as well as the authors he admires and the influences that inspire him to create every day.

Take a look at the materials you need, their characteristics, and how to use each one properly. Then, get an introduction to inking and see how it has evolved throughout history.

Continue with the technical aspects of illustration and learn how to create any portrait you have in mind. Study the primary muscle groups of the face to understand volume and see how to work with the value scale and key tonal values.

Now it's time to work on your project! Search for reference photos to create a sketch of your illustration and add complementary elements that bring out the identity and personality of the person you're portraying.

Once you've got a detailed outline, roll up your sleeves and start inking. Work outwards from the face to the surrounding objects, then emphasize specific details and add the finishing touches with watercolor, pencil, or a hint of color.