Tutorial 127 - The Grid Method (Patreon)

The grid method is not only a really effective and accurate way to transfer an image into a drawing or painting but it's also perfect for getting into your subject in preparation for a greater artwork, if you choose. 

I'll talk about using the grid method for creating accurate portraits a little after this next paragraph.

The grid method is a simple way of breaking down the reference image into small but abstract areas to draw from. Each square on the grid is seen no longer as a part of a face, for instance, but instead as an arrangement of abstract shapes, making it much easier to translate into marks on your paper or canvas. You won't be distracted by the thought of making sure an eye looks like an eye, for example. Instead, you will draw what is really there, not what you think you see. As you go through the process of copying each square across, you will be closely scrutinizing your subject, essentially equipping yourself with a mental map of your subject. It's like moving to a new neighborhood - only after you've walked around a little are you then able to describe the area from your unique perspective. 

For portraits 

When preparing your grid overlay, make sure the squares aren't too small or too big. I'd say an eye's width is about the largest you want to go. Next create a copy of the grid on your paper or canvas. Use a light pencil that can be easily erased or blended. If you want to make an enlargement, just make sure the grid contains the same amount of squares. Now it's time to outline the darkest forms following the same process described in my Simple Shadow Shapes tutorial here: 

https://www.patreon.com/posts/tutorial-121-5392854

 Along they way, be sure to blend or ease your grid. You should end up with a fairly accurate copy. After you have achieved a strong likeness you can then begin applying any personal creative decisions like applying contrast and where to loose edges, where to focus the eye, etc. Whatever you do you should go beyond making just an accurate copy, unless you're simply going for hyper-realism, in which case, just keep going!