Self Portraits
Drawing self portraits is a great way to practice your drawing skills. Portraits can be difficult for beginners but they’re easy to practice when the subject is yourself. There’s an added bonus that if you make a bad drawing, it won’t offend anyone. Some people can get very touchy if their portraits aren’t super flattering.
In general, starting with graphite pencils or charcoal drawing supplies would be my recommendation. Graphite tends to have less contrast, but finer marks and greater control vs. the darker values and slightly messier qualities of the charcoal. Either way, an eraser will come in handy.
Getting Started
There are many self portrait drawing guides available online that are a quick search away but in regards to drawing media, I would recommend jumping straight into charcoal. This charcoal set is among the best drawing supplies due to its versatility and it will have everything you need for many drawings to come. Since charcoal tends to be dark, be sure to set up a lamp to create dark shadows on your face that will make the drawing more interesting.
Another thing to remember is to work from simple to complex. You know how drawing guides always start with simple shapes? Drawing a face is no different and many guides will start with just a circle or oval with a couple lines drawn through the middle. Either way, don’t start by focusing too specifically on any single feature. Draw lightly and focus on large, simple shapes and areas of value. Switch between condensed charcoal and charcoal pencils as you see fit and when it makes sense to use each one.
Remember, with a self portrait, you don’t have to worry as much about the results. Your model is working for free and no one has to see the drawing if it doesn’t turn out well.
Keep It Simple
Another reason I recommend using charcoal or charcoal drawing pencils is because you can be a little more expressive. Self portraits are more than just a drawing of your own face. Accuracy is nice but remember that you’re trying to convey something about yourself to the viewer. Drawing is simple because you can focus on structure and value without the complication of color, drying times, and mediums involved in artist’s media like paint.
Whatever your goals are, drawing self portraits is great practice and has been used throughout artistic training for centuries. I would recommend looking at the drawings of Kathe Kollwitz, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, or any other artist you have an interest in.
Just Practice
Drawings are meant to be relatively quick. Start with our recommended drawing supplies, such as the graphite sets or charcoal drawing tools, but remember that the first few drawings you make are a form of practice. It can be a little discouraging when a drawing doesn’t look right but it’s just a little bit of time and paper so be liberal with the eraser (or don’t, sometimes I like just going with a drawing even if it’s looking terrible) and remember that it’s about the experience and not the final product. After practicing, you can take the same drawing media and make something that takes longer and looks nicer by using the skills you gained during the drawing practice.