More grid template portraits

A student devised an adaptation of the grid program and I was quite proud of them for innovating on something that I taught them about. It shows that the students aren't just doing it because I asked them to, they are doing it and even improving it because they are genuinely interested.

She told me that she developed the system of actually lettering the individual squares on her grid because in a couple of times past she got confused, replicated the wrong part of the grid, and then had to start over. Even with good paper if you do too much erasing, it is very noticeable on the end product so I agree with her idea and think it could be a good improvement for a lot of people out there.

It's difficult to tell by looking at this photo, but she has already erased the blocks that determine where each part of the grid will go. I'm not exactly sure how she manages this because she didn't explain.

This was the original image she was working with. I don't know if this is a friend of hers or some celebrity but it doesn't really matter. it was a picture that she wanted to replicate and she can do whatever she wants!

Then after she has an outline she erases most of the letters but leaves enough of a trace behind so that she can still ID where a particular part of the portrait is in case she needs to reference it

Then she fills it in a bit more being careful to get rid of the letters as she goes along. One method of making this easier is to use a lighter lead pencil for the lettering or grid if you decide to go the traditional route. Lighter lead is easier to erase and will leave less of a mark behind. You just need to remember to only lightly press down on the paper when making the original grid.

Then once that is all erased, she put the finishing touches on it with a fine pencil.

Keep in mind that none of these materials are expensive. We give them away for free at our institute but if you had to purchase all of these things it would cost you just a couple dollars. Those few bucks will last you for 50 or more individual pictures so this is a very inexpensive way to start creating your own art. Of course you will need a phone or tablet to do the grid program on but I feel like most people already have one of these things anyway. It doesn't need to be high end either as the program is extremely simplistic.

I hope that all of your aspiring artists out there continue on your journey towards finding what you are good at and exploring it. This grid idea is simply to help people to become more confident with drawing faces, which is my 20 years of experience is one of the most difficult things to master. Get out there and have fun because at the end of the day, that is what art is supposed to be all about!