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Portrait Drawing Foundation Charcoal Graphite Man by Kai Lun Qu

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Portrait Drawing Foundations

đź–¤ Build portraits that feel alive from the ground up. In this 4.5+ hour in-depth course, Kai Lun Qu guides you through the fundamentals of portrait drawing using charcoal and graphite—focusing on structure, value, and expression. 

You’ll learn how to:
🎯 Establish strong foundational block-ins—reading proportions, planes, and features accurately
🖌️ Write with value and edge—balance soft transitions and sharp structure to sculpt the head
🧠 Use charcoal and graphite intentionally—understand the strengths of each medium and how to mix them effectively
🌟 Create drawings with presence and emotion—not just likeness, but depth and character

Perfect for aspiring portrait artists who want to strengthen their drawing foundation, sharpen their observational skills, and gain confidence in drawing heads from life or reference. Runtime: 4+ hours

  • Kai Lun Qu

    Instructor

  • Fundamental

    Difficulty
Meet your instructor

Kai Lun Qu

Kai Lun Qu is know for his alla prima paintings filled with expression and painterly strokes that evoke deep emotions. His unique blend of traditional style with a contemporary twist is a result of two extremes: a formal training in China’s most prestigious art academy, China Central Academy of Fine Arts and intense studies with renown contemporary painters like Daniel Keys, Tim Rees and Michelle Dunaway in the United States. 
In 2018, He was featured in Southwest Art Magazine, 21 under 31: Young Artists to Watch. 

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