Draw an 'Anchored' Face with David Tenorio

Today you'll learn how to manage a portrait filled with what Bay Area artist and art educator David Tenorio calls "complex information," specifically the interplay between hair, a beard, and the soft texture of skin.

With over 15 years of experience in figure drawing and anatomy, David specializes in a "process-first" approach that favors movement and intuition over rigid perfection.

In this lesson (69 mins), David demonstrates how to treat key facial areas with equal care while maintaining a clear focal point in your drawing.

Working with colored pencils, you will explore how to use an overhand grip to "wash" in shadows and how to make significant structural shifts early in the process to set yourself up for success.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Power of the Pivot: Discover how to use the nose as an anchor and the ears as a measuring tool to capture the "foreshortening" of a tilted head.
• The Reilly Method: Explore the philosophy of Frank Reilly, using S-curves and rhythmic connections to find a "flow" between facial features that transcends literal anatomy.
• The 80% Likeness Goal: Learn why David aims for 80% accuracy in the initial pass, allowing you to stay loose and reactive rather than getting stuck on a single line.
• Visual Weight: Understand how to adjust the "weight" of the neck and shoulders to reflect the character and athleticism of your subject.

Your Toolkit:

• Colored Pencil: David uses a Lyra Polycolor (Night Green), but you can choose any color you prefer.
• Erasers: Have both a kneaded eraser for lightening and a plastic eraser for bolder corrections.
• Sharpener: A long-point sharpener is recommended to maintain a versatile tip.

Ready to make like a beard and grow? Let's get started!