Eschew Perfectionism and Capture Character with Graphite Artist Margriet Aasman

In this graphite portrait lesson (86 mins), artist Margriet Aasman guides you through a graphite portrait study of a subject rich with character, lines, and expressiveness.

Rather than worrying about achieving a hyper-polished final product or getting trapped in exact details, Margriet demonstrates how to use simple pencils to feel out big shapes, layer organic line work, and let a portrait tell its own story.

What You'll Experience in This Lesson

• Embrace a forgiving medium: See how a simple graphite pencil allows you to sketch freely, build up soft-to-dark values, and make adjustments as you go without the fear of making mistakes.
• Focus on expressive shapes: Learn to approach complex features—like deep creases, asymmetrical lines, and unique structures—as a fun puzzle of interlocking shapes rather than intimidating details.

• Build up layers, not pressure: Follow along as Margriet moves from light gestural marks with a medium lead (2B) to deeper, textured values with softer leads (4B and 6B), showing how loose cross-hatching and intuitive lines bring real soul to a face.
• Let go of perfectionism: Discover the freedom of ditching the eraser safety net, accepting imperfect marks, and treating your drawing session as a satisfying practice in showing up.

Ready? Grab a piece of paper, a few pencils, and let's get started!