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Get a Likeness by Drawing Slowly but Surely with Arto Isotalo

Museletter x Museum

May 17, 2024 — 2 min read

Arto Isotalo is a self-taught artist from Finland who explores many different media in his portraiture with pencil getting pride of place in his heart.

"I enjoy the particular versatility of drawing in pencil," he says. "It can be used for everything from loose sketches to very detailed drawings."

In this lesson (50 mins), Arto shares his meticulous process of drawing this photo of Museum muse Danica Ash.

Using a range of pencils, Arto demonstrates how to build up values deliberately while always keeping a light touch on the pencil.

"I'm constantly looking at my reference photo when I'm drawing a portrait," says Arto. "If you're striving for likeness, you should be looking more at your reference than at your drawing."

Ready to draw with Arto? Let's get started!

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