It's Gonna Get Weird Before It Gets Good: Draw a Graphite Portrait with Zac Rybacki

A practice in graphite subtlety, this lesson is an invitation to slow down, observe deeply, and build confidence, one pencil stroke at a time.

Throughout the lesson (54 mins), Zac Rybacki guides you through his thoughtful process for capturing light, expressive form, and three-dimensional structure using just a simple No. 2 pencil and a few trusted tools.

With his signature calm and clear narration, Zac demonstrates how to establish foundational forms using a modified Loomis method, then gradually refine and develop tone through careful measurement, soft shading, and intuitive layering.

Along the way, he addresses challenges like complex lighting, tricky angles, and the moment every artist hits when the drawing “gets weird before it gets good”—and shows you how to work through them with patience and clarity.

Ready to sharpen your eye, embrace imperfection, and discover how much can be achieved with the most basic of tools? Let's get started!