Wide Eyes, Wild Mustache: Draw an Expressive 30-Minute Portrait with Tiffany S. DaVanzo

This week, illustrator Tiffany S. DaVanzo invites you into a fast, joyful, and deceptively rich portrait session—one that proves how much personality you can capture with simple tools and a focused half hour.

Working in graphite on toned paper, Tiffany tackles a boldly expressive reference: wide eyes, lifted brows, a dramatic up-tilt of the head, and a mustache that practically demands attention.

As she draws, she narrates her thinking in real time—how she finds structure before detail, how she simplifies complex features, and how she decides what matters most when time is limited.

You’ll see how Tiffany:

• Builds a portrait from loose, forgiving underdrawing
• Prioritizes expression over perfection
• Uses line weight, shadow, and selective highlights to create depth
• Lets process marks stay visible, embracing them as part of the drawing’s life
• Uses white charcoal sparingly to make eyes, skin, and teeth pop on toned paper

Tiffany’s calm, encouraging approach makes this lesson ideal whether you’re sketching along in real time or watching for insight into how experienced artists think on the page.

Set a timer, grab a pencil, and bring your drawing to life faster than you might've thought possible. Let's get started!