In fact, I’ve gotten to know some of the students and their parents fairly well. This past September marked my fourth year drawing at MSOE, which meant a lot of the seniors who came by to get their caricature drawn had gotten one done each year since they were freshmen. What a great tradition! A mom and her son even brought every drawing they’ve had done, and we took a picture holding each version:

Having a caricature artist at an event like this is also great way for new students to connect. I’ve noticed a lot of times I’ll be drawing someone, and another student or group of students will walk by, notice the drawing, make a comment, and the next thing you know they are discussing majors, classes, teachers and more. So, not only did my subject get a drawing they can hang on their dorm room wall, but they also made some new friends. I’m glad I can help bring people together!

Step 1: Create the sketch

This is the most important part of the process. Without a good sketch, the final product will never look right no matter how good of a painter you are.

Step 2: Add a background

First, set the sketch layer’s blending mode to multiply. Then, create a new layer and place it below the sketch layer. Fill that layer with gray. Finally, choose a slightly lighter shade of gray and use the gradient tool to create a subtle gradient from the top-right corner to the bottom left corner.

Step 3: Start rendering the shadows and highlights

I use a soft edged brush for this part of the process. I work quickly, blocking in the major shadows and highlights. Don’t be too concerned about details at this point.

Step 4: Paint in the shadows and highlights for the finer details

Now, start painting in the eyes and other small details.

Step 5: Add in more detail and smooth the highlights

This is where the painting really begins to come to life! Zoom in on the eyes and paint in the fine details, including the shadow cast over the iris from the upper eyelid, as well as the all important highlights which should slightly overlap both the pupil and the iris. Add in the darkest shadows, such as the area below the jawline, and the lightest highlights.

Step 6: Finalize all the little details

Here I added some finishing touches, such as the bright highlights on the nose and lower lip, as well as darkened up the bottom of the upper lip. Also, the shirt was a little dull, so I lightened it up and added some contrast around the wrinkles. Finally, I added a subtle texture to the background to make it more interesting.

Done!