Portrait Sketching Fundamentals
A complete FREE HAND portrait sketching course that builds proportions, facial features, angles, and graphite shading-so you can draw lifelike portraits confidently (without grids or shortcuts).
Certificate upon Completion
OUTCOMES
Progress you can measure in your portraits
Learn practical measurement habits so your portraits feel balanced and believable-without relying on grids.
Understand facial construction using Loomis + planes, so features sit correctly from the front and at angles.
Build values with graphite using the 5-value system, hatching, and layering to make portraits look 3D.
A QUICK LOOK INSIDE
What you’ll practice, in the right order
The curriculum is sequenced to build real FREE HAND results: proportions first, then facial structure, then finished portraits with values-so every lesson supports the next.
Proportions & measurement habits
Train your eye for accuracy with practical checks that make faces look balanced without grids.
Facial structure + angles
Learn Loomis proportions, planes of the face, and feature placement so portraits hold up from different views.
Graphite values + finished portraits
Use the 5-value system, hatching, and layering to add depth then apply it across multiple portrait projects.
VALUE & ACCESS
A complete portrait foundation. One-time fee.
Build strong FREE HAND portrait skills step-by-step proportions, facial structure, angles, and graphite values..so your portraits look lifelike and confident without grids or shortcuts.
- ✓ 15+ hours of real-time lessons with clear progression.
- ✓ Learn 4 different methods to approach portraits and discover what works for you.
- ✓ Loomis proportions + planes of the face for stronger structure (front + angles).
- ✓ Graphite shading with values: 5-value system, hatching, and layering.
- ✓ Whatsapp group support.
- ✓ Certificate on completion + downloadable PDF sketches.
100% refund available within 24 hours of purchase, if you feel the course is not suitable. Details are in the FAQs below.
For UPI options: kindly select “Razorpay” before clicking on “submit and pay”.
THIS COURSE IS FOR
Artists building strong FREE HAND portrait skills
Start with proportions, facial structure, and simple graphite values..then build up to complete portraits with confidence.
You practice portraits often, but results feel inconsistent. This course gives repeatable methods you can rely on.
Learn practical measurement habits and feature placement so faces feel accurate, balanced, and more “real.”
Build a strong base in proportions, angles, and shading—useful for school work, design, and long-term portrait growth.
Explore 4 different methods (including Loomis + planes) so you can find a process that matches how you see and draw.
Refine graphite shading using the 5-value system, hatching, and layering so portraits look more 3D and polished.
Module-wise Curriculum
Full Curriculum
A structured path from free hand fundamentals to facial construction, angles, and finished portraits with graphite values—so you can build real likeness without grids or shortcuts.
- Start with proportions + measurement habits to train accuracy.
- Build facial structure using Loomis + planes, then apply to angles.
- Finish with graphite values: 5-value system, hatching, layering, and full projects.
Introduction
- Message from the Instructor
- Supply list
- Why is free hand sketching important?
- Proportions and measurements
Shading techniques and 3D forms
- Values and pencil shading techniques
- 5 value system
- 3D forms
Starting with portraits
- Facial features
- Facial proportions with Loomis method
- Planes of the face
- Loomis method combined with planes
Project 1 - AMS method - Female portrait
- Foundation guidelines
- Portrait outlines
- Adding values with graphite
Project 2 - Female portrait
- Guidelines and outlines
- Adding values - hatching
- Final layer of values in graphite
Sketching features and face from angles
- Features from angles
- Face from angles
Project 3 - AMS method - Male portrait at an angle
- Foundation guidelines and outlines
- Adding details to the features
- Adding values
Project 4 - Measuring technique - Old man portrait
- Outlines
- Adding values using cross hatching
Project 5 - Loomis grid - Male portrait at an angle
- Loomis guidelines
- Portrait outlines
- Adding values
Project 6 - Grid method - Female portrait
- Making the box grid
- Portrait outlines
- Adding values
Project 7 - Baby portrait
- Baby portrait proportions
- Baby portrait (Part 1–4)
Project 8 - How to measure with eyes - Old woman portrait
- Outlines
- Adding values
Instructor: Nikita Chhabra
Nikita Chhabra is a full-time artist and the founder of Alekhyam Art Academy. With roots in architecture and years of teaching, she focuses on step-by-step, thoughtfully designed lessons that build skill, confidence, and a steady art practice.
FAQ
Everything important, in one place
Access, refund rules, materials, and how to get the most out of the course.
After payment, you receive:
- Instant access inside your Alekhyam Student Dashboard (website or Alekhyam Arts app).
- Immediate access to all course lessons.
- An email with payment receipt and enrollment confirmation.
- Guidance via Whatsapp and our Dedicated Social Network - Tamboora.
- Get guidance and feedback through Whatsapp
- Post your work on our dedicated Social Network - Tamboora
To request a refund, email: [email protected]
Ready to draw figures with confidence and structure?
Follow the curriculum in order, practice steadily, and anatomy becomes a skill you build, not a topic you avoid.