Braided hair graphite study

Back view of an adult head and upper shoulders with one thick three-strand braid and a plain hair tie. Practice clear contours and a few local shadows in graphite.

A way into the drawing

1. Establish the main shapes

   Place the head mass and tapering braid envelope.

2. Connect the structure

   Interlock three broad hair sections down the braid.

3. Develop the drawing

   Refine the clear outer contour, add only the most useful interior details and place a few small local shadows. Leave most of the paper open.

A small thing to tryKeep the braid sections alternating around one central axis.