Person reading drawn in black and gray marker on pale cream textured sketchbook paper, with a complete silhouette and open margins.
Drawing referenceAbout reference use

Person reading marker study

One complete seated adult in profile reading a small open book held in both hands, simple clothing, feet visible and no chair or background. Practice structure, perspective and developed values in black and gray marker.

PeopleChallengingMarker70 min, at your pace
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A way into the drawing

  1. Establish the main shapes

    Set the head, bent torso and seated leg angles.

  2. Connect the structure

    Connect both arms to the open book and place both feet.

  3. Develop the drawing

    Resolve the connected planes and overlaps, then build layered details and a full range of local values. Preserve clear paper highlights.

A small thing to tryKeep the book between the two hands and clear of the torso.