# Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Hu… Review (2026) — 8.6/10

> Independent review of Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step on Udemy. Rated 8.6/10 by our editorial team. Pros, cons, price, a…

Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step

![Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step](/api/media/file/hero/portrait-drawing-for-beginners-course.jpg?width=800)

# Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step Course — Review (8.6/10)

This course offers a structured, step-by-step approach to drawing realistic human portraits, ideal for absolute beginners. Chris Petrocchi breaks down complex facial anatomy into manageable concepts u...

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Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step is a 12h 40m online all levels-level course on Udemy by Chris Petrocchi that covers graphic design. This course offers a structured, step-by-step approach to drawing realistic human portraits, ideal for absolute beginners. Chris Petrocchi breaks down complex facial anatomy into manageable concepts using graphite and charcoal. With over 12 hours of content, students gain confidence in constructing believable faces and drawing from imagination. The 7-step system provides a clear path to artistic growth. We rate it 8.6/10.

## Prerequisites

No prior experience required. This course is designed for complete beginners in graphic design.

## Pros

- Clear 7-step system makes portraiture approachable

- Comprehensive coverage from basic forms to facial features

- Emphasis on seeing like an artist improves observation

- Lifetime access allows for repeated practice

## Cons

- Limited feedback without live instruction

- Some sections may feel slow for advanced learners

- No direct interaction with instructor

## Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step Course Review

Platform: Udemy

Instructor: Chris Petrocchi

Updated Apr 26, 2026·Editorial Standards·How We Rate

## What will you learn in Portrait Drawing For Beginners course

- Portraiture - Discover my 7-step system for compelling portraits in graphite and charcoal

- Face Drawing Step by Step - Create your own portrait masterpiece

- How To Draw Portraits - How to make your portraits more believable

- Master the fundamentals such as: how to see like an artist, construct solid forms, features, anatomy and more

- The simple secret to keep your viewers coming back again and agian

- Drawing from imagination

### Program Overview

### Module 1: Foundations of Portraiture

Duration: 3h 34m

- Course Introduction - Portraiture (15m)

- Draw Believable Human Faces - See and Construct (3h 19m)

### Module 2: Structural Anatomy of the Head

Duration: 4h 56m

- Action and Form of the head (4h 56m)

### Module 3: Facial Features and Expression

Duration: 2h 41m

- The Features of the face (2h 41m)

### Module 4: Lighting and Finalization

Duration: 2h 49m

- Find your Objective and sculpt with Lighting (2h 49m)

### Get certificate

#### Job Outlook

- Develop foundational art skills applicable to illustration and concept art

- Build a portfolio piece suitable for art schools or freelance gigs

- Enhance observational abilities valuable in animation and visual design

## Editorial Take

"Portrait Drawing For Beginners" by Chris Petrocchi is a meticulously structured course that demystifies the art of drawing human faces. Designed for newcomers and artists seeking to refine their foundational skills, it delivers a repeatable 7-step method using traditional media.

### Standout Strengths

- 7-Step System: The course introduces a repeatable framework that transforms intimidating blank pages into confident strokes. This structure helps students avoid common beginner mistakes and build consistency.

- Observational Training: Emphasis on learning to “see like an artist” trains the eye to perceive proportions, values, and relationships. This skill is transferable across all visual arts and essential for realism.

- Progressive Curriculum: From basic head construction to detailed features, each module builds logically. The pacing allows learners to internalize concepts before advancing to more complex topics.

- Realistic Medium Focus: Using graphite and charcoal grounds the course in tangible, accessible tools. These mediums teach value control and texture—critical for believable portraits—without digital distractions.

- Anatomy Simplified: The course breaks down head anatomy into understandable forms and actions. Learners grasp how skull structure influences surface appearance, improving accuracy without overwhelming detail.

- Imagination Integration: Teaching how to draw from imagination sets this course apart. It empowers students to apply learned principles beyond reference photos, fostering creative independence.

### Honest Limitations

- No Personal Feedback: As a pre-recorded course, there’s no direct critique from the instructor. Students must self-assess or seek external review to improve accuracy.

- Pacing Challenges: Some sections, especially form breakdowns, may feel slow for experienced artists. The beginner focus means advanced learners gain less new insight.

- Limited Medium Variety: The course focuses exclusively on graphite and charcoal. Those interested in color, digital tools, or ink may need supplementary resources.

- Audio/Visual Quality: While content is strong, production values are typical of Udemy—functional but not cinematic. Occasional audio inconsistencies don’t hinder learning but affect immersion.

### How to Get the Most Out of It

- Study cadence: Practice one module per week with daily sketching. Repeating exercises reinforces muscle memory and observational skills critical for progress.

- Parallel project: Start a portrait sketchbook alongside the course. Apply each lesson to original drawings to solidify understanding and track improvement.

- Note-taking: Annotate your sketches with key takeaways—proportions, angles, lighting logic. This creates a personalized reference for future work.

- Community: Join art forums or social groups to share progress. External feedback compensates for the lack of instructor interaction and builds accountability.

- Practice: Redraw the same face multiple times using different lighting. This drills the course’s principles and reveals subtle improvements over time.

- Consistency: Even 20 minutes daily yields better results than weekly marathons. Regular exposure trains the eye and hand more effectively than sporadic effort.

### Supplementary Resources

- Book: "Drawing the Head and Hands" by Andrew Loomis complements this course with deeper anatomical studies and classic techniques.

- Tool: Use a non-photo blue pencil for initial guidelines—this allows clean construction lines without erasing.

- Follow-up: Take an intermediate portrait course focusing on expression or color to build on this foundation.

- Reference: Use free model sites like Line of Action or QuickPoses for timed drawing practice to improve speed and accuracy.

### Common Pitfalls

- Pitfall: Rushing through early modules leads to shaky foundations. Take time to master head construction before adding features to avoid proportional errors.

- Pitfall: Over-relying on tracing instead of observational drawing. The goal is to train your eye, not replicate images mechanically.

- Pitfall: Neglecting value studies. Without proper light and shadow, even accurate lines appear flat—prioritize tonal work for realism.

### Time & Money ROI

- Time: At 12+ hours, the course offers substantial content. With practice, students can expect visible improvement in 4–6 weeks of consistent effort.

- Cost-to-value: Priced accessibly, it delivers professional-level instruction at a fraction of art school cost. Lifetime access enhances long-term value.

- Certificate: The Certificate of Completion validates effort but holds no formal accreditation. Its real value is in portfolio inclusion and personal motivation.

- Alternative: Free YouTube tutorials lack structure; this course’s systematic approach saves time and reduces frustration for beginners.

### Editorial Verdict

"Portrait Drawing For Beginners" stands out as one of the most effective entry-level art courses on Udemy. Chris Petrocchi’s 7-step system transforms an intimidating subject into a manageable, repeatable process. The emphasis on observation, form, and lighting ensures students develop not just technique, but artistic thinking. While lacking live feedback, the course compensates with clarity, structure, and practical exercises that build confidence.

For aspiring artists, this course is a worthwhile investment. It lays a foundation strong enough to support further exploration in illustration, animation, or fine art. The lifetime access and focus on traditional media make it a durable resource. We recommend it to anyone serious about learning portraiture from the ground up—especially those who’ve struggled with self-teaching. With consistent practice, the skills gained here can lead to tangible artistic growth and even career opportunities in visual fields.

## How Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step Compares

| Course | Platform | Rating | Level | Duration |

| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

| Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step | Udemy | 8.6/10 | All Levels | 12h 40m |

| Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate Course | Coursera | 9.8/10 | N/A | N/A |

| Fundamentals of Graphic Design Course | Coursera | 9.8/10 | N/A | N/A |

| Graphic Design Specialization Course | Coursera | 9.7/10 | N/A | N/A |

## Who Should Take Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step?

This course is best suited for learners with any experience level in graphic design. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced professional, the curriculum adapts to meet you where you are. The course is offered by Chris Petrocchi on Udemy, combining institutional credibility with the flexibility of online learning. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume, signaling your verified skills to potential employers.

If you are exploring adjacent fields, you might also consider courses in Agile & Scrum Courses, AI Courses, Arts and Humanities Courses, which complement the skills covered in this course.

### Career Outcomes

- Apply graphic design skills to real-world projects and job responsibilities

- Qualify for entry-level positions in graphic design and related fields

- Build a portfolio of skills to present to potential employers

- Add a certificate of completion credential to your LinkedIn and resume

- Continue learning with advanced courses and specializations in the field

## More Graphic Design Courses on Udemy

Explore other highly rated courses in graphic design available on Udemy to expand your learning path:

- Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course 9.8/10

- Adobe After Effects CC – Motion Graphics Design & VFX Course 9.7/10

- Complete Graphics Design and Video Editing Masterclass Course 9.7/10

- Kinetic Typography in After Effects: Motion Graphics Course 9.7/10

- CorelDRAW for Beginners: Graphic Design in Corel Draw Course 9.7/10

- The Ultimate Adobe Firefly Masterclass 9.6/10

- Ableton Live 12 for Music Production: Quick Start Guide Course 9.6/10

- Project Photoshop: Customizing Photoshop Course 9.6/10

- Graphic Design Masterclass – Learn GREAT Design Course 9.6/10

- The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners Course 9.6/10

## Top Alternatives on Other Platforms

Looking for a different teaching style or approach? These top-rated graphic design courses from other platforms cover similar ground:

- Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate Course 9.8/10 Coursera

- Fundamentals of Graphic Design Course 9.8/10 Coursera

- Graphic Design Specialization Course 9.7/10 Coursera

- Introduction to Typography Course 9.7/10 Coursera

- Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers Specialization Course 9.7/10 Coursera

- Ideas from the History of Graphic Design Course 9.7/10 Coursera

- Graphic Design Course 9.7/10 Coursera

- Adobe Graphic Designer: Design that Demands Attention Professional Certificate course 9.7/10 Coursera

- Adobe Content Creator 9.6/10 Coursera

- Xbox Graphic Designer Professional Certificate Course 9.5/10 Coursera

## More Courses from Chris Petrocchi

Chris Petrocchi offers a range of courses across multiple disciplines. If you enjoy their teaching approach, consider these additional offerings:

- How to Draw Hair Better Than Anyone Else Course 9.4/10

View all courses from Chris Petrocchi →

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## FAQs

What are the prerequisites for Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step?

Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step is designed for learners at any experience level. Whether you are just starting out or already have experience in Graphic Design, the curriculum is structured to accommodate different backgrounds. Beginners will find clear explanations of fundamentals while experienced learners can skip ahead to more advanced modules.

Does Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step offer a certificate upon completion?

Yes, upon successful completion you receive a certificate of completion from Chris Petrocchi. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Graphic Design can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development.

How long does it take to complete Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step?

The course takes approximately 12h 40m to complete. It is offered as a lifetime access course on Udemy, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably.

What are the main strengths and limitations of Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step?

Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step is rated 8.6/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: clear 7-step system makes portraiture approachable; comprehensive coverage from basic forms to facial features; emphasis on seeing like an artist improves observation. Some limitations to consider: limited feedback without live instruction; some sections may feel slow for advanced learners. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Graphic Design.

How will Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step help my career?

Completing Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step equips you with practical Graphic Design skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by Chris Petrocchi, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market.

Where can I take Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step and how do I access it?

Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step is available on Udemy, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. The course is lifetime access, giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits your schedule. All you need is to create an account on Udemy and enroll in the course to get started.

How does Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step compare to other Graphic Design courses?

Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step is rated 8.6/10 on our platform, placing it among the top-rated graphic design courses. Its standout strengths — clear 7-step system makes portraiture approachable — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding.

What language is Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step taught in?

Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step is taught in English. Many online courses on Udemy also offer auto-generated subtitles or community-contributed translations in other languages, making the content accessible to non-native speakers. The course material is designed to be clear and accessible regardless of your language background, with visual aids and practical demonstrations supplementing the spoken instruction.

Is Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step kept up to date?

Online courses on Udemy are periodically updated by their instructors to reflect industry changes and new best practices. Chris Petrocchi has a track record of maintaining their course content to stay relevant. We recommend checking the "last updated" date on the enrollment page. Our own review was last verified recently, and we re-evaluate courses when significant updates are made to ensure our rating remains accurate.

Can I take Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step as part of a team or organization?

Yes, Udemy offers team and enterprise plans that allow organizations to enroll multiple employees in courses like Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step. Team plans often include progress tracking, dedicated support, and volume discounts. This makes it an effective option for corporate training programs, upskilling initiatives, or academic cohorts looking to build graphic design capabilities across a group.

What will I be able to do after completing Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step?

After completing Portrait Drawing For Beginners: How To Draw Human Faces Step by Step, you will have practical skills in graphic design that you can apply to real projects and job responsibilities. You will be prepared to pursue more advanced courses or specializations in the field. Your certificate of completion credential can be shared on LinkedIn and added to your resume to demonstrate your verified competence to employers.

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