Phases of Dane by Anthony Ryder. Crescent, 1998, graphite and pastel on gray paper, 25 x 19. Courtesy van de Griff/Marr Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

When asked why painting the human figure was so important painter Scott Burdick was matter-of-fact. “Because we are human,” he said. “If an alien species were to come down today, they wouldn’t respond to the human form or face like we do. Just like pictures of lobsters don’t remind us of our parents or children. We are human, and we are most tied up in other people and our relationships to each other.”

	Drawn Face VII (Nicole II) by Dirk Dzimirsky.

Burdick then shared what he recommends to students based on his own painting process. Above all, he stresses how crucial it is for artists across all media and subject to learn to draw accurately. Knowing how to capture a strong likeness begins with the features of the face—learning how to draw eyes, lips, and noses. But having a deft eye when it comes to learning how to draw faces with unique character is the real test. Taking the time to really look at a person’s features, and executing a likeness accurately and with personality—that is what allows an artist to excel.

Artist Daily’s newest free eBook, Learn How to Draw People: 40 Expert Tips on How to Draw a Person, gives readers an essential tutorial on how to draw portraits in a classical manner, the best ways to capture the character of the sitter, drawing hair successfully, the pitfalls and benefits of working from photographs—and more.

Learning how to draw a face or figure that is memorable and unique is an artist’s greatest challenge, but when done successfully, also one’s greatest accomplishment. Learn How to Draw People: 40 Expert Tips on How to Draw a Person will put you well on your way to the successes and goals you have planned for yourself. Download your free eBook now! And for more classic and proven drawing instruction, check out books like The Figure by Walt Reed, and Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson, available in the Artist Daily online store.

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