“This class completely exceeded my expectations. The lessons were clear, practical, and easy to follow, but still fulle of valuabe insight. Studying the face planes with the Asaro head finally helped me see light and form instead of just copying lines. Iva’s step-by-step approach made shading feel simple and logical, and the final project tied everything together perfectly. I walked away feeling much more confident painting faces with real structure and depth. Thanks Iva!”
– Andrea B.
In this class, we’ll learn how to understand and paint the head using face planes, light, and shadow. We’ll start simple, breaking the face into basic forms to see how light defines structure, and then move on to creating a semi-realistic portrait based on the Asaro head.
The goal is to build confidence in shading and form, so our characters feel solid and believable, not flat or “floating.”
Class Project
For the class project, we’ll start by studying the Asaro head to build and understand the face planes. Then, using a similar angle and light source, we’ll apply that knowledge to a real human reference. The goal is to explore light, shadow, and form, not to focus on fine details or hyper-realism.
We’ll observe how the light hits each plane of the Asaro head and then translate that same lighting to a real face. This helps us see how structure guides light placement and how grouped values define form.
We’ll work in grayscale so we can stay focused on value control and edges, keeping cast shadows sharp and turning forms soft. The aim is a clear, solid read where the light direction and structure feel convincing, even without color or heavy rendering.
After completing this portrait, we can experiment with different lighting angles and head positions to deepen our understanding of how light shapes the face.
See you in the class
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
