There are 5 tips to drawing more engaging portraits using graphite or coloring pencils.

Don’t be intimated to draw the human form:

For many people drawing the human body, especially the face. Whether you are a hobbyist or professional don’t be intimated because your portrait skills will never improve that way. So try your best, but be ready to make mistakes and acknowledge them.

The portrait should make eye contact with the viewer:

This is also a basic concept of social skills. The best conversions you’ve ever had were with someone that made eye contact.A portrait subject almost always should be looking straight forward to allow viewers from all angles to be engaged by the eyes of the picture.

The portrait should have a mood that is expressed to the viewer:

Having the portrait subject looking forward is no excuse for lack of action or mood in the expressions of the face in the drawing.The expression of the subject in the portrait needs to be lively to engage the viewer to continue looking at the drawing and to be interested in the portrait.

Create the illusion of depth with shadows, shading, and clean edges:

A common mistake is to outline the subject in the portrait this results in a lack of realism. Shadows should not neglected; make the darks dark, this will add layers of depth. Shading will also create realistic contours for facial features like cheeks and noses. Shading should be subtle and well blended.

Practice drawing without hesitation:

It is easy to get discouraged from mistakes and not feel like you’re improving. To overcome this potential stumbling block complete all of your drawings and keep them with their mistakes. Archive the practice drawings and completed pieces for a time and then look back to see your improvements. You will have an easier time seeing how you draw much better eyes.