Start drawing Viktor Tsoi by constructing an oval face, slightly narrowed downward, since it was this anatomical feature that was clearly expressed in the musician. Immediately draw a central vertical axis of symmetry and two horizontal lines for the location of the eyes, so as not to make a mistake with the proportions at the initial stage. Many beginners neglect markings and immediately begin to detail features, which leads to distortion of the similarity and disruption of scale.
To work, you will need a simple set of tools that anyone who has ever picked up a pencil will have. Graphite pencils different hardness (HB, 2B, 4B) will allow you to vary the tone saturation, and eraser-knead will help to gently highlight highlights without damaging the texture of the paper. The quality of the paper also plays a role: use thick sketch paper to withstand multiple layers of shading.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use too soft notebook paper, as it will quickly roll under the eraser and will not allow you to create a deep dark tone in the shadows.
Preparing the workplace and materials
Before starting the first sketch, it is necessary to organize the space so that the hand does not get tired and the lines lie smoothly. Lighting should fall to the left if you are right-handed, so that the shadow of the hand does not cover the drawing. Prepare a tablet or hard tablet by placing several blank sheets of paper under the paper to create cushioning - this will make the stroke softer and more pleasant.
The choice of pencils is critical to conveying the character of a portrait. For light contour lines, use a hard pencil H or HB, and to work out deep shadows in hair and clothes, stock up on soft 2B and 4B. Finger shading is acceptable, but professionals prefer to use shading stump or dry brush for a more controlled result.
- ✏️ Pencils of different hardness for different stages of drawing.
- 📄 Thick paper for graphics in A4 or A3 format.
- 🧼 A kneaded eraser and a regular hard eraser for correction.
- 📏 A ruler for checking proportions at the initial stage.
Construction of basic facial proportions
The construction of the head begins with a geometric shape that defines the overall volume. Draw an oval that resembles an inverted egg and divide it with a vertical line strictly in the center. The horizontal lines for the eyes should run in the middle of the oval, and the line of the nose should be located slightly lower, on the border of the lower half.
The distance between Viktor Tsoi’s eyes was average, approximately equal to the width of one eye. It is important not to make the eyes too wide apart, as this will ruin the recognition of the image. Cheekbones The musician’s hair was clearly expressed, so the lateral lines of the oval in the middle part could be made a little more angular, turning into a strong chin.
At this stage, do not press on the pencil; all lines should be barely noticeable. If you make a mistake in proportions now, it will be extremely difficult to correct it later. Check yourself: the height of the face should be divided into three equal parts - from the hairline to the eyebrows, from the eyebrows to the tip of the nose and from the nose to the edge of the chin.
Detailing eyes, nose and mouth
Eyes are the dominant detail that is most often mentioned in requests for “how to draw a tsoi easily,” since it is the gaze that conveys emotion. The upper eyelid should be drawn with a thicker and darker line than the lower one. Position the pupil so that it touches the upper eyelid; this gives the look the intensity and depth characteristic of a rock musician.
Tsoi's nose was straight, with a clearly defined tip and wings. The shadow of the nose falls on one side depending on the light source, creating volume. Lips They were often tightly compressed or slightly open, which added decisiveness to the image. The upper lip is usually darker than the lower lip due to its own shadow hanging over it.
When working with details, constantly move away from the drawing at arm's length. This helps to see errors in symmetry that are not noticeable up close. Use eraser-kneadto brighten highlights on the nose and lower lip, creating a dewy gloss effect.
Characteristic hairstyle and black glasses
Viktor Tsoi's hairstyle is a separate element of style that requires attention to the texture and direction of the hair. The hair was thick, dark and often combed back or lay in loose strands. Draw hair not as individual hairs, but as whole strands, using broad strokes with a soft pencil 4B.
Glasses are an iconic accessory that often appears in photographs. If you draw Tsoi wearing glasses, pay attention to the reflections on the glasses. The glass should be tinted, but not completely black, so that the eyes or at least their outlines are visible. The frame should fit tightly, following the curve of the bridge of the nose.
⚠️ Attention: When drawing glasses, pay attention to the symmetry of the arms and glasses, otherwise the face will look skewed and unnatural.
To convey volume in your hair, use the technique shading according to the shape of the head. At the roots of the hair, the tone should be the darkest, gradually becoming lighter towards the ends. Don't be afraid to make the dark areas almost black, contrasting with the lighter areas of the skin.
Working with shadows and volume
Creating volume is impossible without proper work with chiaroscuro. Determine which side the light is coming from and gradually darken the opposite planes. Penumbra - this is the zone of transition from light to shadow, it should be rubbed as smoothly as possible, without sharp boundaries.
Shadows under the cheekbones, on the neck and under the chin make the portrait three-dimensional. Tsoi's neck was strong, so don't forget to draw sternocleidomastoid muscle, which stretches from the ear to the collarbone. This will add anatomical authenticity to the drawing.
| element | Pencil type | Technique | Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facial skin | HB, B | Fine shading | Average |
| Hair | 2B, 4B | Broad strokes | High |
| Glasses | 2B | Feathering | High |
| Glare | Eraser | Highlighting | Maximum |
Use different stroke directions for different textures. On the skin, the stroke should be barely noticeable, almost merging, and on clothes you can use a rougher and more pronounced texture. The contrast between dark clothing and face is a key point in Tsoi’s portraits.
Final development and design
At the final stage, check the entire drawing. Enhance contrasts where needed by adding depth to the darkest areas, such as the pupils or the folds of clothing. Background can be left white or slightly tinted to highlight the silhouette of the figure.
If you painted in color using charcoal or sanguine, secure the drawing with a fixative to avoid smearing. For a black-graphite design, just carefully shake off the eraser crumbs. It is better to put the author's signature in the corner without disturbing the composition.
Remember that even experts make mistakes, so don't be afraid to experiment with pressure and technique. Each new drawing will be better than the previous one if you analyze your work and compare it with a photograph of the original.
How to hold a pencil correctly for different types of shading?
For light contour lines, hold the pencil close to the sharpened end, like a writing pen. For broad shading and working on large planes, hold the pencil further from the lead, holding it between your thumb and forefinger, moving your entire hand from the elbow.
Which eraser is best for graphics?
A kneaded eraser is ideal for graphic work. It is soft, does not damage the paper and allows you to wipe the light in a spot, creating glare. Use a regular hard eraser only to remove gross errors in the initial stages.
Do I need to use tracing paper to redraw?
Using tracing paper is acceptable at the learning stage to understand proportions, but try to gradually move on to freehand drawing. This develops eye and motor skills, which is critical for an artist.
Is it possible to draw Tsoi with colored pencils?
Absolutely. Colored pencils allow you to convey the warmth of skin and cool tones of clothing. However, the technique will be different: you will need to apply multiple layers of color and use a white pencil for highlights.
How long does a drawing of this level take?
For a beginner, a detailed portrait can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Professionals do it faster, but the quality of work depends not on speed, but on attention to detail.