Viktor Tsoi is not just a musician, but a real symbol of the era, whose image is recognizable at a glance. His charismatic face, distinctive hairstyle and piercing gaze made his portraits one of the most sought after among budding artists. Many people are afraid to start drawing, believing that creating a similar image requires years of academic education, but this is not so.
Create easy drawing by Viktor Tsoi Can be done by anyone who has basic pencil handling skills. The main thing here is to correctly build the proportions and capture the main features that make this image unique. In this article, we will examine the technique of creating a portrait step by step, paying attention to the details that turn a simple sketch into a recognizable work.
To get started, you will need a minimum set of tools: a simple pencil of medium hardness (HB or B), an eraser and a sheet of A4 paper. Do not strive for photographic accuracy on the first try; it is more important to convey the mood and characteristic features of the group leader’s appearance Cinema.
Preparation of materials and workplace
Before you make the first touch, you need to properly organize the space. Good lighting is 50% of success, since if there is not enough light, you can incorrectly assess the tonality of the picture and make it too dark or, conversely, pale. The light should fall from the left if you are right-handed, so that your hand does not block your view and does not blur the lines already drawn.
The choice of pencils plays a critical role in the quality of the final image. For the initial sketch it is best to use hard leads such as 2H or H, which leave a barely noticeable mark. This will make it easy to correct mistakes with an eraser without leaving dirty marks on the paper.
To work out the shadows and add volume, you will need softer materials. Graphite Marking Rods B, 2B and 4B will help create a deep black color of hair and clothing that contrasts with the face. Also prepare a blending agent or dry cloth to soften the transitions between tones.
- ✏️ A set of pencils of different hardness to create depth.
- 📄 Thick paper for drawing that will withstand repeated erasing.
- 🧼 Soft kneaded eraser for delicate lightening of areas.
- 📏 A ruler for checking the symmetry of the axes of the face.
⚠️ Attention: Never use hard erasers on areas that have already been shaded with a soft pencil, as they can damage the structure of the paper and leave shiny, permanent marks.
To check the proportions at the initial stage, hold the pencil at arm's length and compare the distances between the key points of the face, using the lead as a measuring ruler.
Construction of the geometric basis of the portrait
Any portrait begins with geometric shapes that define the overall structure of the head. Draw an oval, which will be the skull, and add a jaw line to it, characteristic of a male face. Tsoi had a rather thin face, with clearly defined cheekbones, so avoid excessive rounding of the lower part.
Draw the vertical axis of symmetry strictly along the center of the oval. This line will help you keep your nose and mouth from moving to the side. Then divide the oval with horizontal lines into three parts: the hairline, the eyebrow line and the line of the base of the nose. This is a classic scheme that works for most people.
Pay special attention to the tilt of your head. In many famous photographs, Victor is captured with a slight turn or tilt, which gives the picture dynamics. If you are drawing from the front, make sure that the ears are in the same horizontal line as the eyebrows and that the bottom of the nose matches the bottom of the ears.
| Construction phase | Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Oval | Light strokes along the contour | Set the total volume of the head |
| 2. Axis of symmetry | Vertical line in the center | Control of feature symmetry |
| 3. Horizontals | Three parallel lines | Placement of eyes, nose, mouth |
| 4. Cheekbones | Broken lines on the sides | Shaping the face oval |
Don't press too hard on the pencil at this stage. All lines should be barely noticeable, since in the future most of them will be erased or painted over. The main task now is to create the correct frame onto which the parts will be “stretched.”
☑️ Getting started
Detailing key facial features
The most important part of the work is drawing the eyes, nose and mouth, as they convey the likeness. Viktor Tsoi's eyes were deep, with drooping eyelids, which often gave a thoughtful look to his gaze. Draw an almond shape, darken the upper eyelid and add a pupil, leaving a small highlight for liveliness.
The front nose occupies a central position and is often the most difficult element for beginners. Do not draw it with one continuous line; rather, indicate the light and shadow on the sides of the bridge of the nose and the wings of the nose. Shadows should be soft, smoothly transitioning into light areas on the back of the nose.
The mouth is depicted with half-open or tightly compressed lips, depending on the reference you choose. The upper lip is usually darker than the lower lip because less light falls on it. Pay attention to the dimple under the lower lip - it creates a shadow that visually separates the lips from the chin.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid symmetrical eye placement when the head is turned in profile or three-quarters, as the far eye always appears narrower and smaller due to perspective.
Eyebrows are another important element that sets character. Tsoi's were straight and quite thick. Draw them in short, choppy strokes to imitate hair growth, rather than in one continuous arc. The direction of the strokes should go from the bridge of the nose to the temples.
The secret of a lively look
To prevent your eyes from looking glassy, be sure to leave an unbleached white highlight on the pupil. The size of the highlight depends on the light source, but even a small dot makes the look meaningful.
Working with hair and hairstyle
The hairstyle is the calling card of the image, and here it is important not to get carried away with drawing each individual hair. Tsoi's hair was always voluminous and slightly disheveled, which created the effect of lightness. Start drawing the hair from the roots, drawing lines in the direction of its growth.
Use a soft pencil 4B or 6Bto achieve a rich black color. Color your hair in masses, leaving some areas a little lighter to create highlights. Random strokes along the edges of the hairstyle will help convey texture and volume, avoiding the appearance of a “helmet” or wig.
Pay attention to the bangs. It often fell on the forehead, creating a shadow. Don't be afraid to darken these areas, as the contrast between the light forehead and dark hair enhances the three-dimensionality of the image. Light strands at the temples will add naturalness to the design.
- 🌊 Draw your hair in large strands, not thin lines.
- 🌑 Create deep black color in the root zone.
- ✨ Leave highlights on the top of your head for volume.
- 🧹 Use shading to soften the transitions within the hair mass.
Remember that the hair should flow organically into the face, without creating a rigid border, like glued ones. In the places where the bangs touch the forehead, you can add a light shadow falling on the skin.
Tinting and creating volume
After working out the details, it’s time to work out the tonal details. Hatching should fit the shape of the object: if you are drawing a cheek, the strokes should go around its roundness. This creates the illusion of volume on a flat piece of paper.
Start with the darkest areas: the pupils, nostrils, corners of the mouth, shadows under the hair and in the folds of clothing. Then gradually move on to halftones. Don't be afraid to make dark areas really dark - high contrast makes the drawing expressive and dynamic.
For clothing, use wider, looser strokes than for the face. The fabric of a jacket or shirt can be marked schematically, focusing on large folds and creases. Victor Tsoi often wore dark clothing, allowing the use of soft pencils to fill large areas quickly.
Cross hatching technique:1. Apply a layer of diagonal lines from left to right.
2. Place a second layer of lines from right to left on top of the first.
3. Increase pressure on the pencil in shadow areas.
4. Blend with your finger or a smoothing tool.
Shading helps smooth out the transitions, but do not overdo it so that the drawing does not become “soapy”. Maintain a pencil-like texture, especially in lighter areas of the face, to keep skin looking vibrant rather than plastic.
Volume is created not by a contour, but by a competent distribution of light and shadow: the darkest places should be contrasted with the lightest.
Final touches and design of the work
At the final stage, move away from the drawing at a distance of 2-3 meters. This will allow you to see the entire composition and notice errors that are not visible up close. Check the proportions again: you may need to enhance the shadows a little on one side for balance.
Work out the background if it is implied. Light shading around the head will help separate the silhouette from the white sheet. You can add subtle accents to the collar or chain if your reference has them, using a hard pencil for fine lines.
If you used charcoal or very soft graphite, it is advisable to fix the design with a special fixative spray. At home, you can use hairspray, spraying it from a long distance so as not to blur the image. This will protect the work from grease and dust.
- 👀 Evaluate the drawing from a distance to check the overall tone.
- 🖌️ Add accents with a white pencil or a kneaded eraser (highlights).
- 🖼️ Frame your work for completeness.
- 🛡️ Secure the drawing with spray for safety.
Don't strive for perfection in your first job. Each new drawing will be better than the previous one, and skill comes only with practice. Save your work to track your progress and see how your technique improves.
How to hold a pencil correctly for different types of shading?
For light, long strokes, hold the pencil away from the lead, almost at the end, working with your entire hand from the elbow. For detailed detailing, hold the pencil close to the lead, like a writing pen, resting on your little finger for stability.
Which pencil is best to use for beginners?
The best choice would be a set of three pencils: HB for sketching and light shadows, 2B for main contours and medium shadows, and 4B-6B for deep blacks and hair. This minimum is enough to create a full-fledged portrait.
What if I made a mistake in the proportions at a later stage?
Do not try to correct the error by local erasing, this will smear the graphite. It is better to completely erase the incorrect area to clean paper and re-construct the line, checking the axis of symmetry and horizontal guides.