Portraits & Caricatures Portraits & Caricatures Techniques & Materials 1

Question 1

In portrait drawing, the 'three-quarter view' refers to the subject's face positioned at approximately what angle to the picture plane?

Accepted Answer

45 degrees

Answer

The three-quarter view, showing one eye fully and one partially, is considered the most flattering and dynamic angle for portraiture.

Question 2

Which pencil grade produces the darkest, softest lines most suitable for shading in a charcoal-style portrait drawing?

Accepted Answer

6B

Answer

Higher B (black) grades contain more graphite and clay ratio favoring graphite, producing soft, dark marks ideal for deep shadows.

Question 3

The technique of 'sfumato,' used famously by Leonardo da Vinci in portrait painting, refers to what?

Accepted Answer

Blending edges so subtly that outlines seem to dissolve in haze

Answer

Sfumato (from Italian 'sfumare,' to vanish like smoke) creates imperceptibly soft transitions between tones and edges.

Question 4

In caricature, the principle of 'design hierarchy' means the artist should do what first?

Accepted Answer

Identify and exaggerate the subject's most distinctive single feature before adding others

Answer

Effective caricature depends on finding the one dominant feature that encodes the subject's identity and leading with its exaggeration.

Question 5

When using oil paint for portrait work, 'fat over lean' refers to which practice?

Accepted Answer

Applying paint layers with progressively more oil medium to prevent cracking

Answer

Each successive oil paint layer must contain more oil than the one below to ensure uniform drying and prevent cracking.

Portraits & Caricatures Practice Test