How do I get a likeness in a portrait?

Why are portraits so daunting? We are used to looking at peoples eyes intensely. We look at their mouths to lip read (when they aren't wearing a mask) Have you noticed how hard it is to recognise someone when we cannot see their nose and mouth? But when we start a portrait - the first thing we go for is the eyes! I must get the eyes right! We love the detail in eyes and are drawn to them automatically. 
Sadly this is the reason we miss the big picture. It is actually three proportions in the face that help us recognise people. And 5 shadows that give form to the face that helps us recognise them also. If these promotions and shadow shapes are in the right place- Voila you can recognise someone's face.


















The following 3 steps are crucial to my portrait. If I get these right - I won't have a lot of trouble. If they are out of proportion - no amount of beautifully painted eyes will help me.  
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This was the demo for a recent workshop. Next week will be adding pastel and teaching how to mix skin colour. Fun Fun Fun. It is also part of a new video series being started on pastel portraits that I hope to release soon. I hope these tips help you in your next portrait painting. Cheers Tricia