Drawing candles is a great place to start for beginners who want to learn how to draw. Candles are simple and elegant, and you can use them to practice your shading and highlighting techniques. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a candle drawing from scratch. You don’t need to be an artist or have years of experience to create a beautiful drawing.
Materials Needed
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
- Blending Tool (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 – Sketching the Basic Shapes
Begin by sketching the basic shape of the candle. This could be cylindrical or square-shaped, depending on the candle you want to draw. Draw a line down the center of your drawing to help guide your work. Don’t worry if your drawing isn’t perfect. This is just the first step.
Step 2 – Add the Candlewick
Next, add the candlewick in the center of the candle. You can make it thin or thick, depending on how you want the candle to look. Make sure that the wick is centered. The wick should not lean to one side or the other.
Step 3 – Add Details to the Candle
Now it’s time to add details to the candle. Draw small lines around the candle to show the texture of the wax. You can also add small drips of wax on the side of the candle to make it look more realistic. Make sure the lines and drips of wax are not too close together.
Step 4 – Shade the Candle
Shading the candle is the most important part of drawing it. You can use a blending tool to achieve a smooth finish, or you can shade with your pencil by blending the shades together. Start shading with a light touch and gradually add more shade as needed. Make sure you pay attention to the areas around the wick and the edges of the candle.
Step 5 – Highlight the Candle
After shading, add highlights to the candle. This is the process of adding white or lighter-colored shade to areas where the light should hit the candle. Use your blending tool again to blend the highlights with the rest of the candle.
Step 6 – Finish and Finalize the Drawing
You can now finalize your candle drawing. Add extra details, such as shadow effects or reflections, to make the drawing even more realistic. Use your eraser to smudge the wax texture and wick to look more fluid. Now, your candle drawing is complete!
Drawing Techniques
- Draw lightly in the beginning so that you can easily erase your mistakes
- Use a reference photo of a candle to help guide you while you draw
- Use different shades of grey to add depth to the candle
- Practice makes perfect, so keep on drawing!
FAQs
Q: Should I use a pencil or charcoal when drawing a candle?
A: Pencils are perfect for candle drawing since you can get the desired texture, shading, and highlight with pencils.
Q: Can I paint a candle instead of drawing it with pencil?
A: Yes, you can paint a candle instead of drawing it. You can try acrylic or oil painting.
Q: How do I make my candle look realistic?
A: Pay close attention to the wax texture, shading, and highlights of your candle drawing. Use reference photos and practice a lot until you achieve a realistic look.
Q: Do I need to draw a background for my candle drawing?
A: It’s a matter of preference. You can draw a background or not, depending on how you want your candle to stand out.
Q: What type of paper is good to use when drawing a candle?
A: You can use any paper you like, but it’s best to choose paper with a medium texture so you can easily add shades and texture to your drawing.
Q: Can I outline my candle with a black marker?
A: Yes, you can outline your candle with a black marker, but make sure that the marker does not overpower the shading and highlights of the candle.
Conclusion
By following these steps and tips, you can create a beautiful candle drawing that you can be proud of. Candle drawing is a great way to get started with your art journey, and it can help you improve your drawing skills. Don’t forget to practice and experiment with different styles and techniques. Keep drawing!