Drawing can be a great way to relax and express your creativity. With practice, anyone can become a skilled artist. Cliff Unger is a legendary artist known for his detailed and photorealistic drawings. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to draw like Cliff Unger.
Materials You Will Need
To start drawing like Cliff Unger, you’ll need a few essential materials. These include:
- A sketch pad
- Pencils in different lead grades (2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B)
- A kneaded eraser
- A blending tool
Step 1: Sketching the Basic Shapes
Cliff Unger always starts his drawings by sketching basic shapes. This helps to create a solid foundation for the drawing. You should do the same. Start by drawing the basic shapes of your subject with a light pencil, such as 2H or H. You can use circles, rectangles, and triangles to help create the form, and sketch the outline to capture the shape.
Tip:
Use light lines to avoid smudging.
Step 2: Adding Details and Outlines
Once you have the basic shapes in place, you can start adding details. Use a darker pencil, such as an HB, to add outlines and define the object. Don’t worry about the details at this stage. Just focus on outlining the shape.
Tip:
Use short, light strokes to create a subtle outline.
Step 3: Adding Texture and Details
After you’ve sketched the basic shapes and outlines, you can start adding texture and details. You can create texture using a variety of techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and contouring. Hatching is simply drawing parallel lines and cross-hatching is done by drawing lines at a slight angle to each other.
Tip:
Use a range of lead grades and apply different pressure to create a variety of light and dark tones.
Step 4: Blending
To add depth and smooth out rough edges, you can blend the shading by using a blending tool made of paper, cloth, or a simple tortillon. Gently rub the shading with the blending tool to create a smoother effect.
Tip:
Blend in one direction to create a more subtle effect.
Step 5: Shading and Values
With the basic shape and details added, you should concentrate on shading and value. Pay attention to the light source and where it is illuminating the object. The area where the light hits will be lighter and the opposite area in shadow will be darker.
Tip:
Remember to use different pencil grades to create darker or lighter shadows.
Step 6: Final Details
As you near the final stage, check your work for any inaccuracies and make final adjustments. Add a bit more shading, bring out some highlights and fix any errors.
Tip:
Take a step back and look at your drawing from a distance to spot inaccuracies and define details.
Step 7: Sign Your Artwork
Once you have finished your drawing, sign it in the bottom right corner, name the piece, and add the date.
Tip:
Use your unique signature to add a personal touch to your art.
Summary
Drawing like Cliff Unger requires practice, patience, and attention to detail. Start by drawing basic shapes, adding details, and shading to create depth. Don’t forget to blend shading and check your work for final details before signing your masterpiece.
FAQ
Q: Which drawing pencil should I use?
A: Use a range of pencils in different lead grades (2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B) to add light and dark tones as well as details and outlines.
Q: How do I blend shading?
A: Use a blending tool made of paper, cloth, or a simple tortillon. Gently rub the shading with the blending tool to create a smoother effect.
Q: How can I avoid smudging?
A: Use light lines and avoid resting your hand on the paper while you draw. You can also use a piece of paper as a hand support to avoid smudging.
Q: How can I get inspiration for my drawings?
A: Visit art galleries, museums, and check out online art communities and social media platforms to get ideas and inspiration.
Q: Should I use an eraser?
A: Yes, use a kneaded eraser to gently remove some parts of the drawing in places where the shading or outline needs correction.
Q: Do I need expensive materials?
A: No, you don’t need expensive materials. As a beginner, you can start with basic and affordable materials. As you progress, you can invest in better quality materials to enhance the quality of your work.
Q: How can I improve my drawing skills?
A: Practice is the key to improving your drawing skills. Draw as often as possible, observe shapes and colors in everyday objects, and seek feedback from other artists or people who appreciate art.