Drawing is an exciting and creative way to express oneself. If you are interested in drawing musicians, particularly drummers, this guide is for you! Here, we will guide you through the steps to begin your journey as an artist.
Materials:
To begin this drawing, you will need:
- Pencils (preferably with different leads, such as 2H, HB, and 2B)
- Eraser (kneaded or rubber)
- Paper (preferably with a light texture)
- Reference photo
- Ruler (optional)
Step 1: Sketch Basic Shapes
First, start by drawing the basic shapes of the drummer’s body. Use a light pencil and draw oval shapes for the head and the torso. Then, draw the arms, using long ovals or cylinders for the bones. Lastly, add the legs using cylinders or rectangles.
Tips:
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the shape and size of the basic shapes until you are happy with it. This step will serve as your guide for the rest of the drawing.
- If you are having trouble drawing the shapes, you can use a reference photo. Use the grid method to transfer the photo to your paper.
Step 2: Add Details to the Face
Now it’s time to add details to the head. Draw a horizontal line near the middle of the oval shape to indicate where the eyes go. Add two circles for the eyes, and then sketch the eyebrows and the nose. Lastly, draw the mouth.
Tips:
- Use the ruler to make sure the eyes are at the same level and distance apart.
- Remember, this is just a sketch, so don’t worry if the features aren’t perfect.
Step 3: Outline the Body
Now that the basic shapes and facial features are in place, you can use a darker pencil to outline the body. This will help you see how everything fits together.
Tips:
- Don’t forget to outline the arms and legs as well.
- Use quick, light strokes at first to ensure you capture the gesture and proportions of the figure.
Step 4: Add Clothes and Drums
Once the outline is complete, it’s time to add clothes and drums. Start sketching the clothing, such as the drummer’s shirt, pants, and shoes. Then, draw the drums, including the bass drum, snare drum, and hi-hat.
Tips:
- Don’t worry too much about the details at this stage. Just focus on getting the basic shapes and proportions in place.
- Use reference photos to help you with the drum details if necessary.
Step 5: Detail the Face and Clothing
Now it’s time to add details to the face and clothing. Go over the facial features in more detail, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. Then, add some shading to the clothing to give it more texture.
Tips:
- Use a lighter pencil for the facial details, such as the lips, eyelashes, and wrinkles.
- For shading, use the side of the pencil and vary the pressure to create different tones.
Step 6: Add Shadows and Highlights
To make your drawing look more three-dimensional, you’ll need to add shadows and highlights. Shade the clothing, drums, and body where shadows fall, and add some highlights where light shines.
Tips:
- Use a darker pencil for the shadows, and a white pencil or eraser for the highlights.
- When shading, think about where the light source is coming from and shade accordingly.
Step 7: Refine and Finish
Now that you’ve added shadows and highlights, it’s time to refine and finish your drawing. Add some final details to the clothing, such as buttons, creases, and wrinkles. Then, go over everything with a kneaded eraser to clean up any smudges or mistakes.
Tips:
- Take a step back and evaluate your drawing every now and then to make sure you’re happy with the result.
- Remember, this is a creative process, so don’t worry if your drawing doesn’t look exactly like your reference photo.
Summary
Drawing a drummer can be a fun and fulfilling experience for beginners. Start by sketching basic shapes, add details to the face and clothing, outline the body, and then refine and finish your drawing by adding shadows and highlights. It’s important to remember that drawing takes practice, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out perfectly.
FAQs
1. Can I use a pen instead of a pencil?
While you can use a pen, it’s not recommended for beginners. Using a pen makes it harder to make corrections to your drawing, which can be frustrating.
2. Do I need a reference photo?
Using a reference photo can be helpful, especially if you’re new to drawing drummers. However, you can still create a great drawing without one.
3. Should I draw the drumsticks too?
Yes, you should definitely draw the drumsticks. They’re an integral part of the drummer’s performance.
4. How long will it take me to finish this drawing?
It depends on your skill level and how much time you can dedicate to drawing. Don’t rush the process, take your time, and enjoy the experience.
5. Can I use colored pencils instead of a regular pencil?
Yes, you can use colored pencils to add color to your drawing, but start with graphite pencils to learn basic techniques.
6. Can I draw a drummer without drums?
Yes! You can focus on the silhouette, posture, and the outfit of the drummer and exclude the drums if they’re not necessary to your drawing. Keep in mind that the drums add an essential element to the drummer’s pose.