Drawing is a great hobby and an excellent way to unwind and relax, and it’s also a skill that constantly challenges you to improve. In this guide, we’ll take a look at how to draw an elk, an animal that’s been the subject of many beautiful wildlife art pieces. This guide is specifically for beginners who want to learn how to draw an elk from scratch.
Materials Needed
Before we dive into the steps involved in drawing an elk, let’s take a look at the materials you’ll need to get started:
- Paper
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Ruler
- Reference image
Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing an Elk
Step 1: Sketch Out Basic Shapes
To start, lightly sketch out the basic shapes of the elk’s body, using a pencil and a ruler. Don’t worry about the details yet. This basic shape will help you with proportion, so make sure you use the ruler to measure and get everything just right. Start with the head and then draw the body, keeping in mind the size of the head in relation to the body.
Step 2: Add the Legs and Hooves
Once you have the basic shape down, draw in the four legs. Make sure you’re keeping the proportions correct, as well as the positioning of the legs. To make things easier, think about the legs in terms of shapes as well, utilizing simple cylinders and cones. Don’t forget to add the hooves.
Step 3: Draw the Details of the Face
Next, we’ll get into the details of the face. Start with the eyes, then work on the nose, mouth, and ears. Make sure you’re looking at a reference image to get everything right. Elk have long noses that dip down, and their ears are large and oval-shaped.
Step 4: Draw the Antlers
The antlers are a crucial part of the elk’s anatomy and will require special attention when drawing. Use the reference image to get the structure and curvature of the antlers correct, and don’t worry if it takes a few tries to get it right. It’s going to be easier if you sketch it out step by step, from the base to the points.
Step 5: Add Details to the Body
Now we’ll add some details to the rest of the elk’s body. Start by adding some shading around the nose, eyes, and mouth. Then work on the details of the fur, using short lines to form texture around the body. Remember, elk fur tends to be long and shaggy, which will add a new dimension to your drawing.
Step 6: Erase Unnecessary Lines
Once you have the elk’s basic shape and details drawn in, it’s time to erase the lines that aren’t necessary, like the basic shapes and guidelines you drew in the beginning.
Step 7: Add Shading
We are almost there! Now comes the fun bit – adding shading to your elk. Use your pencil to add different amounts of shading to the elk. Think about where the light source is coming from and add shadows to the areas that would be darkest. Don’t forget to blend the shading, making the transition from dark to light more natural and smooth.
Step 8: Final Touches
Now that you have completed your elk drawing, step back and take a look at your work. It’s time to add those final details. Remember, it’s the details that can make or break your drawing. You can add some longer fur lines, or even add some background to your piece to give it more depth and perspective.
FAQs
Q. How long does it take to draw an elk?
Drawing an elk can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on your experience level and the amount of detail that you want to add to the elk. Once you get started, it’s best to take your time and work on it at your own pace.
Q. What is the best pencil for drawing an elk?
It’s best to use an H or HB pencil for sketching the basic shape and initial details, and then switch to a B pencil or darker for shading.
Q. Do I need to be a good artist to draw an elk?
Not at all! This guide is specifically for beginners who want to learn how to draw an elk from scratch. With the right resources, you can easily follow these steps and create a beautiful elk drawing.
Q. Where can I find reference images for drawing an elk?
You can find reference images of elks on Google, Pinterest, or in wildlife photography books.
Q. Does an elk have a specific pose that is best for drawing?
No, elk can be drawn in various poses. You can choose any pose you like and find it easier to capture their essence.
Q. Should I use colored pencils for an elk drawing?
You can use colored pencils, but keep in mind that elk typically have a relatively brown color, so it may be easier to stick to black and white to achieve a more realistic look.