If you’re interested in fly fishing or just love the beauty of flies, you may want to try drawing one. Drawing flies can be a fun and rewarding experience, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. With a few tips and tricks, you can create a realistic and eye-catching fly drawing. This step-by-step guide will help you get started.
Materials needed
Before starting, you will need a few things to get going. Here are some materials you will need to draw a fly:
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
- Reference photo or object to draw from
Sketching the basic shapes
The first step to drawing a fly is to sketch the basic shapes of the body and wings.
- Start by drawing an oval shape for the body of the fly. The oval should be slightly elongated and tapered at one end, like a football.
- Add a small circle at the tapered end for the head of the fly.
- Draw two more ovals for the wings of the fly. These ovals should be about the same size as the body oval and positioned just above it.
- Next, draw two smaller ovals inside the larger ovals for the secondary wings of the fly.
- Add two small circles for the eyes of the fly just above the head.
Adding details
Now it’s time to add some details to your fly drawing and bring it to life.
- Add some texture to the body of the fly by drawing curved lines along the oval shape of the body. These lines should be close together and slightly crisscrossed.
- Draw some veins on the wings of the fly by adding lines that radiate from the base of the wings.
- Add some hair-like fibers to the wings by drawing small lines that start at the edge of the wing and stretch outward.
- Draw some legs by adding small curved lines with tiny hooks on the ends. These hooks will resemble the claws on insects.
- Add some antennae to the head of the fly by drawing two thin curves that extend from the head oval and end in small spirals.
Shading the fly
Shading will make your fly drawing look more realistic. Follow these steps to shade your fly.
- Shade the body and head of the fly by adding some crosshatching. This is a series of crisscrossing lines that create darker areas where the lines overlap.
- Shade the wings by adding some crosshatching to the veins and hairs on the wings. This will create depth and shadows on the wings of the fly.
- Shade the legs and antennae by adding some lines that indicate the shape of the limbs and the texture of the hair and claws.
Coloring the fly
If you want to add some color to your fly drawing, you can use colored pencils, markers or watercolors.
- Start by choosing some colors that match your reference photo or the type of fly you want to draw.
- Color the body of the fly using colored pencils or markers. You can add different shades to create a realistic look.
- Color the wings of the fly lightly, keeping the texture and veins visible.
- Add some color to the legs and antennae to make them stand out.
Tips and tricks
Drawing can be challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun. Here are some tips and tricks to help you with your fly drawing:
- Use a reference photo or object to help you draw the fly accurately.
- Start with light pencil strokes and work your way up to darker lines and shading.
- Practice the texture of the body, legs, and wings to give your fly drawing a realistic look.
- Don’t forget to add shadows and highlights to bring depth to your fly drawing.
- Experiment with different colors to create a unique fly drawing.
Summary
Drawing a fly can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy fly fishing or love the beauty of flies. Follow this step-by-step guide to sketch the basic shapes, add details and shading, and even some coloring to create your one-of-a-kind fly drawing.
FAQ
1. Do I need to be an artist to draw a fly?
No, you do not need to be an artist to draw a fly. All you need is some patience and a willingness to learn. With practice, you can create a realistic and eye-catching fly drawing.
2. What type of paper should I use for drawing a fly?
Any type of paper is suitable for drawing a fly, but it’s recommended to use a good quality drawing paper that can withstand the shading and coloring.
3. How do I draw realistic wings on a fly?
To draw realistic wings on a fly, add some veins and hair-like fibers with a light hand. This will create depth and texture on the wings.
4. How do I add color to my fly drawing?
You can add color to your fly drawing by using colored pencils, markers, or watercolors. Start by choosing some colors that match your reference photo or the type of fly you want to draw.
5. Can I make mistakes while drawing?
Yes, making mistakes while drawing is a natural part of the process. Don’t be discouraged if your drawing doesn’t come out perfectly the first time. Keep practicing and trying new techniques, and you’ll see improvement over time.
6. Is it necessary to shade a fly drawing?
Shading isn’t necessary for a fly drawing, but it will make your drawing look more realistic by creating depth and shadows.