Drawing is a fantastic hobby that allows you to unleash your creative side. But what do you do when you’re sketching a person and realize you don’t know how to draw a nose? Drawing a nose can be one of the most challenging parts of capturing the human face. Getting the proportions right and achieving a three-dimensional look can be quite tricky. But don’t abandon your artwork just yet! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of drawing a nose, so you can give your drawings the exact look you desire.
Tips for Drawing a Nose
Before diving into the step-by-step process, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind when learning how to draw a nose:
- Draw the eyes and mouth first: This will make it easier to position the nose correctly.
- Start at the midpoint: Contrary to popular belief, the top of the nose aligns with the tops of the eyes.
- Begin with a basic triangle shape: You can add more unique characteristics later on.
- Finish with the bottom of the nose: The bottom of the nose should reach the top edge of the lips, which can be the most challenging part.
- Add nostrils last: Nostrils are the easiest part to add and should be done as the final step.
Now that you have these tips in mind, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of drawing a nose.
Easy Steps to Draw a Nose From the Front
When drawing a character facing you, the nose will appear less triangular than when drawing a profile. Follow this quick guide to draw a nose from the front.
Step 1: Start with a Circle
Begin by drawing a circle in the middle of your paper. The size of this circle will determine the size of your nose.
Step 2: Draw Vertical Lines
Next, draw two vertical lines extending from the center of the circle toward the top of your paper.
Step 3: Sketch Curved Lines
From a point just outside the circle, sketch a curved line that connects to the bottom edge of the circle. This will create the outline of the nostrils. Repeat on both sides.
Step 4: Shade Along the Vertical Line
Shade along the outer edge of one of the vertical lines. Continue shading around the bottom portion or tip of the nose to give it a three-dimensional appearance. Repeat this shading on the other side to make it look like the character is facing forward.
Step 5: Connect the Bottom
Connect the ends of the two curved lines you drew earlier to create the bottom of the nose.
Step 6: Add Nostrils
Decide where you want to place the nostrils along the bottom of the nose and draw slightly flattened circles. Remember that in a front view, the full nostrils won’t be visible. Shade them in lightly.
Step 7: Final Shading
At this point, you should have a generic nose on your paper. Use shading to add character and make the nose more realistic. You can use shading to define the bridge, adjust the size, or even give it a crooked look. Don’t forget to shade the outside edges of the nostril area as well.
Easy Steps to Draw a Nose From the Side
Drawing a nose from a side view is actually easier than drawing one from the front, as it requires less shading. Here are the steps to draw a side view nose.
Step 1: Draw a Circle
Start by drawing a circle in the middle of your page.
Step 2: Sketch Vertical Lines
Draw two vertical lines from the center of the circle, but direct them toward one side of the circle based on the direction you want your character to face.
Step 3: Add a Horizontal Line
Draw a horizontal line in the circle, close to the bottom and slightly angled in the direction of the nose.
Step 4: Draw Two Lines
From the end of the horizontal line, draw two lines that meet at a corner. These lines should be perpendicular to each other.
Step 5: Sketch Two L Shapes
On the side of the character’s face that they are facing, draw a small L shape that encompasses the lines from the previous step. On the opposite side, draw a larger L shape. These represent the nostrils.
Step 6: Connect the L Shapes
Connect the larger L shape to the circle using a curved diagonal line, creating the nostril.
Step 7: Shade the Nose
Shade along the two vertical lines, as well as at the top of the larger L shape, to give the nose definition. Shade the nostril you added in Step 6. Remember that only one nostril should be visible from the side view.
These steps will help you create a realistic-looking nose. Use shading to add unique characteristics and bring your nose to life.
How to Draw Different Types of Noses: Easy Drawing Projects
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of drawing noses, here are some easy nose drawing projects to help you explore different types of noses.
1. How to Draw an Anime Nose
Anime noses are typically small, almost blending in with the rest of the face. Follow the instructions on Drawing For All to learn how to draw an anime nose.
2. How to Draw a Cartoon Nose
If you’re interested in drawing cartoon characters, check out these cartoon nose tutorials on Envatotuts. They cover female noses, male noses, and even baby noses, so you can practice drawing an entire family.
3. How to Draw a Big Nose
When you need to draw a character with a big nose, visit Pencil Kings. They have a tutorial that will guide you in creating all sorts of unique noses for any character you have in mind.
4. How to Draw a Small Nose
For drawing a small and delicate nose, Instructables has a fantastic tutorial. There’s minimal shading required, making it perfect for achieving a small and soft nose for your heroine or beloved characters.
5. How to Draw a Realistic Nose
While cartoon noses are great for imaginative characters, you may also want to learn how to sketch realistic noses. Rapid Fire Art provides a tutorial on drawing a side view of a realistic nose that will elevate the accuracy of your portraits.
6. How to Draw a Nose for Kids
Let your kids join in on the fun with an easy nose drawing tutorial from Skip to My Lou. This tutorial teaches kids how to draw realistic noses at their skill level, ensuring they feel confident in their artistic abilities.
7. How to Draw an African Nose
Drawing an African nose requires a unique approach due to the distinct shape. Visit I Draw Fashion to learn how to draw the beautiful curves and contours of an African woman’s nose.
8. How to Draw a Roman Nose
If you aspire to be the next Michelangelo, knowing how to draw a Roman nose is essential. Jeff Searle provides instructions on how to observe and reproduce the strong and prominent bridge that defines a Roman nose.
9. How to Draw a Rounded Nose
Drawing a rounded nose is just as simple as drawing a straight one, with a slight adjustment in the shape. Refer to Arteza’s tutorial, where they guide you through five steps to draw a rounded nose.
10. How to Draw Marilyn Monroe’s Nose
Marilyn Monroe’s small, slightly pointed nose is iconic. DragoArt offers instructions on how to capture her nose’s unique features. They also provide guidance on drawing the rest of her face if you need help with that too.
11. How to Draw a Portrait Nose
If a friend has asked you to create a portrait of them, you’ll need to master drawing a portrait nose. Arty Factory provides detailed instructions, including shading techniques, to help you capture your friend’s nose accurately.
12. How to Draw a Detailed Nose
If your artwork centers around the nose, you’ll want to draw a realistic version. Envatotuts has an extensive tutorial that takes you through the process step by step. Though it may seem time-consuming, the final result will be well worth it.
13. How to Draw an Elderly Person’s Nose
As people age, their facial features change, including their noses. Easy Drawing Tips demonstrates how to draw the same nose at different ages, allowing you to create aged characters in your drawings.
14. How to Draw a Baby Nose
Babies have distinct facial features, including noses with minimal definition. Drawing How To Draw Step by Step Tutorials provides a tutorial on drawing baby noses so that you can accurately depict these youngest members of society.
15. Quick Nose Drawing
If you’re short on time but still want to draw a great nose, ArtsyDee has you covered. Learn to draw a realistic-looking nose in just nine steps. While this tutorial only covers the front view, it’s perfect for a quick and impressive drawing.
How to Draw a Realistic Nose Step by Step
Drawing a nose is only useful if it looks realistic. Having a nose that appears fake can detract from the overall quality of your drawing. Don’t worry, though! The steps below will guide you in drawing a realistic nose.
Step 1: Draw a Circle
Start by drawing a reasonably sized circle in the center of your page. The circle will determine the final size of your nose.
Step 2: Sketch Two Curved Lines
Draw two curved lines protruding from the top of the circle, one on each side.
Step 3: Add a Horizontal Line
Draw a horizontal line through the middle of the circle, forming a diamond shape that will accommodate the nostrils.
Step 4: Sketch Triangles
From the edges of the diamond shape, sketch triangles that connect to the curved lines you drew earlier.
Step 5: Shade the Bridge
Shade the two curved lines and the bottom of the circle, which will become the tip of the nose.
Step 6: Draw Nostrils
At the bottom of the diamond shape, add two nostrils using a single curved line. The nostrils should be connected to the bottom of the circle.
Step 7: Shade and Blend
Shade the nostrils and the rest of the nose according to your desired style and shape. Use a blending pencil to blend the shading together, creating a realistic-looking nose.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drawing Noses
Is the Nose Hard to Draw?
Many people find drawing noses challenging because of their irregular shape. However, by breaking it down into basic shapes, drawing a nose becomes much simpler.
Why is the Nose Important in Drawing?
The nose plays a vital role in harmonizing a person’s face. Without a well-drawn nose, your artwork may appear strange or distorted.
How Do You Improve at Drawing Noses?
The best way to improve your nose-drawing skills is through practice. Look up various nose tutorials, and sketch noses repeatedly until you feel comfortable and confident.
In conclusion, learning how to draw a nose takes practice, patience, and attention to detail. But never shy away from the challenge, as mastering nose drawing is crucial for taking your artwork to the next level. So pick any of the nose drawing projects mentioned in this article, and practice them on a rainy day until you’re satisfied with the results. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy drawing noses can be once you’ve honed your skills.
