Drawing hair can be a complex task, especially when it comes to capturing the intricate details of curly hair. However, with the right techniques, you can master the art of drawing curly hair realistically using just a pencil. In this article, we will guide you through simplified steps to achieve stunning results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Curly Hair
To begin drawing curly hair, start by observing the shape of the head and sketch a basic shape line accordingly. Then, refer to a photo for accurate hair shape and begin defining guidelines for each curl to establish the overall curly structure. Pay attention to the unique characteristics of each curl, such as its intensity, darkness, or thickness, and render them using the suggested tools below.
Drawing Supplies You’ll Need:
- Mechanical Pencil
- Derwent Graphite Pencils (3b, 4b, 6b)
- Eraser
- Faber Castell Black Colored Pencil
- Blending Stump
- Craft Knife
- A4 Smooth Paper
Step 1: Starting with the Head Shape
Begin by drawing the shape of the head. It is crucial to closely observe the head shape before moving on to sketching the basic hair structure.
Step 2: Drawing the Definite Hair Shape
Once you have sketched the head shape, proceed to draw the definite shape of the hair based on the reference photo of curly hair. Remember, when drawing curly or wavy hair, you’re not merely replicating individual strands. Instead, draw the curls as overlapping ribbons to create a more realistic appearance.
Step 3: Defining Guidelines for Each Curl
Draw guiding lines indicating the direction of the hair flow. While experienced artists might prefer visualizing these lines mentally, it is advisable to lightly sketch them for better precision. These guidelines help you understand how to draw each curl accurately, preventing confusion amidst the complex nature of curly hair.
Step 4: Bringing Curls to Life
This is where the curls truly come alive. While every curl is unique, there are some general rules to follow when defining them:
- Layer the hair: Twist each curl onto itself, dividing it into front and back sections, for a more realistic appearance.
- Create texture: Focus on several curls at a time and add a wavy texture behind them.
- Vary the length: Longer hair tends to have more layers of curls.
- Add more strands: Filling out the guidelines with additional strands or curls can enhance your mastery of drawing curls.
- Incorporate loose flyaway curls: Introduce some stray curls for a natural touch.
- Consider the shape: Hair closer to the scalp is usually straighter, while the length of the curls weighs the strands down, making them curlier towards the tips.
Step 5: Rendering Your Drawing
Rendering is a vital step in giving depth to your curly hair drawing. It adds a three-dimensional structure and realism to your artwork. To achieve this:
- Darken the ringlets and the underside of the curls for a more realistic effect.
- Indicate individual hairs to enhance the structure and flow of the curly hair.
- Establish shadows: Determine the light source and shade the curls accordingly.
- Add highlights: Use an eraser or a craft knife to scratch fine, thin hairs and bring out highlights.
- Check out the Hair Drawing Playlist on my YouTube Channel for more in-depth guidance.
Tips for Drawing Curly Hair
- Adjust tonal values: Darken areas where the hair recedes and consider the light source when determining lighter and darker values for different hair colors.
- Highlight protruding hairs: Lighter strands and curls that stand out should be emphasized.
- Gradually add layers: Use a 2H pencil to draw contour lines and gradually build up darker values.
- Blend graphite: Blend the graphite from dark to light following the direction of the curls.
- Remove highlights gradually: Use a kneaded eraser to gradually lighten areas and create highlights.
- Repeat until satisfied: Keep refining your drawing until you are pleased with the final result.
By following these steps and incorporating your own creativity, you can master the art of drawing realistic curly hair. Remember to practice and explore different techniques to enhance your skills. Happy drawing!
