Do you want to learn how to draw a lifelike mushroom? Drawing mushrooms can be both enjoyable and relatively simple. In this step-by-step tutorial, I will guide you through the process of drawing a realistic mushroom. So, gather your art supplies and prepare to bring your drawing to life! All you need is a blank sheet of paper, a pencil, and an eraser.
Mushrooms come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Today, we will focus on drawing fly agaric mushrooms.
Step 1: Establishing the Framework
Begin by creating some guidelines that will assist you in drawing the mushrooms. Since fly agaric mushrooms have a parasol-shaped cap, start by drawing an oval in the center of the paper. Then, draw another slightly smaller oval to the left, tilted in that direction.
Step 2: Outlining the Caps
Draw a vertical line through the center of the first oval. Next, draw a curved line above the oval, with the highest point intersecting the vertical line. Connect the curved line to both sides of the oval. This will form the cap of the mushroom. Repeat the same process for the smaller oval, creating the cap for the second mushroom. Remember to keep the curves light, as some of these guidelines will be erased later.
Step 3: Adding the Stalks
A fly agaric mushroom has a white, brittle stem with shaggy rings beneath the cap. It also features a bulbous volva at its base, from which the mushroom emerges. To depict this, start by drawing a small horizontal line through the middle of the first oval, intersecting the vertical line. Then, draw two vertical lines symmetrically on either side of the horizontal line. Slightly bend both lines towards the left side and extend the length of the stalk. Repeat this process to draw the stem of the second mushroom, ensuring that the stalks originate from the center of the mushrooms.
Remember that the stems should be thicker towards the bottom and thinner towards the top.
Step 4: Drawing the Rings
Fly agaric mushrooms have a ring encircling the stem, slightly below the cap. This ring resembles a hanging curtain. Begin by adding a ring to the larger mushroom’s stalk. Draw two curved lines on both sides of the stalk, extending from the bottom line of the oval downwards. Connect these lines with a small curved line at the top and a wavy line at the bottom. Repeat this process to add a ring to the smaller mushroom’s stalk, connecting two curved lines with a wavy line.
Feel free to erase any visible guidelines from earlier steps.
Step 5: Adding Gills and Spots to the Caps
Mushrooms often have spots on their caps and gills located below the cap. Mushroom gills appear as thin, papery structures hanging vertically. Begin by adding spots to the top of the mushroom caps. These spots can be round, oval, or irregular in shape. Next, draw curved lines from the center of the ovals towards the outer lines in a circular pattern to depict the gills on the larger mushroom. Repeat this process for the smaller mushroom, drawing curved lines from the stem towards the outer lines of the oval.
Step 6: Drawing Natural Elements
To enhance the realism of your mushroom drawing, create a natural-looking base. Draw some grass at the bottom of the mushrooms to establish a sense of grounding.
Step 7: Adding Detail
Now it’s time to add detail to your mushrooms, making them even more realistic. Add texture to the bottom part of the stalks by incorporating step-like structures. Additionally, create small lines on the sides of the stalks, following their form. Use curved lines to add further definition to both ovals. Lastly, draw curved lines from the bottom of the rings, extending upwards.
Step 8: Introducing Shading
To enhance the realism of your mushroom drawing, add shadows. Consider the direction of the light source, assuming it’s coming from the right side. Consequently, add shadows to the left side of the mushrooms, opposite the light source. Darken the upper part of the mushroom caps, leaving the spots visible. Deepen the insides of the cap along the gill lines. Apply small strokes to add shading to the curtain-like ring, the left sides, and the bottom of the stalks. Remember to focus more on shading the left side of the mushrooms.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to draw a mushroom! I hope you had fun throughout the drawing process and are pleased with your final result.
