How to draw a person in pencil - step by step master classes with descriptions and photo ideas

Tools and technique to use

The human figure can be drawn with any material, from a simple pencil, all the way up to professional paints. Because of its versatility and ease of use, pencil is the most common. It is better to buy paper smooth and dense enough.

The mixed technique combines different materials. A hard pencil can make a light drawing, and an increase in pressure will add accents. Sometimes to soften the intensity you can apply ink diluted with water, the exact contours are erased with an eraser. On a drawing with a pen, you can give a sepia effect by picking up a watercolor of the right color. Beginning artists must constantly experiment to find their own style of drawing.

Positioning of body parts

Regardless of the chosen object, it's extremely important to determine its location, which will take no more than a third of the sheet. It is advisable to start by highlighting the center. In order to be realistic, the figure must have the correct proportions. The head will be 1/7th of the total height.

Basic shapes and lines

If you have no idea about the structure of the body, it is better to start by studying its structure, carefully studying the muscles and bones. You should not draw lines right away. The muscles are drawn in ovals, then the joints are highlighted. Many people think that this is primitive, but beginners will be able to make the figure correct, following this useful advice.

Next, all parts are connected by a smooth line. Lines of arms, legs and the contours of the torso itself are drawn. The result is the entire figure. To make the portrait realistic, wide and sprawling strokes are added. Creases will give the illusion of mobility to the subject.

It's often not recommended to start drawing a person with a nude sketch, but there's another opinion that without knowing the constitution of the body you can't even get a sketch. It is extremely important to imagine the final version of what you have in mind.

Full-length human drawing

After familiarizing yourself with the theory, you can begin the step-by-step process of drawing a man in a shirt and jeans. The result will be a full-length pencil drawing of a guy. This master class is perfect for beginners.

1. A straight vertical line is drawn, not reaching the edges of the sheet. Divide into 6 equal sections. This is necessary to observe the proportions. Otherwise, the legs will rest on the bottom, which does not look very attractive.
2. Next, you need to draw some more lines for the pelvis and shoulders. Incorrect their location will make the drawing disproportionate, and you will have to redo everything again. To depict a relaxed person, the shoulder part on the right side is placed farther from the center line as opposed to the left side. There will be no neck as the guy's head is tilted.
3. You draw a sketch of the knees and elbows, which are placed at a certain distance from the lines. They are drawn inconspicuously, so that they can be easily erased later. At the very bottom we draw circles for the future shins and feet.
4. An arrow is drawn from the elbows to the pelvis. This is very convenient for those who are drawing for the first time. The hands of the young man will be in pockets, fingers may not be drawn.
5. Auxiliary circles and ovals are removed with the eraser. These are used to draw the contours of clothing and body parts. When adding facial elements, the point of the chin and the start of hair growth is marked. The contour of the neck is drawn from the central line.
6. It is the turn of the outline of the arms and boots. Sketches of the mouth and nose are also made. Ears are also depicted, pushing away from the center line of the eyes and body.
7. Although the guy's hands are in his pockets, it's necessary to draw the thumb outward. We draw the folds, the belt, the collar and the sole of the shoes. Creases are drawn on jeans and outerwear at the bend of the elbows.
8. Completely washed auxiliary lines. The edges of the pants, pockets complement the double stitching. Add shirt buttons and other details of jeans.
9. Draw the nose, lips and eyes along the previously drawn parallel lines of the face. A smile can be made by drawing strokes from the tip of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Add eyebrows and create an interesting hairstyle using curved strokes.

In such a simple way it is easy to draw a realistic picture. By following similar instructions, you can portray other people in different clothes.

Drawing a boy

As a basis, you can take the previous lesson in the full-length man.

1. Not much pressure on the pencil is drawn oval head. Added two short lines for the neck. Next, as an outline of the body is a rectangle.
2. With the help of an additional rectangle drawn contour of the torso. Arms are drawn on the sides, below the dividing line.
3. The lines of the shoulders are slightly rounded. The bottom rectangle draws a vertical line for the legs. The upper part of the pants is detailed, and the neckline is added to the sweater.
4. Image the hands and thumbs.
5. Head is divided into four parts. In the top two sections are the eyes, in the center the nose, and below the lips. Ears are at eye level. Shading the pupils, draw eyebrows and bangs in the form of regular triangles. At the very end, erase the thin lines on the face and add creases on clothing.

A baby with a dog

In the following drawing, let's depict a baby with his four-legged friend. The process itself is simple and won't take much time.

1. Draw a straight line and a centerline. This is needed to indicate the direction of the baby's body. A little higher, we draw a circle. Small sections will indicate the position of the arms. Let's define the area of the head covered with hair.
2. The baby will be depicted in profile, and the facial features are directed to the right. It is necessary to outline a neat nose and chin. Draw an ear near the hair.
3. Let's move on to the face. The lips should be slightly pulled out, the eyes should be squinted with thin lines. The hair on the head should be placed loosely in a chaotic order, then it will be slightly disheveled. The shadows under the hair are elaborated, and the cheek is highlighted with an arched eyeliner.
4. Next, the body is traced and the back and tummy are depicted. The sleeves of the t-shirt, from which the arms, raised up, are drawn.
5. In the hands of the boy, the outline of the puppy's body is drawn. It is not worth much pressure on the pencil. If you're happy with the result of the sketch, then the muzzle, hair and other details are finished.

The drawing can be considered finished, but for contrast you can add dark strokes to the clothes with a soft pencil. In order to draw well, you need to opt for a particular subject. The main thing is to follow the recommendations and think about how everything will look in the final version. Using different techniques, you are sure to find the most comfortable method for you.

Photo ideas and examples for drawing a person in pencil