Howcast

How to Draw a Book

Howcast — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:16:17 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw a rectangle Draw a rectangle with one corner pointing toward the lower edge of your paper.
TIP: Use a ruler if you have difficulty drawing straight lines.
Step 2: Add corners Draw slightly curved backward Cs from the rectangle’s three points closest to the page bottom. These will determine the width of your book.
Step 3: Add binding and pages Draw straight lines parallel to the lower two edges of your rectangle, connecting the C curves. Create pages by drawing multiple straight lines inside the small lower left rectangle you just created.
TIP: Adding a bookmark or pair of glasses to the drawing will give life to your picture.
Step 4: Add details Create small triangles at the upper points of the book by drawing short diagonal lines across the book cover. Draw a line parallel to the top line of the binding about the width of the binding and shade the spaces you created.
Step 5: Add more details Add design and a title to the binding for flair, because you never know who might judge this book by its cover.
FACT: Did you know? The Gutenberg Bible, printed in 1454, was the first book printed on a movable type printing press.

You Will Need

Pencil
Paper
Ruler (optional)

How to Draw a Sofa

Howcast — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:02:07 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw a horizontal rectangle Draw a horizontal rectangle to represent the sofa base.
Step 2: Add a second horizontal rectangle Add a second horizontal rectangle of the same size above the first, but slant the short lines slightly inward. Top it with a third rectangle, with the short lines slanted slightly outward for back cushions.
TIP: Use a ruler to draw straight lines.
Step 3: Draw tall, thin rectangles Draw tall, thin rectangles adjacent to each side of the sofa base to represent its arms.
Step 4: Connect Connect the arms’ top outer points to the large upper rectangle with straight lines, repeating the inward angle of the middle rectangle to show perspective.
Step 5: Indicate cushions Indicate cushions by drawing straight vertical lines to divide the sofa back and seat into two or three sections. Then draw a horizontal line slightly below the seat cushions and stretch it across the length of the original rectangle.
Step 6: Soften and define the shape Soften and define the shape of the sofa’s back, adding small half-circles on top of the tall rectangles to detail the arms.
Step 7: Add details Add details such as cushion buttons, legs, pillows or fabric patterns.
TIP: Add period details to the basic shapes to draw historic pieces.
Step 8: Erase and shade Erase unwanted lines. Then shade the sofa’s shadowed areas to create a comfortable and cozy looking spot to stretch out and let the cares of the world slip away.
FACT: The modern studio furniture craft movement emerged in the 1940s.

You Will Need

Graphite pencil
Paper
Eraser
Ruler (optional)

How to Draw a Caricature

Howcast — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:31:09 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Study face Examine your subject’s face closely to decide which features call for exaggeration, such as small eyes, a receding hairline, or large ears.
TIP: Remember that your goal is not realism. A caricature blends portrait drawing and cartooning.
Step 2: Draw nose and mouth Draw the nose profile first in a side view caricature. Add the nostril and nose wing, and then connect the nose to the mouth with a small curve. Add lips.
TIP: Vary line width to create the effect of shadowing and to give dimension to the features.
Step 3: Add eyes and eyebrows Define the upper eyelid with a bold, thick stroke and draw a circle for the pupil. Add a short, curved stroke under the pupil for the lower lid. Add arched lines that duplicating the shape of the eyelids for eyebrows.
TIP: Give sparkle and life to eyes with a white highlight placed within the pupil.
Step 4: Add ear Add a C-shape positioned on the side of the head between the eye and mouth for the ear. Add a curved stroke inside the C to represent bone structure.
Step 5: Add forehead Draw a curved stroke from the nose to the top of the head to define the forehead. Keep in mind the overall dimensions of the entire head in order to properly position the forehead.
Step 6: Add hair and chin Connect the chin line to the lower lip with a bold curved stroke. Draw the outer profile of the subject’s hair, and then the inside hairline.
Step 7: Add neck Connect the chin and lower hairline with two downward strokes to create a comical, skinny neck, ensuring your reputation as a caricature artist with humor and finesse.
FACT: Did you know? Famed Renaissance painter Leonardo da Vinci is also known for his pen and ink caricature drawings

You Will Need

A subject
A pencil or marker
Paper

How to Draw Anime Girls

Howcast — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:45:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Rough in the form Rough in a front view of a female form, beginning with the head and then adding the torso, limbs, hands, and feet.
TIP: Run a vertical line through the center of your figure as a guide to ensure body symmetry.
Step 2: Exaggerate the form Exaggerate the form’s feminine aspects by slimming the waistline and hips, enlarging breasts, and lengthening the legs. Also, shorten the torso.
TIP: The larger the head, the younger your anime girl appears.
Step 3: Add facial features Add facial features, keeping the pointed nose and mouth small. Draw very large eyes near each side of the head. Then add ears, a pointed chin, and a thin neck.
Step 4: Add hair Add hair in the anime style by blocking in sections with V-tipped ends.
Step 5: Add clothing Add clothing appropriate to your figure’s age and character. Indicate folds where the body bends with a few clean lines.
Step 6: Erase guidelines Erase unwanted guidelines. Now your drawing is ready for framing and you’re ready to advance from anime novice to experienced artist.
FACT: Tezuka Osamu, a prolific post World War II artist, is revered as the father of anime.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
An eraser

How to Tag like a Real Graffiti Artist

Howcast — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 04:02:10 +0000

Instructions

: Do not graffiti public or private property without obtaining permission.
Step 1: Talk like a writer Master the lingo. A “writer” is a graffiti artist, a “king” or “queen” is a great writer, a “toy” is inexperienced, and a “crew” is a group who work together. A “tag” is a simple work of graffiti, a “throw-up” is more complicated, and a “piece” is a very complex work of graffiti.
Step 2: Develop lettering The foundation for all graffiti art is tagging your nickname on a visible space. Develop a nickname and lettering style that are unique to you. The style you create can be used for your tags, throw-ups, and pieces.
TIP: Use your influences. Look to anything from album covers to comics to consumer products for inspiration.
Step 3: Start a black book Start a black book, a hardcover sketchbook where you and other writers can develop ideas. Write tags, throw-ups and pieces in full color with pens, pencils, and markers. Contribute to other writers’ black books, too.
Step 4: Practice spray-can techniques Practice techniques by painting on a large piece of plywood in a well-ventilated area. Use a variety of spray-can tips to control spray-paint flow. Consider wearing gloves and a respirator anytime you use spray paint.
TIP: Experiment with tagging techniques that don’t involve traditional spray paint like putting up stickers, using fire extinguishers filled with paint, and etching on glass.
Step 5: Join a crew Learn the ropes from a crew. A crew will admit you based on work they’ve seen in public or in your black book. Joining one can help improve your work and get you involved in group projects.
TIP: Take time to learn the etiquette of tagging, like which tags can and can’t be written over.
Step 6: Find legal walls Find places to write on by searching for “legal walls” online. Cities around the world have established legal spots for writers to craft their masterpieces.
Step 7: Go out and tag Go out and write! Express yourself as much as legally possible. With hard work and the help of a good crew, you’ll go from toy to royalty in no time!
FACT: Tagging was popularized in part by a 1971 New York Times article about the graffiti artist Taki 183.

You Will Need

Lingo
Creativity
Hardcover sketchbook
Pencils
Pens
Markers
Plywood
Spray paint
Spray-can tips
Latex gloves
Paint respirator
Legal wall
Stickers (optional)
Fire extinguisher (optional)

How to Draw Letters

Howcast — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:15:41 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw bubble style Draw bubble style by printing numbers and letters of the alphabet in the common block style, and them draw over them, fattening and rounding them until you have the look you want.
Step 2: Create graffiti Create different graffiti styles by first drawing stick letters and numbers, leaving ample space between them, and then adding straight, wavy, or other contoured lines around them. Then fill them in with colors or patterns.
TIP: Practice the different styles you want to master, focusing on the more difficult letters of the alphabet, like A, R, B, S, and Q.
Step 3: Draw 3-D letters Draw 3-D letters and numbers by beginning with 2-D versions characterized by length and width. Shade these by placing the darkest values along the outer edges, or in the centers with the lightest values at the outer edges.
Step 4: Apply creativity Apply creativity to your letters and numbers by exaggerating forms, outlining, and coming up with your own special effects and style.
Step 5: Erase unwanted lines Erase any unwanted lines and step back and appreciate your composition. Share your new talent to wow your friends.
FACT: American communities spend an estimated $12 billion annually in cleaning unwanted graffiti written on buildings and other places.

You Will Need

Pen or Graphite pencil
Paper
Eraser
Colored pencils or markers

How to Draw a Profile

Howcast — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:16:36 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Assemble tools Assemble your tools, including your paper, pencil, and eraser. Pose your model to provide a direct view of their profile, or place a photo of the side view of a face beside your paper.
TIP: Create a profile by drawing the face looking to either the right or left, with only one side of the face, and one eye and one ear exposed.
Step 2: Draw an oval Draw an oval to represent the head with the lower portion of the oval tilted slightly left to create a left profile.
Step 3: Draw the eye Draw a triangle-shaped eye halfway between the top and bottom of the oval, recessing it from the oval’s left edge so that it will later align to the outer edge of the mouth.
Step 4: Draw the nose contour Draw the nose contour below the eye, reproducing the line and proportion of your model’s nose.
TIP: Capture a likeness of your model’s face by replicating the individual proportions of their facial features.
Step 5: Continue contour Continue the profile contour by recessing the two lips and chin from the line of the original oval.
Step 6: Add ear Add a C-shaped ear, placing it opposite the nose near the oval’s center, and aligned between the eye and nose.
Step 7: Erase unwanted lines, fill in details Erase unwanted lines and fill in details such as eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair. Now, add profile artist to your list of accomplishments.
FACT: A profile of Queen Victoria was pictured on the world’s first official postage stamped issued in Great Britain in 1840.

You Will Need

Pencil
Paper
Eraser
Live model or photo

How to Draw Hearts

Howcast — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:02:51 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw two circles Trace a coin, drawing two side-by-side circles. Slightly overlap the circles at the middle.
TIP: Draw lightly so you can erase unwanted lines later.
Step 2: Draw a center line Use a ruler to draw a vertical center line through the middle of the overlapped portion of the circles, extending it toward the page bottom.
Step 3: Add point Create a point by placing one end of your ruler along the outer edge of one of the circles. Then draw a line, angling it so that it connects to the vertical line. Repeat on the other side.
Step 4: Erase guidelines Erase unwanted guidelines. Remember, all you need is love!
FACT: Did you know? Modern science shows people really can die from a broken heart.

You Will Need

Pencil
Paper
Large coin
Ruler
Eraser

How to Draw a Monkey

Howcast — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:02:51 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Establish body and head Draw an elongated oval for the body, creating a slight bulge at the upper left of the oval. Overlap a smaller circle at the top right of the oval for the monkey’s head.
Step 2: Add legs Draw a sideways pear shape inside the lower left of the oval as the seated monkey’s hindquarter and leg.
TIP: Remember that a monkey’s fingers and toes look like human fingers.
Step 3: Add arms Add banana shapes for arms, placing the shoulder portion of the arm which is in full view at the center of the oval, slightly below the head, and a smaller version to its right.
Step 4: Add ears and face Draw triangles at each side of the monkey’s head for ears. Add a rounded heart shape to the front of the head, drawing the eyes, nostrils and mouth inside it.
TIP: Like a human face, a monkey face is symmetrical with forward-facing eyes.
Step 5: Add tail Draw a long, snake-like tail, extending it from the monkey’s spine, and curving it above the head. The length of the tail will depend on the monkey species you choose to draw.
TIP: Drawing the monkey’s surroundings will add interest to your sketch.
Step 6: Erase guidelines and shade Erase unwanted guidelines, smoothing line contours. Shade shadowed areas for realism and your monkey will look ready for jungle antics.
FACT: Did you know? The cry of the howler monkey can travel three miles through thick vegetation.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
An eraser

How to Draw Flames

Howcast — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:31:40 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Create framework Draw an ellipse the size you’ve determined for your finished flame drawing.
Step 2: Add primary flame Draw a tear-shape from the top of the ellipse to the base, centering it within the shape.
Step 3: Add flame spikes Create three or more flame spikes toward the top of the tear shape, making sure the center spike is tallest.
TIP: Flames are a dynamic force. Try to capture the feel of action by elongating the spikes.
Step 4: Add flame layers Duplicate the spikes just inside the original spike lines to add inner flames. Repeat the step to create three flame layers.
TIP: Stand-alone sparks coming off flame tips create a flicker effect.
Step 5: Erase guidelines and add shading Erase your guidelines and shade the flames near the bottom. Now, use your imagination to create some super hot images and designs.
FACT: Did you know? President John F. Kennedy’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery is marked by an eternal flame.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
An erase

How to Draw a Monster

Howcast — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:31:40 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw body and arms Draw an oval for the body. Add clawed arms on each side of the oval, positioning them at the oval’s midpoint.
TIP: There are no rules when it comes to drawing monsters. You can create them large or small, fierce or funny, scaly or furry.
Step 2: Add tail Attach the right edge of a large U-shape to the body’s right lower edge, just below the arm. Curve it upward and inward, then bring it back, connecting it to the oval’s left side.
TIP: Always draw outer shapes before adding details.
Step 3: Add details Add one large or several small eyes at the center of the oval. Draw a mouth and add one or more triangles at the top of the head for horns.
Step 4: Apply imagination Use your imagination and add details, such as wings, scales, multiple arms, or a flaming jaw and sharp teeth.
Step 5: Erase guidelines Erase unwanted guidelines. One final tip – next time you open your closet, check for monsters, because you never know what might lurk in the shadows.
FACT: Frankenstein was Mary Shelley’s answer to Lord Byron’s challenge to her to write a ghost story.

You Will Need

A pencil
Paper
An eraser

How to Draw a Rose

Howcast — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:01:19 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Create guidelines and stem Draw an oval. Add a curved line from the bottom center of the oval. Then draw a second line next to it, duplicating the curve, creating a stem.
TIP: Flowers are perfect in their imperfection, so don’t worry about precise measurements.
Step 2: Add petals Draw a tear-drop shape on each inner side of the oval for petals, overlapping them at the bottom. Add a cylinder shape between the petals and draw a swirl in its center.
Step 3: Add more petals Add more petals to create a layered effect by duplicating the lines of existing petals. Closely follow the original petal lines.
Step 4: Add sepals and leaves Draw two short lines on each side of the stem, extending them from the oval’s lower edge. Stagger two or more tear-shaped leaves onto the stem.
TIP: Adding leaves makes your rose drawing appear more lifelike.
Step 5: Erase guidelines, refine and shade Erase unwanted guidelines and refine the rose’s contour, adding any desired shading. Now, draw a lavish, romantic bouquet for someone you love.
FACT: The rose was named the National Floral Emblem in 1986 under President Ronald Reagan.

You Will Need

A pencil
Paper
Eraser

How to Draw a Man

Howcast — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:45:52 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Define proportion Draw a vertical line, and then a horizontal line crossing its midpoint. The intersection marks the man’s center, located just above the space between the legs.
Step 2: Rough in head and torso Rough-in the head and torso with basic shapes. Draw an oval head, a large triangle for the chest, and a smaller triangle for the hips.
TIP: Male shoulders are broader, the hip space is smaller, and the hands and feet are larger than those of females.
Step 3: Add arms, legs, hands and feet Draw cylinders for arms and legs, placing circles at joints and connecting limb sections with straight lines. Add circles for hands and triangles for feet.
Step 4: Refine contour and erase guidelines Refine the figure’s contour, keeping in mind the male body tends to be muscular and angular. Erase unwanted guidelines.
Step 5: Add features Add ears, nose, mouth and eyes and sketch in hair, emphasizing desired personal characteristics.
Step 6: Add clothing Draw clothing over your figure, paying attention to folds at points where the body bends and to the curves of the body.
TIP: Clothing styles provide clues to the figure’s age, status, and profession.
Step 7: Add shading Add shading to shadowed areas, building form and texture. Even if you aren’t the perfect man, or don’t even know one, you can at least draw him.
FACT: In 2009, at 8 feet 1 inch, 27-year-old Sultan Kosen of Turkey was crowned the world’s tallest man.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
Eraser

How to Line Draw

Howcast — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:31:38 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Select object Select an object with some interesting details and set it on a surface in front of you.
TIP: Make sure your environment is quiet so you are able to focus and take your time when line drawing.
Step 2: Observe your object Study the object closely, noticing its curves, planes, and special features. Line drawing tests and stretches your eye-hand coordination.
Step 3: Determine a start point and begin Determine a logical starting point and begin, using clearly defined lines to make hard edges appear forward, and using softer lines for receding edges.
TIP: Vary pressure on the pencil to darken and lighten lines.
Step 4: Draw what you see Draw exactly what you see by continuing to observe your object closely. Use your artistic judgment when moving from one area to another.
Step 5: Create composition Create a strong composition by imagining an oval encircling the drawing and balancing your image within the space. Now, draw another object. Practice makes perfect.
FACT: American artist Andy Warhol, early in his career, was known for using a simple blotted line technique to create commercial art.

You Will Need

An object
A surface
A graphite pencil
Paper

How to Draw Cars

Howcast — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:02:12 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw the body Draw a rectangle and then connect a second rectangle half the size of the first extending up and back from the right side of the first rectangle.
TIP: Draw lightly so you can easily erase your guidelines.
Step 2: Draw roof section Add three short, straight vertical lines. Place line one just left of the center top of your original rectangle, make line two slightly longer than the first and left of the center of your second rectangle, and extend line three from the body’s far right vertical line that is the side of the second rectangle. Connect the three lines at the top.
TIP: Adjust the length and width of the car’s body and hood to reflect specific car models.
Step 3: Add wheels Draw two vertical rectangles near the front and rear of the body’s side with one-quarter of the line extending beneath the car. The upper and lower lines should slant upwards. Draw short horizontal lines left of the left vertical line, and then go straight upwards to the car body. Repeat for the left front tire.
Step 4: Define hood and grill Add two right slanted lines at the corners inside the front hood rectangle. Slant another line starting from center top of the hood’s top to just inside the body’s rear edge. Draw a straight line across the lower edge of your original rectangle for the bumper, adding a rectangle for grill work directly above the bumper.
TIP: Add eyes instead of headlights and a smile instead of a front bumper to create a cartoon car.
Step 5: Round shapes and erase guidelines Round the bodywork and erase your guidelines.
Step 6: Add detail and shading Add headlights, body details, tires, and grillwork. Shade shadowed areas to complete your drawing.
FACT: Did you know? The Ford Motor Company sold 15 million Model T’s between 1908 and 1927.

You Will Need

A pencil
Paper
Eraser

How to Draw Animals

Howcast — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:31:03 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw basic form Study your animal photo. Break the form into circles, triangles, rectangles, and oval shapes, establishing accurate proportions.
TIP: Begin a fish drawing with a large oval. Use circles for the hips of many four-legged creatures and triangles for heads, ears, and legs.
Step 2: Round and contour form Round the animal’s outline and define contour details by observing photo details.
TIP: Draw details after establishing outside contours.
Step 3: Add details Add features such as eyes, ears, mouths, hooves, fur, and tails. Let your photo guide you in feature placement and in sketching the finer points of each.
Step 4: Erase guidelines Erase your original shape guidelines.
Step 5: Add shading Add shading to create realism and depth to your drawing. Now you have the basic skills to draw anything from a gerbil to a giraffe.
FACT: Did you know? Polar bears are among the animals declining in population as a result of melting sea ice and were designated a threatened species in 2008.

You Will Need

An animal photo
A graphite pencil
Paper
An eraser

How to Draw Shoes

Howcast — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:31:16 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw simple shape Draw a rectangle, narrowing one end to establish the side view of a basic shoe, noting that most types of shoes fit into this boxy shape.
Step 2: Refine the outline Refine the outline of your shoe, making sure to clearly reflect the curve where the shoe surrounds the ankle.
TIP: Add character to your drawing by capturing subtle signs of wear.
Step 3: Add heel and outsole Draw a short rectangle for the heel, positioning it below the left edge of your original rectangle. Add a thin rectangle from the toe to the heel, connecting them.
Step 4: Add details Add details, including stitching, laces, lace eyes, and decorations such as buckles, straps, and fabric design.
TIP: Shoes are typically sewn together at the toe joint and the heel-ankle joint.
Step 5: Erase guidelines and shade Erase unwanted guidelines and shade shadowed areas of the shoe. Now, to make sure your drawing is more than a footnote, frame it!
FACT: Scientific evidence shows humans wore shoes 40,000 years ago during the Middle Paleolithic period.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
A simple low-heeled shoe
An eraser

How To Draw a Girl

Howcast — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:46:15 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw body and head shapes Draw an upside-down triangle to represent her shoulders to her waist, and then a right side-up triangle whose top point overlaps the bottom point of the first triangle by about a third to be her waist to her hips. Add an oval on top of the shoulders for her head.
Step 2: Add legs and feet Add two legs extending from the bottom of the lower triangle and attach small elongated ovals for feet.
TIP: Every girl has an individual shape and proportion with thinner arms and larger hips than men.
Step 3: Add arms and neck Add a thin rectangle extending from each shoulder. For bent arms, divide the rectangles into upper arms, elbows, and lower arms. Connect the head to the shoulders with a small, thin trapezoid.
Step 4: Refine the form Round your shapes and refine the contours of your drawing, adding two half circles on the chest for breasts. Erase the unnecessary guidelines.
Step 5: Add face and hair Divide the face oval in half vertically and horizontally, and draw eyes along the center horizontal line, one on either side of the vertical line. Add a nose along the vertical line, and a mouth below the nose, bisecting the vertical line. Then erase your guidelines and add outer and inner hairlines.
TIP: Use sweeping strokes when sketching hair, following the natural direction of growth.
Step 6: Add clothing Give your girl style by adding clothing, jewelry and shoes.
Step 7: Add shading Add shading to shadowed areas to create a realistic look.
FACT: Did you know? In the 19th century, Sioux women decorated their clothes with porcupine quills.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
An eraser

How to Draw a Skull

Howcast — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:31:13 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Outline skull, add cheekbones Draw a half circle with the opening at the bottom. This will represent the top of the skull. Add cheekbones by drawing two lines, starting just inside the open part of the half circle and gently curving outside the circle.
Step 2: Add jaw line Continue the cheekbone lines so they move downward and curve inward, toward the center of the skull. Then connect the two lines horizontally. This will be the bottom row of teeth.
Step 3: Draw top row of teeth Draw a broad U-shape connecting the bottom of the cheekbones and going across the bottom jaw line. This will be the top row of teeth.
TIP: The skull has three basic sections, the hairline to eyebrows, eyebrows to the bottom of the nose, and bottom of the nose to the chin.
Step 4: Add teeth Draw a second U-shaped line parallel and below the first and draw short, straight lines on both sides. Create teeth with short vertical lines inside the “smile.”
TIP: Slightly darkening the face of the teeth creates realism.
Step 5: Add eye and nose cavities Add wide, round eye cavities centered between the top of the head and chin, leaving the space of one cavity between them.
Step 6: Add nose cavity and shade cavities Add two tear drop shapes between the cheek bones and above the teeth for the nose cavity. Shade all the cavities. The darkest areas will be at the top of each shape.
Step 7: Add more shading Shade the skull, making the outer edges darker to create depth.
FACT: Did you know? A baby’s skull consists of several cranial bones held together by a material called sutures, which allow the skull to expand as the baby grows.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
An eraser

How to Draw a Portrait

Howcast — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:31:08 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw head and eyes Draw an oval. Add eyes at the oval’s center, leaving a space between them equal to the length of one eye.
TIP: Create a good likeness by establishing the correct relationship between facial features.
Step 2: Add nose Add the nose, placing the bottom of the nose at the midpoint between the bottom of the chin and eyes. Add nostrils and nose wings.
Step 3: Add mouth Add the mouth at the midpoint between the tip of the nose and bottom of the chin. Pay attention to the subtle curves of the lips.
TIP: The length of the mouth is generally equal to the distance between the two pupils.
Step 4: Refine face and add hair Refine the face frame, paying attention to angles. Add hair, noting the direction hair grows and falls, and lay in eyebrows, following the direction of hair growth.
TIP: Sketch hair using loose, sweeping strokes to create a sense of flow and rhythm.
Step 5: Add neck Add the neck, aligning each side to the outside of the corresponding eye. Gently taper it toward the collar bone.
Step 6: Add shading Shade shadowed areas to add form and texture. Now, congratulate yourself for taking your drawing skills to new levels.
FACT: Did you know? The National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. houses thousands of photos, paintings and drawings recognizing remarkable Americans for their contribution to the country and culture.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
An eraser

How to Draw Feet

Howcast — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:45:44 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Define form Draw three cones in the shape of a right triangle with their points cropped: a long, slender cone for the front of the foot, another for the shin, and the third, short and stubby, for the heel.
Step 2: Sketch form Sketch the foot’s contour using your conical shapes as guides.
TIP: The foot’s arch is always present, even in a bent position.
Step 3: Add toes and nails Add four small cylinder shapes for toes and begin each toe at the quarter point of the previous toe, decreasing the overall size of each toe. Round them and add nails.
TIP: Use a live model, or practice drawing your own feet.
Step 4: Erase guideline Erase your original guidelines.
Step 5: Add ankle Draw an upside-down cane or L-shape above the heel with the short side towards the toes to define the ankle and complete your drawing.
FACT: Did you know? Children tend to be flat- footed until the ages of three to five, when their arch fully forms.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
An eraser

How to Draw Clothes

Howcast — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:45:37 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw a shirt Draw the outline of a basic T-shirt.
Step 2: Add folds Add folds to the sleeves, inside, and hem areas using v-shaped, curved, or hooked lines. Note shoulder areas tend to be flat while the body of shirt has a wavy appearance.
TIP: The lower edge of clothing is usually depicted by a wavy line.
Step 3: Add subtle folds Add subtle folds. Notice where the body bends or bulges beneath the shirt, such as at breasts, elbows, waist, or back, and add these more subtle folds.
TIP: Fabrics fold and wrinkle in unique ways with leather being the most resistant and silk creating the most folds.
Step 4: Erase unwanted lines Erase any unwanted lines you drew when outlining the shirt.
Step 5: Add tones Add light, medium and dark tones, making shadowed areas, such as the inside of folds where it’s darkest.
Step 6: Try other types of clothes Try drawing more challenging clothes once you’ve mastered the T-shirt. With these tips under your belt, you can dress your figures in high style.
FACT: U.S. law offers no copyright protection for garment design, allowing apparel manufacturers to produce “knock-offs” of popular styles.

You Will Need

A person wearing a T-shirt
A graphite pencil
Paper
An eraser

How to Draw a Dragon

Howcast — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:15:56 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw body and head Draw a sideways S to establish a side view of the dragon’s body. Add an oval onto the left tip of the S for the head. Connect the right end of the S to the center point of the S to form the body.
TIP: Draw your basic form lightly so you can erase unwanted lines later.
Step 2: Add neck and tail Widen the dragon’s neck by adding a line following the upper curve of the left portion of the sideways S, connecting it to the body. Draw a long triangle-shaped tail, making sure it flows from the top of the dragon’s spine. Add a small triangle to the tail’s tip.
TIP: Dragon drawings often combine invented and real animal body parts. Study reptile and bat photos, to foster ideas for creating your own original drawing.
Step 3: Add hindquarters, feet, and claws Lay in a vertical oval shape at the lower right edge of the body to represent hindquarters. Draw an elongated oval at the end of the hindquarters and another near the front edge of the body for feet. Add triangle shapes to the feet for claws.
Step 4: Add wing Draw a pointed umbrella shape originating from the dragon’s mid-neck for the single wing visible from this view. It can be as large as you want, but be sure that the umbrella points downward.
Step 5: Add ears and facial features Draw pointed ears on each side of the dragon’s head. Add eyes, nostrils, a mouth, and teeth.
Step 6: Erase guidelines Erase your guidelines and round out your form.
TIP: Apply shading to shadowed areas to add realism and depth to your drawing.
Step 7: Add scales, points, and fire Add scales to the dragon’s chest by overlaying scallop shapes from the neck to the feet. Add a series of small triangular points along the spine.
Step 8: Add flames Draw fiery flames shooting from the dragon’s mouth for the final fearsome touch. Now, stretch your imagination even further and create a friend for your dragon.
FACT: The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest lizard, weighing in at up to several hundred pounds.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
An eraser

How to Draw People

Howcast — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:45:49 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw a stick figure Draw a stick figure including a head, shoulders, torso, hips, arms, hands, and feet. Add small circles indicating the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle joints.
Step 2: Add mass Add muscle, fat, and solid mass using ovals, circles, and cylinders, establishing volume proportions.
TIP: Take into account differences in age, sex, and body type when mapping out your figure’s proportions.
Step 3: Add hands and feet Add hands and feet using basic cylinder, oval, and triangle shapes.
TIP: Use hands to suggest character by drawing them delicate, muscular, or worn.
Step 4: Join sections Connect the head to the shoulders, shoulders to arms, and torso to hips with sketch lines.
Step 5: Refine contour and erase guidelines Refine your figure’s contour to create a more lifelike drawing and erase your initial guidelines.
Step 6: Add details Add facial features, hair, and clothing and your figure will look ready to walk off the page.
FACT: Did you know? There are more than 6.7 billion people of all shapes and sizes living on earth.

You Will Need

A graphite pencil
Paper
Eraser