Having a bit of facial hair can completely change a look. But drawing a beard can be a tricky endeavor for the rookie artist. Whether it’s for a comic strip or a bigger project, here are the basics on the art of drawing beards that are realistic and believable.
Tools of the Trade and Getting Started
Every artist needs the right tools. A pencil, a kneaded eraser, and a sheet of paper are all that are needed to create a successful beard drawing. Firstly, sketch a shape for the outline of the beard and facial hair growth. Once that is completed, start by sketching in the basic direction of the growth of the hair over the outline. There’s a number of different key points to consider when filling in the shape of the beard, including how thick and wispy the hair is and if there’s any curls.
Creating the Details of the Beard
Beard details are one of the most important parts of a successful beard illustration. When detailing, make sure to pay special attention to where the light and shadows should fall. This is essential for creating depth with the beard and its elements. Just like real facial hair, adding contours to the face can help make the beard look more realistic. It’s also important to consider the thickness of the beard in certain areas. Finally, it’s vital to create texture with the hairs of the beard. Creating hair strands can make any beard much more believable, so try to get as much texture as possible.
Building the Contours and Possible Shading
Beards continue to take on personality with contours and shading. Contours create movement and a sense of volume, providing a good base for shading techniques. Shading in the beard is reliant on paying close attention to the previous steps taken. After all the details and other elements are laid out, try to foster the effect of reflection to create brighter and deeper shadows within the beard. Think of the light as a source, and shadows as an equivalent of the opposite.
Finer Tips for a Flawless Beard
A few different tricks can help you to perfect the beard of your drawing. Developing a three-dimensional perspective on your art can help focus the attention on the details of the beard. In addition, never forget to emphasize a few individual hairs forming sections, which will provide additional texture. Drawing beards can be a tedious job but it provides great satisfaction. And remember: practice makes perfect! Keep practicing and refining your drawn beards until you’ve achieved the desired result.
