The world of art has always been a source of fascination for many. Drawing a bust, in particular, can be an immensely rewarding and satisfying experience. Although it may seem daunting to master, drawing a bust is possible with the right tools and mindset. Seeing your own creative vision come to life is what we all strive for, and it’s the same goal when drawing a bust.
Gather the Essentials
To get started drawing a bust, you’ll need a few essentials. The first is a surface to draw on – you can go fancy and purchase a more professional drawing board, but you can always use a simple and cost effective sketchbook to sketch your ideas on. Additionally, you’ll need some quality drawing tools, like a pencil, eraser, and sharpener. Feel free to add markers, charcoal, or even watercolors to your supplies to really bring your vision to life.
Start with a Basic Outline
When you’re ready to draw the bust, start by sketching a basic outline. This isn’t intended to look exactly like the person you’re drawing, but it will give you an overall shape to work with. This is the foundation of your bust, and you can easily improve it later on as you get more practice and techniques under your belt. So, just start off with a simple outline – this can be an oval for the head, a short line for the neck, and a line for the ribcage. This sketch does not have to be perfect.
Focus on the Head and Face
When learning how to draw, it’s important to remember that the eyes are the windows to the soul. While the entire bust is important, taking extra care of the facial features is key to creating a captivating image. As you sketch, focus on the main features of the face, such as the eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth. It doesn’t have to be perfect – but when you add more details, like the eyebrow, eyelashes and other subtle features, the bust will have a greater impact.
Advance Your Style with Color
Once you have the basic sketch, don’t be afraid to explore your creativity further. Experiment with different styles and mediums to create unique busts. Sketch with bold lines and different shades of pencil to add texture, or explore color by adding watercolor, pastels, and markers. Be sure to consider the shape of the face and body, and use the colors to accentuate certain features, like the eyes and lips.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to get better at drawing a bust is to practice! Try taking on a variety of busts, so they don’t become too formulaic. Do the same pose, but with different angles and sizes. Practice drawing the busts from different angles and perspectives. This will allow you to see yourself progress and give you the confidence you need to create more complex pieces.
