Are you hunting for the perfect way to draw a human skull? Do you want to bring that spooky feeling to your artwork without the hassle of searching for reference after reference? If so, then you’ve definitely come to the right place. Drawing a human skull can seem intimidating at first, but fear not because I’ve got a surefire way to give your artwork some quality skull power! Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be set.
Step 1: Have the Right Supplies
When it comes to drawing a human skull, the key is having the right supplies. A good quality pencil, some erasers and a sketchbook are must-haves to get started. Make sure that you have a high-end pencil like a 6B or 8B as this will give your skull fine, detailed lines. You also don’t want to skimp on the eraser — it’ll save you a lot of frustration while you’re cleaning up your drawing and erasing stray lines. Finally, make sure you find a sketchbook that you love, as this will be your canvas for your creation.
Step 2: Research Human Skull Anatomy
Although it’s important to have the right supplies, the foundation for your drawing will be how much you know about the anatomy of a human skull. Researching this will help you as you begin sketching, as it will give you a better understanding of the skeletal structure of a human head. Look for various references online, in art books and even sometimes at your local library — there are plenty of resources available to help you out. Once you have a good feel for the anatomy of a skull, you’ll be ready to start the sketching process.
Step 3: Start Off with Rough Sketches
A great way to get a feel for the overall shape and structure of the human skull is to start off with some rough sketches. Try sketching freehand and be sure to lightly shade in some of the major features — like the eyes, mouth and nose — to help you visualize specific details. Don’t worry about getting it perfect, as your next steps will be refining your sketch and adding in more detail. The point here is for you to get a good visual of the overall look of the skull.
Step 4: Refine Your Drawing
After you have a good feel for the overall look of the skull, it’s time to refine it. Start off by using a finer pencil, like a 4B or 6B, as this will give you more control and help you draw more detailed lines. Add in the finer details like wrinkles, teeth and sutures — the thin lines between different bone plates on the skull. As you go along, look back at your references to make sure you’re nailing the details.
Step 5: Color the Drawing
For the final step, you can decide whether you want to color in the drawing or leave it as is. If you want to make it more spooky and add some depth, then try using a dark colored pencil and color in the details. If you’re feeling more adventurous, then you can also try using some watercolors to add some mood to your drawing. However you decide to color it is up to you — just make sure that you experiment and have fun with it.
Step 6: Revise and Add Finishing Touches
Once you’re satisfied with your drawing, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Look back at your references and make sure you’ve nailed all the details, and then erase any stray lines or smudges that you need to clean up. Lastly, add any highlights or shadows that will bring your drawing to life. And there you have it — a spooky, realistic human skull drawing. Just make sure to stay focused and committed during the entire process and you’ll be sure to succeed.
