Drawing a nose is not as hard as it looks – just take it easy and soon you’ll be able to sketch perfect noses like an expert! All you need are a few clever tips and tricks to get you going, and before you know it, your artwork will be as sharp as an eagle. Here’s how to get started.
Set Up Your Workspace Appropriately
Before you begin drawing, prepare your workspace imaginatively – make sure it’s comfortable, spacious and well-lit, with all the essential tools within easy reach. A good chair, quality drawing materials, and a generous splash of creativity are all-important ingredients for success.
Sketch & Outline Your Nose
Once everything’s in place and all set to go, your next step is to get sketching. First, begin by outlining the key features of your nose – outline the shape of the nose, identify the basic contours of the nostrils and the bridge, and sketch the position of the tip of the nose.
At this stage, don’t worry too much about accuracy – just aim to map out the general contour and shape of your nose.
Tip & Contours
Once you’ve got the basic outlines down, start defining the edges and contours more accurately. Take time to establish the sharp lines running along each side of the nose and the center of the bridge and then start drawing in the small details – the rounded tip, the tiny curves along the sides, and the curved indentations of the nostrils.
As you build up these details, try to use the narrowest of pencils or pens, as the smallest lines create the most believable texture.
Color & Shades
Lastly, add the color and shades. To give the nose the most realistic look, you’ll need to select a range of different shades and tones. Start by adding a light shade and slowly blend it in with a darker shade, until the nose looks completely true to life.
When it comes to coloring in, use a brush as this will give you greater control over the precise shapes and depth of color.
Shading & Hatching
Shading and hatching your nose can help create a committed and three-dimensional effect. Start by applying the lightest of deep shadows with a flatter and lighter pencil, then gradually build up the tone to create a tonal range.
You can use a range of hatching techniques like cross-hatching (using diagonal and vertical strokes) or stippling (using small dots) to give a greater degree of realism.
Highlights & Lights
Finally, add some highlights and lights to bring the nose to life. Start by lightly shading the area just above the tip of the nose, and add a few highlights around the edges of the bridge. You can use delicate white pencil lines in combination with a light color to produce a shiny, metallic reflection.
To really make your nose pop, smudge your colors as this will blur out any sharp lines, creating a sophisticated and professional-looking finish.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Drawing a nose isn’t difficult – with a bit of practice and imagination, you’ll soon be able to create a realistic representation of a nose in no time. As long as you go slow and steady, pay attention to the small details, and play around with colors, you’ll be able to produce a bold, beautiful nose every time. So get out your pencils and start sketching!
