How To Draw A Piano
Drawing a piano can be an immensely rewarding task — it’s a great way to bring beautiful music to life and to practice your art skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced artist, the steps below will help you get started on the right note.
First, sketch out the basic shape of the piano, making sure you leave enough space for the legs and pedals. You can use a ruler or just eye it. Next, define the lines and refine the form of the instrument, focusing on the keys and keys cover. Once you have the shape nailed down, add the details like the buttons, levers, soundboard, and strings.
When it comes to colour, make sure to think about the furniture or room around it, and choose a shade that will complement the surrounding hues. Dark woods like mahogany, or lighter woods like maple, look fantastic. For the soundboard, you can opt for a glossy black finish.
Adding Depth To Your Drawing
To add more depth to your piano drawing, experiment with different shades and tones. A full-size grand needs more attention in this respect — its curved body is full of shadows and light reflections to capture. Once you’ve got the overall shape, add texture to the keys and key cover, by simply adding shading or using a wet technique to get a more defined shadow.
Then focus on the soundboard, you’ll want to layer light and dark tones to make it look realistic. Suggest the sound posts and other details by adding contrast and shadows. And don’t forget the hammers! They should be lightly coloured and slightly raised to give a three-dimensional feel to your drawing.
Tricky Parts of a Piano Drawing
The pedals can be tricky because you can’t see them when you look at the instrument — they’re hidden underneath. Drawing them correctly is important, so take your time but don’t overthink it. Draw their shape and define it with highlighted and shaded tones, then add shadows and shadows reflections around it.
Lastly, don’t forget the inner workings of the piano — the strings, dampers, and tuning pins. Making sure you understand the inner mechanics of the instrument can help you bring your drawing to life. Add mood and atmosphere to your drawing, by thinking about the surrounding environment; is it a studio, a conservatory, or a living room?
Making the Drawing Pop
Once you’ve finished the sketch, it’s time to add some drama. Bring in emphasis by adding contrast and depth. Use light and dark, highlights and shadows to make the piano pop from the paper. Don’t forget to add details that will bring the instrument to life, such as finger prints, smudges or dust.
Then, make sure you also use your imagination to add charm to your drawing. Have someone playing the piano, or display accessories such as a music stand or some sheet music, to make your drawings stand out.
Bringing it Together
To bring your piano drawing together, first use bold strokes to define the structure of the instrument. Then, layer on the shadings and details. Remember to take your time and check for any errors or inconsistencies. You can also use a light eraser to erase any unwanted flourishes.
Once you’ve finished, you can eye your work from a distance. This will help you make sure everything looks in the right place and that all the details are in proportion. If you’re not completely happy, don’t worry — it takes practice and mastering all the techniques takes time. With enough persistence, you can achieve amazing results.
Adding Color and Finishing Touches
Coloring brings another level of realism to your drawing. You can achieve this by using watercolor paints, colored pencils, inks and more. Find out what methods have the best effect and experiment — it’s a great way to practice and hone your skill.
When you’re happy with the colors, frame your drawing or add a light mat to emphasize it. You can also add a title, or your own personal message, to the picture to make it totally unique — and if you feel confident about your skills, you can even offer commissions to really bring your drawings to life.
Bringing Music to Life
Drawing a piano isn’t just a fun activity, it’s an opportunity to bring music to life. When creating any type of art, it’s crucial to remember that mistakes are part of the process — don’t let fear of failure stifle your creativity. Have fun and experiment with different materials and styles, and you’ll soon find that it’s a wonderful way to capture the beauty of the instrument.
