In life, nothing can ever be termed as impossible. It may not always be easy, but it will always be doable. And if there’s one thing everyone loves to hone their artistry skills, it’s by drawing. Drawing icebergs is no exception! To draw an iceberg, you’ll need to have a good handle on the basics of drawing and shading, plus a great appreciation for the unique shapes this natural wonder takes on.
First, start off by preparing your materials. A sketchbook, graphite and colored pencils, erasers, and sharpener are all essential. Begin by sketching a familiar object—say, a simple flower or the shape of a cloud. Doing this loosens up your creative energy and ensures that you’ll be in the zone when you start on your iceberg drawing. Drawing a range of basic shapes and objects will train your brain to think of innovative solutions for drawing the iceberg’s image.
Now it’s time to start sketching the iceberg itself. Start by tracing a simple line that corresponds to the iceberg’s shape. Use different pressure to control the darkness of the pencil line. Once you have the main shape, use the eraser and sharpener to refine the lines and shapes of the iceberg. Use the lightest overlapping strokes to craft the contours of the iceberg. Keep it soft to give the object an overall layered, foggy look.
Now add some shading to your artwork. Begin by lightly sketching in light and medium-toned pencil strokes. When thinking of where to place the shading, picture light falling onto the iceberg from top to bottom. Imagine the sections where the light doesn’t hit and darken those areas. Do this for all the various shadows that the natural light creates on the iceberg. Creating a 3D effect will also make your iceberg look more realistic.
Finish off by adding texture to the iceberg to further enhance its look. This can be done by adding a combination of short and long strokes in varying shapes. Stick to the basic outline and let your imagination wander by creating unusual and interesting shapes. For a little extra oomph, try and add hints of light blues and purples. This will make the iceberg look life-like and give it an icy sheen.
When you feel like you’ve done enough and are satisfied with your drawing, step away and come back to it after a couple of hours or even a few days. Review your work with a critical, yet fresh pair of eyes. Repainting any areas that don’t look as you want them to will be the perfect way to wrap up your masterpiece.
Drawing an iceberg is daunting, but with a little practice, the process becomes easier. Build up the skill of recognizing shapes and then creating a layered drawing with shading and highlights to emphasize the three-dimensional quality of the finished piece. With enough practice, almost anyone can create a beautiful and realistic piece of art.
Start your iceberg sketch with an appreciation for the unique shape this natural phenomenon takes. Even the smallest of details matter. Prepare the necessary materials and draw with light and dark pencil strokes. Make the contours look layered with a foggy effect. Don’t forget to add texture and bring life to your masterpiece with highlights of blue and purple. With a bit of practice and commitment, you will be able to draw a convincing illustration of an iceberg in no time.
Creating depth and shadows is important to make your iceberg drawing look realistic. Add shadows along the insides and around the bottom depressions of your iceberg. Should you make any mistakes, don’t be afraid to use the eraser and sharpeners to correct the details. As you become a more experienced artist, you’ll gain a better understanding of the light and shade elements that create a vibrant, yet subtle, layered look.
Adding highlights and small points of light will help bring your artwork full-circle. Add hints of white and light gray to make the iceberg look like it is sparkling in the sun. To really define the shapes of the iceberg, think of how it would look in daylight drifting through mist and fog. Finally, step back and admire your work. You’ve transformed a blank piece of paper into a lifelike scene of an iceberg floating in the sea. Congratulations!
