How To Draw Gnomes
If you’re looking for a way to make your art really stand out and give it some magical personality, why not learn how to draw gnomes? These whimsical characters with bulbous noses, pointy hats, and outgoing personalities are a blast to draw — AND often times, it’s easy to draw them too! With the right tips, you’ll be able to sketch these remarkable characters in no time.
Start with their Outlines
The first step to drawing gnomes is getting their outlines down. Unless you’re a pro at sketching human anatomy, it’s best to start with outlining the shapes of your gnome character. Keep in mind that gnomes have proportionately large heads and usually pointy hats that add a touch of eccentricity. Start by sketching circles big enough for the head, then determine the size of the torso. Sketch the head, torso, legs, and arms, then add more distinguishing details such as the gnome’s hands and feet.
Draw Their Faces
Gnomes are known for their goofy expressions, so make sure to draw each of their facial features in a way that fits the character. Kids love it when you draw gnomes with closed eyes and big, puffy cheeks. They should have an impish look about them, so give them a mischievous smirk or, even better, a rascally smile! With the eyes and mouth drawn in, you can then draw their bulbous noses which should extend out from the face for a full two to three millimeters. Finally, don’t forget to draw their huge, cone-shaped hats which give them a playful and jaunty look.
Add Details & Accessories
Once you’ve got the basic shape of the gnome down, enhance him or her by adding plenty of details. Start with a beard — if the character you’re drawing is a male — which should have plenty of volume and texture. The clothes they wear should also be detailed — think of the heavy-duty clothing that gardeners often wear. Gnomes can wear colorful vests, buckled shoes, and have plenty of pockets. Don’t forget to add a few accessories as well — pipes, sticks, and gardening implements are some that come to mind.
Shading & Color
The final step to drawing gnomes is getting the shading and coloring effects just right. The colors should be bright and bold, reflecting the eccentric attitude of these characters. When transitioning from shadow to light, use hard, distinct lines to make the characters look more relaxed and inviting. Remember to also use washes and gradual gradients when shading to give them an even more lifelike look. The more you practice, the better your gnomes will look!
