How To Draw Good Noses
When it comes to drawing noses, many aspiring fine artists may feel a bit overwhelmed. After all, noses come in all shapes and sizes, and the challenge is to put that on paper. Don’t let this skill intimidate you though! Drawing the perfect nose is merely a matter of collecting the necessary tools and techniques, then practising and refining.
To get you on the fast-track towards mastering the complexities of a nose, here are a few key fundamentals to ponder:
1. Understand the Anatomy of a Nose
Noses are comprised of several different parts, including the both the bridge and tip – and knowing how these parts work together is essential to accurately depicting a good-looking nose.
Start by recognizing that the bridge is what makes up the majority of the nose’s length and provides the structure for the entire feature. It generally runs from the forehead to the tip, with a slight dip at the center. Here, the bump that some people call the bridge is located.
The tip of the nose yields a bit more leeway in the drawing process, as it exhibits individual variation with the curves and angles it possesses. It’s important to keep in mind that the latter should be slightly smaller than the former.
2. Analyze Form & Shape
Once you can identify the specific parts of the nose, take it a step further by learning to recognize their forms and shapes. It’s essential to nail down the form of a proper nose early on, as this is the foundation on which your sketch will be built.
By nature, the bridge of a good nose should be slightly convex, while the tip should be slightly concave. Pay attention to its width as well, noting any bumps or abnormalities. This info will come in handy later when adding surface details.
3. Establish Proportions
No matter who you’re drawing, all noses share a certain proportion when it comes to size. Here’s a helpful tip: The width of the nose should be about the same size as the eyes, and the length should be about the same size as half the mouth.
Keep in mind that like all other facial features, noses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so don’t be afraid to exaggerate or trim down accordingly.
4. Visualize Texture
One of the best ways to bring a nose to life is to incorporate the impressions of texture. Skin has wrinkles, bumps and freckles, and when brought together, these traits all add up to the unique shape and colour of a nose.
When drawing, consider the portions that draw the most attention and accent them with the faintest of wrinkles and strips. Then use shadow to really emphasize the form and shape of the bridge.
5. Add the Finishing Touch
The last step in drawing a good nose is to pay attention to all the minor details. What looks like wrinkles and strips, in actuality, are cartilage that make up the internal structure of a nose. So, consider how and where you want to add them to give life to the one you’re sketching.
Creating a lifelike nose can be a bit intimidating at first, but once you’ve mastered all the components, you’ll be one step closer to mastering your own skills! The key takeaway here is to start by familiarizing yourself with the parts and proportions of a nose, before progressing to more intricate details.
Happy sketching!
