How to Draw Magic
Creative drawing can awaken once-forgotten feelings, capture emotion, and give flight to the innermost musings of your imagination. Nowhere is this truer than when it comes to drawing something truly magical. Crafting images of the mysterious, awe-inspiring, and improbable can allow you to express and explore boundless possibilities. While this can seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to draw magic.
Start With Simple Shapes
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when tackling a big project. To get going, start small. Making large, abstract shapes can help you brainstorm and plan out what you envision. Don’t worry about getting the final product right on the first go around – just let yourself play with the idea and put your thoughts onto the page.
Use Color to Create Mood
Color is a powerful tool for storytelling. Incorporating vibrant hues with lighter tones will allow you to create a magical atmosphere. Don’t stick to the same shade throughout the entire piece. Instead, layer your pencil work with varying hues and tints to create 3-dimensional depth.
Include Imagery to Evoke Patterns
Embellish your work with images that hint at the source of your creative endeavors. Whether it be stars, plants, animals, or landscapes, these tiny additions can rise to be the predominant feature of your pen and ink masterpiece.
Explore Unknown Realms
Platforms, wings, castles, and portals: all of these elements, and more, are iconic symbols of the magical world. With some focus and determination, you can bring these structures to life using a variety of routine geometric shapes. Draw circles and lines. Fill the shapes with life and atmosphere – “insta-magical”!
Incorporate Unexpected Details
As you work, don’t forget to leave room for your special surprises. Utilize an array of non-traditional items to create an unusual tapestry. Depending on the context, you can incorporate spices, news articles, musical elements, and even mathematical formulas.
Unlock Your Inner Artist Through Symbols
Let your pencil take you to a realm of the unknown. Symbols are an integral part of the magical realm, and they can convey your emotion in a tangible way. Find symbols that inspire you, or draw and design ones of your own.
Be Brave and Explore Deeper Territory
The magical realm often extends beyond the surface. Don’t be afraid to journey deeper and visit rougher terrain, as this can be just as full of potential as the more palatable places.
Give it Movement and Life
One great thing about art is that it can be in motion, as if living and breathing. When starting out, look for inspiration from your favorite animated films and characters to bring that extra something to your magical creations.
Create A Story
When tackling a magical masterpiece, don’t forget the story. What conflict or journey is at the center of the scene and culminate with the work’s resolution? Keep your creative ideas flowing and remember to be flexible as you develop your plot line.
The Power of Perspective
Very few things can make or break a drawing like perspective. When depicting areas of magic and mysticism, it’s important to recognize that the laws of physics don’t always apply. Get creative and use the power of perspective to shape your creature, setting, and characters into something truly magical.
Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches
After putting the pieces together, add subtle details to give the setting true atmosphere and ambiance. This can include things like distant glows, wisps of clouds, and magical auras.
Conclusion
Drawing magic presents an opportunity to develop imagination and truth. With the right mindset and a bit of practice, you can create a world that transcends boundaries and releases the wonder of enchantment into your artwork. So open up that sketchbook, engage interpretation, and draw your dream magic. You never know – the possibilities are endless!
