Step One: Gather Your Materials
It all starts with the supplies you’ll need to embark on the journey of capturing Michelangelo’s timeless masterpiece, David. Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating something with your own two hands, so grab some charcoal, an eraser, a few sheets of paper and get ready to draw. To make the process more smooth and satisfying, it’s always recommended to have some good quality drawing tools and a nice lightbox. It’s also important to characterize Michelangelo’s personality, so make sure your workspace is filled with things that bring you joy and express your craftsmanship.
Step Two: Understand the Design of David
Before jumping in to the drawing board, it’s important to understand the overall design of David. Michelangelo fashions David to the finest details, painting a picture of masculinity with both its proportions and movements. Start by studying the two distinct poses Tony captures when sculpting. Curved lines and soft edges play an important part in the overall composition. Once you understand the natural lines and form of the sculpture, you will be able to clearly see how each piece of the body fits together.
Step Three: Sketch the Outline
Now that you have a better understanding of the design of David, you can begin to sketch out your drawing. Start by sketching the outline with quick, confident strokes. Don’t worry if you are not getting it exactly right the first time. Drawing takes practice, and it’s important to keep refining and adjusting your lines until they match Michelangelo’s sketch. Remember that curvilinear lines help give the figure an overall smooth and balanced feel.
Step Four: Fill in the Details
This is the part that really brings your drawing to life. Use the design structure you created in Step Two and apply it to the details of David. The key is to make sure that the details you create are in harmony with one another. Use your charcoal to add texture and contrast to the drawing and make sure to draw the shadows and highlights to further define the figure. Work from the big to small elements. This will help your drawing have a more coherent feel and better capture Michelangelo’s skillful compositions.
Step Five: Add Final Touches
Finally, add the finishing touches to your drawing to truly make it your own. Use your eraser to refine the details. Add shading, depth and dimension to make the image look more life-like and realistic. Finally, step back and admire your work. If you feel there’s something missing, don’t be afraid to erase and start again. Taking the time to go through the entire process, from understanding the design to adding the proper details, can help you create a masterpiece worthy of the great Michelangelo.
