How to Draw Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa is one of the world’s most recognizable artworks, and replicating it is a fantastic way to sharpen your drawing skills. It may seem daunting to draw such a masterpiece but if you break it up into small parts, it is quite achievable. Read on to learn the basics of how to draw Mona Lisa.
Stepping Stones for Drawing Mona Lisa
The trick to drawing the Mona Lisa is starting off with the right canvas. The painting is divided into two vertical halves. Start by lightly sketching the two halves with a pencil. Once the two halves are drawn, lightly sketch in the various contours and folds of her clothing. Pay attention to the creases and angles of her clothing – quite different from the rounder curves of the rest of her body.
Now it’s time to start painting. Start by adding her face. Draw in her eyes, nose, and mouth with precision, as these features are difficult to erase without damaging the rest of the painting. To create the mysterious Mona Lisa smile, add an intentional gap between her top and bottom teeth.
Once the face is complete, you can focus on the background. The current Mona Lisa is an unfinished painting, but you can assume it would have been completed with a field of mountains with an evening light shining across it. Paint the sky blue, with streaks of pink and white, and add dark mountains and trees with hints of green. The painting should feel like an escape to a distant world.
Keep the edges consistent with the slight fading that is evident in the current Mona Lisa painting. The edges of the figure, clothing and background should blend into one another. Use a brush to help blend the piece better, paying attention to the obvious smudges visible in the painting.
Adding the Final Touches
Once the mural is near completion, you can use charcoal to add shadowing to Mona Lisa’s face. Specifically, the contrast between the shadowy sides of her face and the light sides of her face is what creates her mysterious look. Serve her real spirit by playing with the contrast. Don’t forget to relax her eyes and soften her mouth to bring the mural to life.
Now think of how you want to display your artwork. Many people opt for a poster, with a black frame that emphasizes the contrast of the artwork. Larger canvases are more likely to capture more details and nuances of the painting, such as the subtle details that make Mona Lisa so renowned. Whichever size you choose, make sure to prepare your canvas and sketch lightly to ensure that your painting has a good base and a precise outline.
Remain Creative and Expressive
When recreating classic artwork, it’s important to remember that a certain degree of creative latitude can still be exercised. Feel free to represent the painting in different light and color, as the painting’s history shows numerous interpretations by different painters. This is part of what makes the painting so special and mysterious – so allow yourself the freedom to tweak and express your version accordingly.
Expand on your canvas to allow for a few unique elements. Consider adding a small bird, or a cascade of trees that appear in the backdrop. Artists throughout history have done this and it can add a personal touch to the painting. Never pressure yourself to replicate the original Mona Lisa painting exactly – look beyond the basics of the painting and make it your own!
Brush up Your Skills with Practice
It takes a lot of skill to capture the mysteries and nuances of the Mona Lisa painting, and a considerable amount of practice. Jump start your practice by studying other classical art pieces and by learning to embrace your own unique style. Remember to have fun and enjoy the creative process of making art.
Always be patient and don’t be too hard on yourself if your painting doesn’t come out the way you want it the first time. Rome wasn’t built in a day – the same goes for mastering your Mona Lisa painting, so don’t give up. Master the basics first, then tweak and build on the painting with each practice session.
Start Your Painting Now
Now that you’ve got the hang of how to draw Mona Lisa, it’s time to start creating your masterpiece. Take your time and appreciate the process – you’ll be amazed at the beautiful painting you’ll be able to create. There’s no limit to what you can achieve, so get creative and start your painting now.
