Are you looking for an easy and unique way to show off your artistic talent? Why not try your hand at drawing Mount Rushmore? It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, and is recognized around the world. It is a great way to express yourself and really bring your art to life. Here are some tips to get you started.
Start Off Small – Don’t be intimidated by the sheer size of Mount Rushmore. If you want to get some practice before attempting your own interpretation of the landmark, try sketching out the details in smaller proportions. With smaller details, you can more easily capture the finer nuances that make Mount Rushmore so iconic.
Use the Right Materials – When it comes to drawing this hallmark, it’s best to stick to the basics. Use a good pencil and eraser to create an outline, and fill in the details with sharpened colored pencils. This combination will give you a great look while highlighting the details of the landmark.
Break it Down – Break down the entire sculpture into smaller sections and draw each of those sections separately. It may seem tedious, but breaking down the drawing into manageable sections will help you capture the likeness of Mt. Rushmore in the end. Plus, it’ll make it a lot easier to make quick corrections if you run into any trouble along the way.
Be Patient and Keep Practicing – The beauty of Mount Rushmore is that it is a work in progress. The original sculptors of the landmark worked hard and carefully over time to create the masterpiece we know today. It’ll take time to get the proportions and details just right, so be patient and keep practicing. You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn from your mistakes.
Experiment with Texture – Don’t be afraid to experiment with your artwork. Try using rough textures to give your drawing more depth and dimension. You can accomplish this by using a different type of paper, or by using a pencil eraser to add texture to the details of the mountains.
Study the Landscape – A great way to get ideas for your drawing is to study the landscape of Mt. Rushmore. Look closely at the terrain, vegetation, and rocks surrounding the landmark, and note how they all come together to create the sculpture. By studying the elements of the landscape, you can get a better sense of the proportions, spacing, and details to incorporate into your own artwork.
Draw from Reflections – Take a few moments to stand in front of the monument and look at its reflection in the lake surrounding it. This will give you a clear view of the structure and help you to capture its more subtle details. This angle may also provide you with a few ideas on texture and depth.
Start with the Foundation – Start your sketch with the four presidents first by laying out the faces in relation to the mountain. You can then use colored pencils to start shading in the features of the faces. For a more sophisticated look, draw the features of the presidents on the mountain first and then fill in the details.
Add the Details – After the faces of the presidents are in place, it’s time to start adding the details. Start by adding the stars, leaves, and stripes to the clothes of the presidents, then work your way up to the landscape surrounding the monument. Be sure to pay attention to the small details and add as many as you can to give your drawing a more realistic look.
Carefully Detail Each Face – Every face on Mount Rushmore has its own unique details that make it stand out from the rest. Carefully documenting each individual feature is a great way to add character to your drawing. Use the same colored pencils you used to outline the faces and carefully shade in the features of each president.
Be Creative – A great aspect of drawing Mount Rushmore is that you can be as creative as you want with the colors and textures you use. There is no right or wrong way to interpret the landmark. Have fun with it! Try adding a new color scheme or texture to give your drawing a unique flair.
