Drawing Mountains with Ease
Drawing an impressive mountain scene can seem like an unachievable dream – but it doesn’t have to be. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to create spectacular mountain masterpieces in no time! Put your trust in the tips below to transform you into a mountain drawing pro.
Establish a Foundation with Simple Shapes
When starting to draw mountains, it can be tempting to just dive right in with a lot of detail. But the key to accurate and beautiful mountain drawings is to begin with basic shapes. Start with a simple triangle or pyramid to form your mountain’s shape before adding in any further detail. This will make the process of drawing mountains a lot easier and help you stay on track.
It’s All About the Shading
Shading is the secret ingredient to making your mountain drawing more realistic. Utilize light and dark shading to give your mountain a 3D illusion and make it look more natural. If you want the sun to be glinting off your mountain, use a lighter shade for that side – or if you’re creating a silhouetted mountain at night, use a darker tone. Varying the shade of your mountain drawing allows you to create a more realistic image.
Make it Feel Real with Snow and Texture
Snow-capped mountains are stunning, but they can be time consuming to draw accurately. To draw snow on your mountain scene, use a circular motion with your pencil to create small snow shapes. The depth of your shading will determine the level of snow that you’re trying to mimic. If you want to add texture to your mountain drawing, use dots or patterns to create its rocky surface.
Create Depth with Foreground and Distant Mountains
Creating layered mountain drawings can make your scene look incredibly realistic. Adding a few trees or a bit of foreground detail helps to establish perspective and makes the image more dynamic. You can also draw two-dimensional mountains in the background of your piece to give the feeling of decreased size and perspective. By creating multiple mountains at different distances, you’ll be able to illustrate a deep and intricate mountain scene.
Be Fearless with Colour
Adding colour to your mountain drawing can make it more impactful and beautiful. Experiment with different hues and shades – for example, use pink for sunsets or turquoise for high-altitude snow. Colour can also be used to give your mountain drawing a more cartoon-like feel. Get creative and playful with the colour of your mountain masterpiece!
Recreate Detail with Lines
For fine details and textures, try using bolder and darker lines to define your mountain’s shapes and surfaces. You can also use small strokes to mimic the look of separate stones or boulders on the mountain’s surface. Play around with different thicknesses and textures of lines to find the right look for your work.
Keep it Simple
As mentioned, the more detail and texture you add in your mountain drawing, the more difficult it will be to finish. If you find yourself struggling with a particular mountain drawing, try to simplify the scene and erase complex parts. Too much detail can ruin the scenery and take away from the beauty of the image.
Carefully Consider Your Lighting
Lighting is incredibly important when creating a realistic mountain scene. Where the light source is located will determine the amount and placement of your shading and colour. Carefully consider the lighting in your chosen scene, and you’ll be able to suggest a deeper level of detail in your mountain drawing.
Add an Open Sky
Adding a beautiful sky to your mountain scene can help to create a peaceful, calming image. Use light blues, oranges and purples and incorporate a few sparkling stars, wispy clouds and dreamy crescent moons to give your mountain drawing a more finished look. Going a step further and introducing a distant cityscape or vibrant sunset can make your mountain drawing feel even more impressive and realistic.
Don’t Forget the Details
Adding small details like wildflowers, birds, and insects can really bring a mountain drawing alive. There is something truly stunning about a minimalist mountain scene with a few solitary figures, or a flock of birds soaring into the wide open sky. Simple touches like this can really enhance the atmosphere and give your drawing an extra sense of depth and life.
