How to Draw Nails:
Drawing nails is probably one of the most difficult tasks for a budding artist, yet a seemingly uncomplicated task for a seasoned one. It requires a delicate balance of observation, artistic aptitude and an eye for beauty. Here is an article that explores the process of drawing nails from start to finish.
First step is to observe real life nails closely. Look for the shapes and forms that nails take, the way their curves and contours change from one side to the other. Study their edges, the way their textures vary, and the way light reflects from them. Don’t just leave it to chance. Put your visual memory to work. Hold a nail in your hand and really look at it, tracing its every contour with your eyes. This will create an imprint on your mind which you can draw from later.
Second step is to think carefully about the shape of your nail as an artist. Whether your nails are rounded or squared, thin or thick, standard or flashy, every choice you make will create a finished product that either stands out or blends in with the rest. If you make the wrong choice, your nails won’t be as attractive as they could be. Before you start drawing, set the ground rules that will make creating the perfect nail drawing easier.
Third step is to create a structure for the nail drawing. A foundation upon which you will build the rest of the drawing is key. Decide where the cuticles will be, the angle of the nail tips, the exact shape of the other even the texture of the nail bed — all of these elements must have structure before you start bringing them to life on paper.
Fourth step is to pick the right pencil or eraser. For a beginner, a soft pencil is best. It will give you a solid base you can erase or smudge to recreate the tiny nuances of a nail. When it comes to the eraser, find one made of rubber that is soft and pliable. It will be essential in fine tuning the nail details.
Fifth step is to be patient while creating the nail drawing. Drawing can be frustrating and tedious. There are techniques to make it easier, such as focusing on one part of the nail at a time, but ultimately it just takes time. Don’t rush it. Keep at it until it looks right.
Sixth step is to use hatching and stippling to add realism to the nail drawing. Hatching is using lines with a similar direction to make shapes, while stippling is using tiny dots to create a detailed texture. This technique can create an even sharper look that looks almost three-dimensional.
Seventh step is to add finishing touches to the drawing. This can be even more time-consuming than creating the base drawing, but once you get the hang of it, it will be worth it. Use subtle but skillful shadowing to add the illusion of thickness, detail and texture in the nail drawing.
Eighth step is shading. Find the perfect value, or color, for your nail drawing. You don’t want heavy or dark shading that completely changes the look of the drawing. You also don’t want to leave it too light and plain. Shade it skillfully to achieve the right balance.
Ninth step is to use highlights to create the illusion of shine. This is essential when creating realistic nail drawings to make them look lively. Add a few glints of white wherever you feel they are needed most. This will give life to your nail drawing and make it seem more polished.
Tenth and final step is to stand back and look at the entire drawing. This can be an intimidating proposition, especially if you’ve spent hours on it, but it’s essential. Look for any details that you may have missed, for any marks that could be added in for a more three-dimensional look and for errors that you may have made.
Drawing nails may seem like a challenge at first, but with patience and practice, you’ll find that it doesn’t have to be too difficult. As long as you pay attention to detail, keep practicing and adhere to the principles outlined above, you will soon be able to draw nails like a pro.
Drawing nails is probably one of the most difficult tasks for a budding artist, yet a seemingly uncomplicated task for a seasoned one. It requires a delicate balance of observation, artistic aptitude and an eye for beauty. Here is an article that explores the process of drawing nails from start to finish.
First step is to observe real life nails closely. Look for the shapes and forms that nails take, the way their curves and contours change from one side to the other. Study their edges, the way their textures vary, and the way light reflects from them. Don’t just leave it to chance. Put your visual memory to work. Hold a nail in your hand and really look at it, tracing its every contour with your eyes. This will create an imprint on your mind which you can draw from later.
Second step is to think carefully about the shape of your nail as an artist. Whether your nails are rounded or squared, thin or thick, standard or flashy, every choice you make will create a finished product that either stands out or blends in with the rest. If you make the wrong choice, your nails won’t be as attractive as they could be. Before you start drawing, set the ground rules that will make creating the perfect nail drawing easier.
Third step is to create a structure for the nail drawing. A foundation upon which you will build the rest of the drawing is key. Decide where the cuticles will be, the angle of the nail tips, the exact shape of the other even the texture of the nail bed — all of these elements must have structure before you start bringing them to life on paper.
Fourth step is to pick the right pencil or eraser. For a beginner, a soft pencil is best. It will give you a solid base you can erase or smudge to recreate the tiny nuances of a nail. When it comes to the eraser, find one made of rubber that is soft and pliable. It will be essential in fine tuning the nail details.
Fifth step is to be patient while creating the nail drawing. Drawing can be frustrating and tedious. There are techniques to make it easier, such as focusing on one part of the nail at a time, but ultimately it just takes time. Don’t rush it. Keep at it until it looks right.
Sixth step is to use hatching and stippling to add realism to the nail drawing. Hatching is using lines with a similar direction to make shapes, while stippling is using tiny dots to create a detailed texture. This technique can create an even sharper look that looks almost three-dimensional.
Seventh step is to add finishing touches to the drawing. This can be even more time-consuming than creating the base drawing, but once you get the hang of it, it will be worth it. Use subtle but skillful shadowing to add the illusion of thickness, detail and texture in the nail drawing.
Eighth step is shading. Find the perfect value, or color, for your nail drawing. You don’t want heavy or dark shading that completely changes the look of the drawing. You also don’t want to leave it too light and plain. Shade it skillfully to achieve the right balance.
Ninth step is to use highlights to create the illusion of shine. This is essential when creating realistic nail drawings to make them look lively. Add a few glints of white wherever you feel they are needed most. This will give life to your nail drawing and make it seem more polished.
Tenth and final step is to stand back and look at the entire drawing. This can be an intimidating proposition, especially if you’ve spent hours on it, but it’s essential. Look for any details that you may have missed, for any marks that could be added in for a more three-dimensional look and for errors that you may have made.
Drawing nails may seem like a challenge at first, but with patience and practice, you’ll find that it doesn’t have to be too difficult. As long as you pay attention to detail, keep practicing and adhere to the principles outlined above, you will soon be able to draw nails like a pro.
