Drawing nudes can be an exciting and rewarding journey if you have the right tools, an understanding of anatomy, and the urge to create. You won’t need a lot of supplies, just paper and pencil or charcoal, as well as a good eye for body proportions and composition. But don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be perfect, so go ahead and get creative!
1. Get Inspired
No matter what type of creative endeavor, it’s important to have a source of inspiration. Spend time researching the human figure to see how artists have used intentional or accidental elements to compose the image. Examine photographs of people in the nude, and study sculptures from ancient times. Don’t limit yourself to art when looking for inspiration. Watch how people look and move to gain an understanding of how the physical body functions.
2. Frame Your Image
Once you have a source of inspiration, it’s time to take out your paper and pencil and begin to sketch. Take a moment to consider the composition. Consider if you’re creating a full-length figure, or just their head and shoulders, and how much of the paper will be filled. How much detail do you want to include? Leaving some of the area untouched can help draw the eye to more important parts of your image. Solidify the overall image that you want to create before you begin sketching.
3. Outline Your Figure
Now it’s time to start sketching! Begin with basic linear marks to create the basic shape of your figure. Do this as gently as possible, so that you can erase and make adjustments as necessary. It’s important to take your time at this step, as details and features may need to be adjusted to capture the essence of the figure. When you’re happy with the outlines, darken in the lines or add more lines to make the image look more complete.
4. Create the Shading
Now that the figure has been outlined, it’s time to move on to the more fun parts: the shading and details. Begin by adding shadows and highlights to the body parts. Always make sure to keep true to the light source, as this will determine where the shadows and highlights fall. A trick that many artists use is to imagine the light source coming from above, as this will produce the most realistic images. Once you’re done shading, add any extra details that you want to include, such as wrinkles and whisps of hair.
5. Add Your Final Touches
Now your figure is almost complete! Take a few moments to stand back and make sure the figure looks exactly how you want it to. Make any final adjustments and add any last details to make the figure look more realistic and striking. Once you’re happy with the appearance, sign your masterpiece and add some color if you’d like.
6. Put on the Finishing Touches
Now that you have finished your artwork, it’s time to add the final touches. Consider mounting the work in a frame or matted board that fits the style and content of your piece. If the piece is for indoor display consider the environment, applying fixative or a varnish for protection if necessary. If the piece is for outdoor display, consider a protective coat, such as a sealant or UV resistant coating.
7. Reflect and Enjoy
Take a moment to reflect on the work you’ve done. Consider how your artistic vision and knowledge of anatomy enhanced the piece, giving it a sense of life. Enjoy your artwork and the fantastic, creative journey you embarked on to create it.
1. Get Inspired
No matter what type of creative endeavor, it’s important to have a source of inspiration. Spend time researching the human figure to see how artists have used intentional or accidental elements to compose the image. Examine photographs of people in the nude, and study sculptures from ancient times. Don’t limit yourself to art when looking for inspiration. Watch how people look and move to gain an understanding of how the physical body functions.
2. Frame Your Image
Once you have a source of inspiration, it’s time to take out your paper and pencil and begin to sketch. Take a moment to consider the composition. Consider if you’re creating a full-length figure, or just their head and shoulders, and how much of the paper will be filled. How much detail do you want to include? Leaving some of the area untouched can help draw the eye to more important parts of your image. Solidify the overall image that you want to create before you begin sketching.
3. Outline Your Figure
Now it’s time to start sketching! Begin with basic linear marks to create the basic shape of your figure. Do this as gently as possible, so that you can erase and make adjustments as necessary. It’s important to take your time at this step, as details and features may need to be adjusted to capture the essence of the figure. When you’re happy with the outlines, darken in the lines or add more lines to make the image look more complete.
4. Create the Shading
Now that the figure has been outlined, it’s time to move on to the more fun parts: the shading and details. Begin by adding shadows and highlights to the body parts. Always make sure to keep true to the light source, as this will determine where the shadows and highlights fall. A trick that many artists use is to imagine the light source coming from above, as this will produce the most realistic images. Once you’re done shading, add any extra details that you want to include, such as wrinkles and whisps of hair.
5. Add Your Final Touches
Now your figure is almost complete! Take a few moments to stand back and make sure the figure looks exactly how you want it to. Make any final adjustments and add any last details to make the figure look more realistic and striking. Once you’re happy with the appearance, sign your masterpiece and add some color if you’d like.
6. Put on the Finishing Touches
Now that you have finished your artwork, it’s time to add the final touches. Consider mounting the work in a frame or matted board that fits the style and content of your piece. If the piece is for indoor display consider the environment, applying fixative or a varnish for protection if necessary. If the piece is for outdoor display, consider a protective coat, such as a sealant or UV resistant coating.
7. Reflect and Enjoy
Take a moment to reflect on the work you’ve done. Consider how your artistic vision and knowledge of anatomy enhanced the piece, giving it a sense of life. Enjoy your artwork and the fantastic, creative journey you embarked on to create it.
