Drawing on Photos
So you want to immerse yourself in the world of drawing? Drawing on photos is an excellent way to get started and have some fun with creativity. Whether you’re a novice trying to gain artistic confidence or a professional in search of inspiration, learning how to draw on photos will open the door to endless possibilities. Here’s how.
1. Find Photos You Want to Use
The first step to drawing on photos is actually finding the photos you want to use. When choosing the photos, remember – you can use your own or somebody else’s. Whether you opt for your own family photos, snapshots from your childhood, or a professionally photographed scene, remember to choose photos with interesting landscapes, light and colours.
Once you’ve narrowed down the photos you want to use, think of the purpose of your drawing. Are you trying to capture the essential beauty of a landscape? Are you planning on adding an intriguing effect? Or are you looking to re-imagine a moment with unexpected activities? These choices can influence the photos you select.
2. Decide What You Want to Draw
Once you’ve chosen your photos, it’s time to think about what you’ll be drawing on them. This also will direct what kind of materials you’ll need — such as pencils, markers, pens, or paints — depending on the type of drawing you want to create.
Do you want to sketch a particular object? Add illustrations or other affecting elements? Or even bring a character to life? Ask yourself these questions before jumping into your drawing. Knowing the style of drawing you want to create and what effect you’re going for will help you decide on the right materials.
3. Gather all the Materials You Need
Now that you’ve decided what kind of drawing you’ll be creating, it’s time to grab all the necessary materials. Depending on the drawing you’ll be creating, a variety of materials will be available to you, such as pencils, markers, pens, paper, and even paint. Think of each of these as tools that you’ll use to create your desired effect.
If you’re planning on creating a photorealistic drawing, the best materials for this task would be a pencil and a black pen. If you want to add some colour to your drawing, then you’ll need some paint. To make sure that your supplies are always at hand, get a tote bag with built-in compartments for all the necessary materials.
4. Start Drawing
Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to start drawing on your photos. Before you begin, take your time to look at the photo closely and attempt to make out its essential components. Study the structure of the photo, observe the interplay between light and shadows, and pay attention to the underlying dynamics in the scene.
Now that you’ve created an image in your head of the photo in its entirety, it’s time to get your materials ready. Grab a pencil and start by sketching the outlines of the important things in the photo. Take your time and consider each line and shape you draw. If you make a mistake, don’t worry – this is how you’ll learn and improve!
Once you’ve sketched out the photo, it’s time to add your own touches. This could be anything from adding embellishments or subtle imperfections that give the photo a delightfully personal touch. You can also add characters to the scene or change the position of certain objects. The possibilities are endless!
5. Refine Your Drawing
When you’re done with your drawing, it’s time to refine it and make sure that it looks as polished as possible. This could mean adding fine touches or changing the colours or textures to create a better overall effect. You can also use software such as PhotoShop to enhance the final product. Additionally, it may be beneficial to add a personal watermark or signature to make sure that the photo is credited to the right person.
6. Frame Your Drawing and Display It
After you’ve completed your drawing, it’s time to proudly display it. Whether this means framing it and hanging it in your living room or using it as a social media display pic, you’ll have an amazing piece of art to show off.
7. Share Your Drawing
After you’ve created and framed your drawing, why not share it with others? Social media is a fantastic way to showcase your work and even get some positive feedback from other talented artists. You can also upload your artwork to sites like DeviantArt or Artstation to get more exposure.
8. Find New Inspiration
Finally, it’s always beneficial to keep looking for new inspiration and ways to challenge yourself. There are no boundaries when it comes to creating, so never be afraid to try new techniques or ideas. After all, that’s how you’ll keep growing as an artist!
