Do you want to draw pin up illustrations? Do your pencils dream of bringing gorgeous sirens to life on paper? Then you’re in for a treat! Drawing pin up art can be daunting at first, but with the right techniques and know-how, you can quickly transform your creative vision into a favorite piece of art. Luckily, this guide is going to help you to create that jaw-dropping pin up.
How to Draw Pin Up Step-by-Step
Drawing pin up isn’t rocket science, but there are some basic tips that you need to figure out before you jump in. Take these steps and your illustrations will be on their way to becoming an admired piece of artwork. Let’s get started:
Step 1: Make Your Sketch Stunning
Start by sketching out your pin up graphite pencils. You can go for a classic 50s and 60s pin up look, or try your own signature style. Even if you’re a beginner, sketching will become easier with practice. Spend as much time as you’re comfortable with, and try and stay patient. A beautiful sketch full of detail is the key to creating a great pin up painting.
Step 2: Incorporate Color
You can now add color to your illustration. Pick the right shades and blend them to perfection. The colors could be bright, soft, bright and bold, depending on the feel you’re going for. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and have fun with the colors you pick. Also, use shading and highlights to make the colors stand out!
Step 3: Focus on Lighting and Shadows
Lighting plays an important role in pin up art. Bright colors, high contrasts, and deep shadows can really make your illustration come alive, so don’t neglect this step. Use the tones of your colors to create the feeling of bright light and dark shadows. You can also try using direct light from a side — this will make your pin up painting look super realistic.
Step 4: Finalize Your Creation
Finally, it’s time for the basics – outline your illustration with a fine-tipped pen. Use a permanent marker or ink pin to bring the sketch to its final stages. Make sure the edges are clean and the colors have had enough time to dry. Your pin up is now ready to be shown to the world.
Tips and Techniques for Drawing Pin Up
Here are some helpful tips and tricks that you can use to draw pin up art that stands out from the rest:
1. Use Props to Make Your Pin Up Look Even Better
Adding props to your pin up makes it look even more realistic and dramatic. A classic pin up style includes a hat, sunglasses, a parasol, a guitar, or a pair of high heels — incorporated in the illustration, they really make an impact. Lingerie and jewelry are also great choices if you want to keep your pin up art risqué.
2. Make Your Pin Up Life-Like with the Right Poses
A great pin up painting will have a life-like pose that will help to bring your creation to the next level. Work with your model to get the perfect pose — you can use poses from magazines as a reference if you’re feeling stuck. Keep in mind that you’re aiming to make the model look confident, yet sexy.
3. Take Your Time with the Details
When drawing pin up art, the devil is in the details. Especially when dealing with close-ups, make sure to nail the art of the facial features, the hairstyle and the lips. When those details come together, it’ll make all the difference.
Materials for Painting Pin Up Art
To create artwork people will be mesmerized by, you will need to make sure you have the right materials. Quality materials will help you to get the best results with your pin up painting. Here’s a list of materials you could use:
1. Pencils
For pencils, you will need a range of soft to hard properties and textures. Soft pencils like B, 2B, and 3B can help you create great sketches, while the hard pencils including 2H, H, and F can help you add details and highlights.
2. Paint
You will need some watercolor and acrylic paints for your pin up art. Watercolor is easy to work with, and it comes in a large range of colors. Acrylic paint has a thicker texture, and it can be easier to control. Start light and then move to the darker colors and shadows.
3. Brushes
A selection of flat and round brushes is necessary to paint your pin up picture. Use a flat brush for the outlines and a round brush for details and painting in the widths. Paint your pin up with big strokes, and leave room for the details in the second pass.
Conclusion and Resources
We hope this guide helped to take your pin up art to the next level. Now it’s time to practice what you’ve learned, and create some stunning pin up illustrations. You can find plenty of reference photos and tutorials on the Internet. Just remember — practice makes perfect!
