How to Draw Skin
Picture making has been around for millennia, and one of the most challenging subjects an artist can tackle is the creation of realistic skin. It’s complex, multi-dimensional, and ever-changing. Drawing skin properly requires attention to detail and the right techniques.
Whether you’re a beginner struggling to master the basics or a seasoned professional deepening your observational skills, here are the fundamental steps on how to draw skin so it looks truly lifelike.
1. Get Comfortable With Muscle Structure
The human body is composed of layers of muscles, muscles that fold, blend and move in relation to one another. To get an accurate representation of skin, you have to first understand the movement of the muscles underneath it.
Notice how the muscles of the face, shoulders and arms interact. How muscles shift and change direction when going from the chest to the abdomen. Where highlights and shadows appear in relation to light and body movement. If your goal is to draw skin that looks true-to-life, it’s key to study and become familiar with underlying anatomy.
2. Visualize Light and Shadow
Humans cast real shadows wherever the light doesn’t hit directly. Look for how inky darkness contrasts against sunlit highlights. Notice the subtle gradations between the two. Areas of light will appear as highlights and reflect off of the body, while areas of darkness will look like shadows and silhouettes.
You don’t need a fancy setup to have a realistic light source—just by changing the angle of the natural light in your room, the shadows, highlights and gradations on your body change. By studying these nuances you will learn not only how to draw skin but also how to capture its dynamic moods.
3. Observe Textures and Thickness
Understanding the texture of skin is key when drawing. Skin is thicker in some places than others. On the forehead, it’s thinner and will appear almost translucent when lit correctly. Along with thickness, consider the flexion of the skin and wrinkles that happen when muscles move.
Once you’ve studied the structure and understoond the essentials, you’re ready to draw. Look closely at the generalized colors and tones of the skin you’re drawing. Draw with a wider brush, focusing on tonal value rather than precise details. Once complete, you can add more subtle information.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
Drawing skin accurately takes time and practice. Remember, perfection doesn’t happen overnight. As your skills increase and confidence grows, it will be easier to convey emotion and subtlety. Take your time, look closely, and enjoy the process. Soon enough, you’ll be creating realistic human subjects in no time.
