How to Draw Someone Sitting in a Chair
We’ve all dreamed of being a masterful artist. Catching the intricate details of how someone sits in a chair — the creases in clothing, the slight tilt of the head, the curves of their arms — can be daunting. But don’t let that stop you! With just a few simple steps, you too can master the art of drawing a figure sitting in a chair.
Gather Your Materials
Before you start your masterpiece, it’s best to gather the tools of your trade. Gather your drawing supplies, including a pencil and paper or canvas, some erasers, a kneaded eraser, a blending stump (if you’re using pencil), and a few sharpened pencils. Grab some inspiration from a favorite media of yours, or find an existing picture of someone sitting in a chair for reference.
Draw a Basic Outline
Now that you have the basics, it’s time to begin. Start by drawing a basic outline of the subject in your chair. Include the shape of the chair and the figure in it. Sketches are your friends when it comes to art, so don’t be afraid to get comfortable and draw a few guidelines to make the next step easier.
Draw in Details
Next, use your basic outline as a guide and draw in the details. This includes the clothing, the folds of the fabric, the curves of the body and arms, the tilt of the head, and anything else that makes the figure unique. It’s especially important to avoid making any straight lines with the clothing and human figures. Make sure to take your time and make frequent use of your erasers and pencil sharpeners.
Shade and Blend
Once you’re happy with the details, it’s time to bring your drawing to life. Begin adding shadows and highlights, and blending them with the blending stump or pencil. Pay attention to the shadows made by the lights in the room, or the shadows caused by the subject’s posture in the chair. It will greatly improve your piece and make it look much more realistic.
Clean Up Your Piece
The last step is tidying up your drawing.Making sure the lines are all clean and even, your shading is smooth and life-like, and all the details have depth and texture. Lastly, enjoy the fruits of your labor!Take a step back and admire your work.
