Materials Needed
To master the art of drawing swords, all you need is basic craft supplies such as pencils, paper, and a ruler. If you want to take the art of sword drawing to the next level, you can purchase extra paints and brushes for coloring in, as well as special calligraphy paper for delicate details.
Starting With Basic Shapes
First, create a basic shape for the sword. Sketching with a pencil is great for this starting point and will help you to get the structure of the sword lined up and looking good. The size and shape of the sword will depend on what period and culture it is representing, and you should take the time to research the type of sword that you are drawing.
Adding Texture, Details, and Color
Once you’ve got the basic shape of the sword and its blade down, you can begin to add some texture, details, and color. Start by adding a few curved lines for the hilt and grips, then draw and paint over them to give them some depth. You can also add detail to the blade, and choose from a variety of colors to make the sword look truly authentic.
Take Your Time and Stay Focused
Drawing swords can be tricky and time consuming, so it’s best to take your time with each step and stay patient. Don’t rush the details and let your focus wander! Once you’re done filling in the details, use a black marker to outline the sword and bring out all the little elements that you’ve added.
Experiment with Design and Creative Process
When you’re confident in drawing regular designs of swords, try experimenting with different designs and different cultures. Challenge yourself to draw swords from different historical periods or styles and explore the different shapes and details. Don’t let yourself get stuck in the same old routine – diversify, challenge yourself, and make your artwork unique.
Gaining Perspective and Practice
You can gain a new perspective on swords by studying some of the great masters of sword design like Shunzo Jozo, the legendary swordsmith from Japan. Take the time to study their work and try to capture their style with your own art. But remember, practice makes perfect – so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t look exactly how you want them too. With patience and consistency, you’ll reach a point of mastery.
Giving Dimension and Depth
To give the sword some three-dimensional depth, draw shadows in the right places and apply a few shades of gray. You can also draw a few extra lines down the center of the blade to add the effect of a hammered or serrated edge. The more details you add, the more realistic your sword will look and the more impressive your work will be.
Creating an Authentic Look
Finally, don’t forget to create an authentic looking edge! To do this, use a pencil and draw some fine, jagged lines at the point of the sword. Finish off your masterpiece with a few extra coats of paint and some careful highlighting. And there you have it – a beautiful and realistic looking sword illustration!
