Are you ready to learn how to draw a werewolf? Well, before you start, there are some things you should know. Werewolf drawing isn’t just about sketching out your vision — it’s also about creating something believable and eerily ferocious. After all, no one wants a werewolf that looks like a petite puppy!
To create a truly haunting image, you’ll need to have a strong grasp on anatomy and a knack for exaggeration. That being said, the process can be broken down into digestible parts that don’t require an advanced degree in art. So, gather your pencils, charcoals, and sketchbooks and let’s get started!
The foundation of your drawing will be its anatomy. Before you can make your creature look coyote-ferocious, you’ll need to map out some basic form so that you have something to build off of. Start with light pencil strokes, drawing the shape of your werewolf as if it were an ordinary canine. You must be precise with your sketching or else you may create anatomical proportions that wouldn’t be found in real life.
Once you have a diagram of your werewolf you can adorn your creature with realistic or iconic features. Exaggerated canine stands, an elongated snout, or two rows of razor-sharp teeth can all help to bring your werewolf to life. Just be sure to keep your proportions in check as every subtle shift you make can drastically change your werewolf’s realism.
After your werewolf’s features are refined, you can begin to play with technique and expression. Detailed shading, subtler highlights, and thick fur all work together to give your werewolf a lifelike look. Layer your pencil strokes like a master painter, creating depth and texture that your eyes can’t ignore. Vary the darkness and lightness of your strokes to bring forth shadow and color. When you think your werewolf looks face-achingly real, you’re almost done!
The final step is to make sure your werewolf packs a punch. Unless you’re opting for a friendly werewolf, you’ll want to give your creature a menacing character. Through facial expression, body language, and environment, you can push your beast toward the latter. Point its claws downward, set a wild eye on your scene, and add in some vicious snarling. When you feel the tension, your werewolf is ready to haunt the night!
Bringing Your Werewolf To Life
Drawing a werewolf is all about creating believable ferociousness. To do that, you need to be aware of anatomy and be willing to exaggerate features. Start with light pencil strokes, mapping out the form of a standard canine. Once done, adorn your creature with realistic or iconic features to make it look menacing. Detailed shading and thick fur can give your werewolf a lifelike edge that draws your audience in and then, to complete your werewolf, add menacing facial expressions and body language.
Adding In Color
After nailing your technique and expression, it’s time to think about color. If you’re keeping it traditional then charcoal, pencil, or pen may be best. But if you’re feeling experimental, consider adding a few acrylics to create a vivid and dynamic image. If you do go for color then be sure to pick your shades with care. Wolves usually have a certain color palette, so look up some reference images to match. When you feel your werewolf looks ready to rip, it’s time to step back and admire your work!
Giving Your Werewolf Character
Your werewolf may look perfect but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has character. To make sure your wolf looks intimidating and fear-inducing, remember to add tension and emotion to your illustration. Work with expression, body language, and overall environment to make your beast appear threatening and realistic. It may take time, but the reward will be a werewolf that could exist in the real world.
Finishing Steps
After you’ve crafted your werewolf, make sure to look it over with a critical eye. If you feel as though your creature could use a few tweaks then take a minute to edit your sketch and transform it into a final product. For an added touch, consider signing and dating your werewolf — you want people to know that something this amazing came from you!
So, there you have it! The tips and tricks of how to draw a werewolf. With these helpful tidbits, you can create a believable yet ferocious werewolf that will stay with your audience for a lifetime. Good luck and have fun!
