How To Draw Wounds: Step-by-Step Guide
No doubt about it, drawing wounds can be a difficult task. From cuts and scrapes to deep bruising and lacerations, every type of wound has its own unique qualities and features. However, if you want to draw a realistic wound, following these step-by-step tips can significantly improve the quality of your drawings.
1. Start by Defining the Shape and Size of The Wound
When it comes to drawing wounds, the key is to start by defining the shape and size of the wound. This helps to establish the boundaries and make the effects of the wound more apparent. Think of it like a pie chart – you want to create the empty slices first before filling them in with details.
For cuts, scrapes and bruises use a light pencil to draw a rough outline to represent the area of the wound. For lacerations and deeper bruises use a heavier pencil to draw the outline. Take your time here and make sure the wound size and shape is as realistic as possible.
2. Build up the Details of the Wound Using Lines
Once you’ve outlined the wound, it’s time to start building up the details by using heavier pencil strokes. This includes any wrinkles, folds, scratches or scars that would be associated with the wound. Here you want to imagine what kind of force the wound was caused by and mimic the effects on your drawing.
For lacerations, use a combination of straight and curved lines to represent the ripped skin. For bruises, use short, curved lines to represent the damaged tissue and veins. For cuts, use a combination of short and long straight lines to represent the depth of the slash. For scrapes, use a combination of thick and thin lines to represent the tearing of the skin.
3. Add the Color and Shading Details of the Wound
Now that the main shape and details of the wound are in place, it’s time to give your drawing a realistic look. To add color, use a combination of pencils and pastels to recreate the colors seen on the wound. For cuts and lacerations, use a combination of red, pink and brown colors to represent the bleeding, while using purple and yellow colors to represent the bruising. For scrapes, use a combination of brown and orange colors to represent the scrape marks.
Next, add shading with a darker pencil and blend together the colors with a blending stump. Finally, use an eraser to add some highlights to the wound to give it a 3D look.
4. Finish Off the Drawing with Final Details
Now that all the major elements are in place, it’s time to finish off the drawing with some extra details. For cuts, add a few drops of blood, then use your brush to dab a few drops around the wound. For bruises, use your pastels to add some lighter colors around the bruising. For lacerations, use your brush to add some streaks of blood. Finally, use your eraser to add some highlights to the wound to give it a wet, glossy look.
And that’s it – you’ve successfully drawn a realistic wound! If you follow these steps and take your time, you can create a wound drawing that looks truly convincing!
