Drawing is a form of art that allows us to express our imagination and emotions in a visual way. And what could be better than starting by drawing a man, a simple character but full of charm?
Necessary material
Before you begin, make sure you have the right materials. You will need the following:
- Quality paper: Choose thick, smooth paper that does not crease easily. This will make your drawing look more professional.
- Pencils of different hardness: HB, 2B and 4B pencils are essential for creating different shades of gray and shadows in your drawing.
- An eraser: You will need an eraser to correct errors and unwanted lines.
Step 1: Body contour
To begin, take your pencil and draw a circle in the center of your page. This will be the man’s head. Next, draw an oval below the circle to form the body. Make sure to leave some space between the head and body for the neck.
Step 2: Arms and legs
Now let’s move on to the arms and legs! For the arms, simply draw two curved lines starting from the sides of the body and extending outward. These lines will represent the raised arms of the man. Next, add two short curved lines to each end of the arms to form the hands.
For the legs, draw two vertical lines starting from the bottom of the body and extending toward the bottom of the page. These lines will represent the legs of the man. At the bottom of each leg, draw circles to form the feet.
Step 3: Expressive faces
Now that we have the body and limbs, it’s time to give our guy a personality through his face! To do this, we will explore different facial expressions.
Expression 1: The happy guy
To create a happy man, start by drawing two large circles for the eyes. Below the circles, draw a curved line to represent the man’s smile. Finally, add two small curves above the eyes to form the eyebrows.
Expression 2: The sad man
To express sadness, draw two small circles for the eyes, closer together than in the happy expression. Below the eyes, draw a curved line pointing downward to represent a frowning mouth. Then add two small downward curves to form the furrowed brows.
Expression 3: The surprised guy
To give the guy a surprised expression, draw two large circles for the eyes, with eyebrows raised upwards. Next, draw an open mouth in an “O” shape. This will give the illusion of astonishment.
Step 4: The details that make the difference
Now that we have a guy with an expressive body and face, it’s time to add details that will make him unique.
The hair
Hair can give your guy a distinct personality. Whether it’s short, long, curly or straight hair, take the time to draw your man’s hair using curved lines.
Clothes
Clothes are another way to show off your guy’s personality. Whether it’s a man in a costume, a dress, pajamas or even a superhero outfit, give free rein to your imagination and design clothes that reflect the character of your man.
The accessories
Accessories can add a finishing touch to your man. From a cap to glasses to a scarf, add extra details to make your guy even more interesting.
The impact of color in character drawing
The use of color is an often underestimated but essential element in the art of drawing, especially when it comes to characters. Color is more than just a fill; it can evoke emotions, define the atmosphere and even influence the viewer’s perception of the character.
Choosing a Color Palette to Express Emotions
The color palette chosen for a character can say a lot about their nature and emotions. For example, warm colors like red and orange can evoke passion or energy, while cool colors such as blue and green can suggest tranquility or melancholy. The key is to choose colors that complement and reinforce your desired expression and mood.
Coloring Techniques to Add Depth
Coloring is about more than staying within the lines; this is an opportunity to add depth and realism to your drawing. By using different techniques such as gradients, shading, and superposition, we can give a three-dimensional dimension to the character. These techniques allow you to highlight the contours, shapes, and even the expression of the character.
The Psychological Impact of Colors
It is important to understand the psychological impact of colors. Each color can provoke a different emotional response in the viewer. For example, yellow is often associated with joy and optimism, while black can evoke mystery or sadness. This understanding can be used strategically to convey subtle messages and reinforce the theme of the drawing.
The importance of perspective in figure drawing
Perspective is a powerful tool in character drawing, providing depth and realism that captivates the viewer. It plays a crucial role in how we perceive the scene and the character. Understanding and mastering perspective allows you to bring your creations to life in a convincing way.
Using Perspective to Create Realism
Perspective isn’t just about lines and angles; it is essential for reproducing the way we see the world. When drawing a character, the correct use of perspective can give it realistic presence and depth. This includes the correct placement of the eyes, nose, and mouth depending on the viewing angle, as well as how the arms and legs are positioned and sized.
The different types of perspective
There are several types of perspective used in drawing, such as one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective. Each offers a unique view and can be used for different effects. For example, a one-point perspective is ideal for frontal scenes, while a two- or three-point perspective can create a more dynamic and immersive view of the character.
Common mistakes to avoid
Perspective errors are common, but they can significantly distort your drawing. For example, disproportionate arms or legs, or a face that appears twisted or tilted in an unnatural way. Paying attention to the basic rules of perspective and practicing regularly can help avoid these pitfalls.
