The best way to draw body parts is from photographs. Photographs record all the details and tones of body parts perfectly and can be referred to over and over again while the drawing is being made. This type of realistic drawing takes study, repetition, patience and technical skill. Be sure to set aside a block of uninterrupted time to produce the drawing. Plan ahead what kind of drawing is to be made. Take extra time to study the photograph carefully, and purchase the best quality art tools and paper. Following these suggestions will increase the chances of creating a very successful drawing.
Instructions
Draw Body Parts with a Drawing Pencil
1. Find a body part photograph or take a photograph of a body part.
2. Place the photograph to the left or right of the drawing paper and block in the drawing with lines first, making sure to sketch in the large forms or masses of the body part first.
3. Continue working, adding more detail as the drawing progresses. Begin to vary the width of the lines to emphasize and define forms. For accuracy, be sure to study the relationships between the large forms and the more detailed forms. Make sure each form is drawn in proportion to the other forms in the photograph.
4. Periodically stand back from the drawing and the photograph to assess how the drawing is progressing. Viewing it from a distance can give a fresh viewpoint and mistakes are more readily noticed. Make necessary changes. Repeat this step during the entire process.
5. Use the flat side of the sharpened pencil to add tones and shadows as the basic structure of the drawing takes form. Start with the light tones first, and work toward adding the darker tones last.
6. Use the stomp tool to blend tones and darken shadows, working carefully to also recreate the textures of the forms, i.e., smooth, patterned, speckled, or rough. This will add depth and realism to the drawing.
7. Add sharpness to the drawing as the final step. Use the kneaded eraser to add highlights to the tones of the drawing by reversing out the white of the drawing paper. To achieve this, roll the kneaded eraser in the shape of a cone, similar to the stomp, and use the tip of the coned eraser to erase, i.e., expose the highlights in the drawing.
