Drawing an afro hairstyle can seem intimidating at first, but with the right techniques and a bit of practice, it will become second nature. Follow these simple steps to create your own stunning afro drawing:
Step 1: Gather Materials
Before starting, ensure you have the right materials. You’ll need drawing pencils, erasers, paper, and a blending stump. Select pencils ranging from 2H to 6B to draw the different tones.
Step 2: Sketch Basic Shapes
Begin by sketching the shape of the head, then outline the afro shape around it. Draw a horizontal line across the head and a vertical line in the middle to align the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.
Step 3: Draw the Hair Strands
To draw the hair strands, divide the afro into sections. Sketch one section at a time by drawing short lines with tiny curves to make them look curly.
Step 4: Add Detail
Now, add more detail to the hair by drawing each of those strands separately. Add more detail to the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.
Step 5: Shade the Drawing
To make the drawing look more realistic, shade the hair. Use the blending stump to blend the hair and create smooth transitions between the tones.
Step 6: Darken the Shadows
With a 6B pencil, darken the shadows and the hairline. This will create a more defined and realistic looking afro.
Step 7: Add Highlights
To make the hair look more interesting, add some highlights. Use an eraser to create them, but make sure you don’t overdo it, or the hair will look too shiny.
Step 8: Clean Up Your Drawing
Clean up the drawing, erasing all the unwanted lines and smudges. Make sure the drawing is neat, and you’re satisfied with the outcome.
Step 9: Keep Practicing
Drawing an afro takes practice, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Keep practicing, and you’ll be able to draw better afros with time.
Step 10: Experiment with Different Styles
Once you’ve perfected the afro, try experimenting with different styles. You could draw different hair types, use different colors, or experiment with shading techniques to create realistic highlights and shadows.
Tips and Tricks for Drawing Afro Hair
– When drawing afro hair, focus on drawing the curls and not the hair itself.
– Use reference photos to understand how the hair flows and different styles.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with shading and highlighting techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a mechanical pencil to draw an afro?
A: Yes, you can.
Q: What’s the best type of paper to use for drawing afro hair?
A: You can use any paper, but some artists recommend using Bristol or drawing paper.
Q: How long does it take to draw an afro hairstyle?
A: This depends on your skill level and the level of detail in your drawing. It could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Q: Should I sketch the hair flow before drawing the actual hair?
A: Yes, sketching the hair flow before drawing the hair strands will help you know where to start and where to end.
Q: Can I use an eraser to create highlights?
A: Yes, erasers are great for creating highlights in the hair.
Q: Is it okay to use a reference photo while drawing?
A: Yes, using a reference photo is an excellent way to learn different styles and techniques.