I. Introduction
Drawing a reindeer perfectly can be quite challenging for many budding artists. But with the right instructions and techniques, drawing a reindeer can be a fun and fulfilling experience. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to draw a reindeer, including tips, materials, techniques, and even ideas for reinventing and challenging yourself to become a better artist.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
Drawing anything starts with a few basic shapes. The first step in drawing a reindeer is to draw the head, which is a large oval shape with a pointed upper end and a broken bottom line. Once you have drawn the head, add a box-like shape for the snout crossing the bottom half of the head, then a smaller oval for the nose. The eyes and ears are small circles close to each other on the head’s upper part, and the antlers come out from the top of the head.
From there, continue to use basic shapes to form the rest of the deer. Draw a long, curved line for the reindeer’s back, and a vertical line down the middle of the body for the tail. After outlining the deer’s legs, refine the shapes into more detailed lines and shapes. To complete the drawing, erase the underlying shapes, and add fine details.
III. Materials and Techniques
To achieve a great reindeer drawing, you will need some essential tools and techniques. Start with a simple pencil and quality eraser. Then, choose your paper type and texture that feels good to your hands. You might also want to experiment with different colored pencils, pens, or markers.
When it comes to shading, a light touch is the best technique. Light strokes help the shading look more realistic, and it’s easier to erase any mistakes. Practice shaping the antlers, creating depth and detail with color and shading. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques like cross-hatching.
IV. Reinventing the Reindeer
Why stop at just drawing a basic reindeer when you can infuse your creativity into it? Some ways to take your reindeer drawing to the next level include incorporating festive elements, adding a background, or exploring different styles.
You can use glitter, sequins, or fabric to add festive sparkles to your reindeer drawing. To add a background, draw snowy hills, Christmas trees, or even a house with smoke rising from the chimney. Experiment with different styles like cartoon, realistic, or abstract to make your reindeer look unique.
V. Reindeer Through the Ages
The reindeer has long been a subject of art, and it’s interesting to see how the depiction of these graceful creatures has changed throughout history. From ancient cave drawings to modern-day cartoons, the reindeer has been a beloved subject of many artists.
Perhaps the most famous depiction came from the book, “The Night Before Christmas,” in which the reindeer played an essential role in delivering presents to kids all over the world. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer also became famous after the book’s release and the subsequent song and movie the story inspired.
VI. Keeping It Simple
For beginners, it’s essential to start with the basics before trying anything too complicated. To make the reindeer drawing easy, you can break it down into smaller parts and shapes to help you map out your animal’s proportions and details. You can also research for references like various reindeer photos, drawings or even paintings so you can learn more about the characteristics and patterns of these animals. Eventually, you’ll develop your own style and technique as you continue to practice.
VII. Finding Inspiration
When it comes to art, inspiration can come from anywhere. You can find inspiration from nature, the internet, or even inside your mind. Try looking for reindeer in winter landscapes or in shows like “Frozen.” This will help you improve your overall art skills and train you to envision and create unique and original concepts.
VIII. Reindeer Drawing Challenge
Now that you’ve learned some tricks to make your reindeer even more delightful, it’s time to try it yourself. We challenge you to pick up your pencil, take a couple of reference photos and practice. You can also take pictures as you progress and share them in various arts and crafts communities on social media to get feedback on your progress. The more you practice, the more you hone your art skills, even beyond drawing reindeer.
IX. Conclusion
Drawing reindeer can be a fun and rewarding experience that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their drawing ability. Once you learn the basics, then you can move on to more advanced techniques, including adding a little creativity and style to your drawing.
