Introduction
Chains are a common object seen in a wide range of art, from tattoos to illustrations, and they can be used to create various themes and moods in your artwork. However, drawing chains can be challenging, especially when it comes to complex designs. In this article, we will explore how to draw chains, provide tips and tricks, and share different styles that can inspire and guide artists of all levels.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
In this section, we will provide a detailed guide on how to draw chains and break down the process into simple steps. Follow along and practice at your own pace until you master each step.
Step 1: Draw the first link: Start by drawing an oval shape that will serve as the first link of the chain.
Step 2: Draw the second link: For the second link, make another oval shape and position it close to the first link. Connect the links by drawing a curved line that forms the chain’s arch shape.
Step 3: Continue adding links: Keep adding links by repeating step 2 until you reach the desired length. The size of the links can vary depending on your preferences and the style you are going for.
Step 4: Add shading: Once you have the chain’s structure, you can add shading to create depth. Follow the light source and add highlights and shadows accordingly.
Remember to clean up and refine your lines as you go to avoid a messy final product.
Tips and Tricks
While the above steps can be followed to make a basic chain, several tips and techniques can improve chain drawing accuracy and precision.
Tip 1: Practice with different chain shapes: Chains come in various shapes. Practice drawing different types of chains like curb chains, rope chains, snake chains, etc. This will help you become experienced with the variety of chains that exist.
Tip 2: Use reference photos: Looking at reference photos is an excellent way to learn how a chain should look. You can take photos of different chains or search for reference photos on the internet to help you learn more.
Tip 3: Experiment with texture: Chains are made up of small links of metal, and so adding texture to the links can result in realistic-looking chains. Try using your drawing utensils at different angles to make different textures.
Video Tutorial
Some people find video tutorials more helpful than photo tutorials. If you want to ensure you’re following the proper steps, you can search for video tutorials on platforms like YouTube.
Tip: Whenever watching a tutorial, don’t be shy about pausing and rewinding as many times as you need to understand what is happening.
A Beginner’s Guide
For beginners, making a chain can be overwhelming. It would help to keep things simple and get a better grasp of the basics before attempting more complicated designs.
Step 1: Grab the necessary materials: You’ll need a pencil, paper, and an eraser to begin.
Step 2: Draw the links: Make a series of oval shapes or circles in a horizontal line to create the basic shape of the chain.
Step 3: Connect the links: Use curved lines to connect the links in an arched shape, making your chain appear three-dimensional.
Step 4: Shading: To give the chain depth and a more realistic look, add shading.
Exploring Different Styles
Chains can be drawn in various styles, from cartoon to realistic and everything in between. Let’s take a look at some of the different styles and how to draw them.
Realistic style:To achieve a realistic look, use shading and create different types of links.
Cute and Cartoonish: Make the links smaller and change the proportions, creating a more stylized look.
Surrealism: Chains can make for some interesting surrealistic pieces of art.
Drawing Inspiration
There’s no harm in taking inspiration from other pieces of chain art. There are several ways to explore different uses of chains in art.
Comic books: Comic books have some great examples of chain art, and they can leave a lasting impact on your creativity.
Video games: Video games like “The Legend of Zelda” have chained-based puzzles, characters wearing chains, and chains as weapons.
Conclusion
Learning how to draw chains can be daunting. However, by utilizing the above techniques, tips, and tricks, you can take your chain-drawing skills to the next level. Remember to practice and experiment with different styles, colors, and textures, enabling you to become more familiar with the craft.
Additional Resources
If you want to learn more about art and drawing, check out some of the below resources:
- YouTube channels like Proko and Draw with Jazza have several tutorials focused on art and drawing.
- Art books available online or in libraries can be an excellent way to learn how to draw properly in your free time.
- Join drawing communities like Reddit and DeviantArt where you can share your artwork and get opinions and advice from others.
