If you want to draw realistic braided hair, there are a few things you need to know. You should avoid using contour lines, and use shadows to add volume to your drawings. If you want your drawing to look more natural, you should use darker strands to clean up the edges.
Draw realistic braided hair
To draw realistic braided hair, you’ll need to follow certain guidelines. You need to start by defining the braided hair’s basic shape. To make it easier to draw, you should use a ruler or a straight edge on a notebook. The ruler will cover any other guidelines on the page and help you remember where you are in the drawing.
After defining the hair shape, start adding details. The braids should be narrower at the end. You should also include a wisp of hair sticking out. Adding texture will give the braid a more realistic look. Start by drawing lines that follow the direction of the braided hair. The amount of time you spend on the texture will depend on the level of realism you are aiming for.
Once you have defined the shape, you can draw the hair. First, draw the bottom part of the braid. Use a ruler to trace the lines and shapes. Remember to keep proportions in mind as you draw. The braid should be wider in the middle than at the top.
Avoid contour lines
Contour lines are essential for realism in your art, but they also detract from the realism of the drawing when shading. To avoid this, lighten the contour lines before the value stage. Alternatively, draw them without any weight, and they will not be obvious.
When drawing braids, remember that the braids will be thicker at the top and looser towards the bottom. The middle section of the braid is going to be the thinnest part, and as it moves upwards, it will widen. This makes it important to pay attention to the details and remember to keep track of which curl you’re working on.
If you’re new to contour line art, try to start by copying a drawing of something that you recognize. For example, a hand is a common object to contour. If you’re struggling, search for some good examples online. Then try to focus on the lines as closely as possible.
Create volume with shadows
Shadows are the key to creating lifelike hair in a sketch. By using different tonal values, you can create volume and contrast. Fernandez recommends using at least three tones to draw hair that looks realistic. These tones are the base color, the roots, and the highlights. The highlights should be mostly unshaded. Blend these colors together to tie the entire drawing together.
Shadows are formed when an object blocks light. In drawing braided hair, it is important to distinguish the light from the dark. The shadow is the darkest part of the hair. You can further enhance this effect by applying additional graphite to the dark areas. For example, when drawing curls, create an indication of linear texture, such as wavy curls.
Next, draw the basic braid line. This will show the shape and motion of the braid. You can also use zigzag lines on the head, which will guide you in placing the various segments of hair. Typically, smaller segments will be placed near the head, while larger segments will be placed at the buns. Once you’ve completed the basic braid line, you can begin adding your shadows.
