How To Draw A Braid How To Draw A Realistic Braid

Drawing a braid may seem easy and intimidating at the same fourth dimension—this object has a relatively unproblematic repeating pattern, but the question is how to make it look realistic and three-dimensional.

We'll create two drawings that illustrate different foreshortenings, using merely a couple of graphite pencils. Let's accomplish a complex artistic chore and take fun!

You lot may besides be interested in this great tutorial:

What You Will Need

You'll demand the following in club to complete this tutorial:

an HB graphite pencil
a 3B graphite pencil
an eraser
drawing paper

1.How to Draw a Braid in a Front View

Step 1

I draw two long lines with the HB pencil. They are the rough borders of the braid.

Stride 2

Let's employ the principles of creating a real braid to the drawing. A braid consists of three long, interlacing segments. I draw ii of them (the commencement on the left-hand side, and the third on the right-hand side) in the upper role of the outline.

The remaining, key element forms automatically—it is located between the segments that yous've just fatigued.

Footstep 3

I describe the extension of the 2nd segment; at present it overlaps the commencement segment.

Step iv

I draw the extension of the third segment of the braid.

Y'all can use a dashed line to visualize the way the elements are following and overlapping one another.

Adding the extension of the first segment

I draw the extension of the start segment of the complect.

Step five

I repeat the action, continuing the braid down.

At this stage, the pattern becomes predictable and easy to repeat.

In the image beneath, y'all tin can meet a distinctive zigzag line going through the center of the braid; I've marked information technology with green just for your reference.

Footstep 6

I consummate approximately ii-thirds of the braid's shape, filling it with the familiar pattern.

Yous tin make your braid perfectly even or slightly irregular; allowing some imperfections may assistance to achieve a more natural wait.

Filling the shape of the braid with the pattern

Stride vii

The braid becomes thinner in its lower office, so I make the remaining elements slightly narrower.

Step 8

The drawing looks like a flat pattern; information technology'south fourth dimension to transform it into a realistic pencil sketch.

I erase all the unnecessary graphite lines, and so mark the darkest places with accurate hatching, using the HB pencil.

Step nine

I apply a layer of theHB hatching to each small element of the complect. The pencil lines should follow the contours, imitating hair.

Please note that each element has a highlight, so don't shade the middle parts as well much.

Step 10

I increase the contrast in the cartoon, darkening the shadows and accentuating the zigzag pattern of the braid. A 3B pencil is a perfect tool for that.

I intentionally leave the top and bottom parts of the drawing nigh untouched, so our braid blends with the background, and the sketch looks harmonious.

Working on the contrast and intencity of shadows

Step 11

With the HB pencil, I soften the highlights, making them more greyness than white.

To make the drawing more credible, I add some stray hairs with the HB pencil. You can likewise employ a sharp point of your eraser to make the light, wispy hairs.

Adding the stray hairs and completing the drawing

ii. How to Draw a Braid in a Side View

Stride one

This time we'll create a more circuitous drawing and acquire to depict a braid that bends to the side in its middle part.

I draw the crude borders of the braid, using the HB pencil. I've fabricated the upper part of the braid much wider than its end, just to brand information technology await natural.

I also add together two marks that divide the braid into three segments: the front view function, the bending part, and the side view role.

Footstep 2

I draw the foundation of the braid, just as we did in the previous role of the tutorial.

I add together more and more elements, creating the distinctive zigzag pattern.

Completing the frontal part of the braid

Step 3

To draw the function where the braid bends to the side, I apply the basic principles of perspective. The elements of the braid that are farther from the viewer become smaller and narrower.

Just proceed in listen that this part of the braid has some features of the upper office (the front end view) and the lower office (the side view).

Drawing the part that is bending to the side

Step 4

I draw the remaining part of the braid.

Pay attention to the pattern of the elements that are closer to the viewer—they seem big and substantial. Other elements look smaller, merely information technology's important to include them in the drawing.

Stride five

Allow's apply some shading. With the HB pencil, I mark the darkest areas of the cartoon.

Step half dozen

I use another layer of hatching, using the HB pencil. Now the shading becomes more intense.

Feel costless to add stray hairs; they will make your drawing more than organic.

Step vii

With the 3B pencil, I accentuate the shadows at the sides of the braid and in the places of interweaving. Be sure to get out the cardinal parts of the elements light!

Step viii

I work on the curved office of the braid. Information technology'due south of import to make the closer elements darker and more contrasting than the farther ones.