How to Draw Wrinkles and Shade

Certain shapes, shades and lines come easily to some artists, and for others, they are things that need to be practiced to perfect. There are tips that can help you draw wrinkles and shade, and with practice, they can become easier.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look at the subject of the drawing the right way. Especially if you are drawing wrinkles around the eyes, make sure that you have drawn the face from the right perspective to draw the wrinkles correctly.

2. Keep it simple. Trying to become too concerned how you draw the wrinkles and shade on a particular piece can muddy the drawing very quickly. Start small and add minute shades and wrinkles.

3. Follow the muscles or shape of any given subject to accurately draw wrinkles and shade. Find the ridges and tufts of hair or skin that points out where the wrinkles and shade should be placed.

4. Observe every nuance of the subject carefully. A keen eye is an artists greatest weapon when learning how to draw wrinkles and shade. Most are very subtle and it takes a good eye to get them drawn in perfectly.

5. Use the wrinkles and shading you see in faces every day to invent subjects to draw. It may be difficult to draw an entire person from memory, but if you are observant, you can use the facial and body features you see around you to draw realistic wrinkles and shade in any piece.

6. Start every project with a very light hand. Especially if you are working with pencils, this is a wonderful way to work on wrinkles and shade without fear of having to scrap your work entirely.