How to Sketch a Crowd

Use pegs to practice drawing crowds.

Sketching a crowd can be a challenge. There are lots of people to draw all at once, but you still have to make them look like a cohesive group. Plus, you have to act fast before the crowd breaks up. Here is how to avoid getting caught up in the details so that you can sketch a crowd before it gets away from you.

Things You'll Need

• Sketchbook
• Pen or pencil

Instructions

Draw Pegs

1. Take a look at the picture of colored pegs. These pegs afford a great way to start drawing crowds without the stress of drawing real people. They are of different heights, just like people, and they are the basic shape of a person at a distance.

2. Practice drawing the pegs to grasp sketching rounded objects in perspective and in groups. This will really help you when you move on to real people.

3. 

   Look at this sample sketch of a crowd. Notice that the heads are overlapped and the "person" at the very back is much smaller because he is in perspective. Your peg sketches should be the same way.

Drawing Real People

1. After some practice, you can move on to sketching real people in a crowd. Pick a place where large crowds gather, but where you can find seating away from the crowd. Malls, restaurants and street cafes are all good choices.

2. Remember the simplicity of sketching the pegs, and draw basic human shapes with just as little detail.

3. Add gestures and facial expressions to the most important characters in your crowd.

4. If you have time, sketch any other details that add to the feel of the crowd.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your hand moving at a fast pace. Slow hand movements will tempt you to spend too much time on details.

• Don't waste time drawing each person in detail. Get the important shapes and ideas down on paper first!