How to Draw Bows, Arrows and Quivers

An archer's arsenal

Bows and arrows were once the ancient weapon of choice for rangers, archers, and hunters. For thousands of years, the bow was the ultimate projectile weapon. Still popular today, bows come in all sorts of styles, ranging from short bows to composite bows. These weapons can vary, depending on the type of bow and the complexity of its design.

Things You'll Need

• Drawing pencil
• Pencil eraser
• Drawing paper
• or
• Graphics tablet
• Graphics program

Instructions

How to Draw an Arrow

1. 

   Draw two parallel lines. Draw a small curving line at the bottom to connect the parallel lines.

2. 

   Draw a large curving line that connects the top of the two parallel lines. Make both ends of the curve extend downward, past the top of the parallel lines. Draw two curves that extend from the end of the lower curve and connects the two parallel lines. The curves must meet at a point.

3. 

   Add detail to the arrowhead. Use a reference of a real arrow or your imagination to guide the drawing.

4. 

   Expand the shaft of the arrow (the two parallel lines). Draw the fletching (feather), two curving lines that extend from the bottom of the arrow all the way down. Next, connect the open part with a triangle or zig-zag line. Add a line down the center of the fletching for detail.

How To Draw a Quiver

1. 

   Draw two parallel lines. Connect the top and bottom part of the parallel lines with a curving line. Both should curve downward.

2. 

   Draw a second curving line beneath the top curving line for detail and 3D effect. Create a design with a triangle or diamond.

3. 

   Draw a curving line that curves upward for the top part of the quiver and downward for the bottom.

4. 

   Add more details and a strap to the side.

How To Draw a Bow

1. 

   Draw two parallel M's. The M's do not have to be perfect, as the wood that the bows are made from are not always perfect. Connect the ends of each M using any shape you desire.

2. 

   Draw a straight line connecting both ends of the bow. This will be your bowstring.

3. 

   Draw a character to hold the bow. Make sure the arm holding the bow is straight, and the arm holding the string is bent- depending on how far back the string is pulled. The further the string is pulled back, the further it will bend. To depict the line that represents the bow string, draw a string that is very curvy.

Tips & Warnings

• There are an infinite number of ways to draw a bow, arrow, and quiver. While you may experiment with different designs, it is best to keep the general structure of these items the same.

• Look at a reference picture for guidance.