How to Show Motion in an Otherwise Immobile Drawing

Art is frequently used to depict action. Depicting action through an image seems simple. One might think that all that an artist needs to do is draw a leg bent and slightly forward in order to depict walking, or draw a limb moving in a direction that seems relevant to the action. While doing this will get a message across, even greater motion can be depicted by adding other elements to a drawing. These steps will show you how to convey movement in your work.

Things You'll Need

• Drawing pencil
• Eraser
• Drawing paper

Instructions

1. Consider parts of the character or object that can move. For instance, consider which direction the clothes, hair and other items would go.

2. Draw the hair, clothes and other objects moving in the opposite direction of the rest of the object. If an animal is running in one direction, have the fur drawn outward away from the direction that the object is going.

3. Draw other objects flowing in the opposite direction of the object. If there are balloons in the scene, draw the balloons flowing in the opposite direction that the object is traveling. This contrast greater highlights the motion that the character or object is undertaking.

4. Include atmospheric effects or action lines. Show the wind gusting or draw action lines that travel in the same direction as the character or object.

5. Have the character or object lurch forward as dramatically as possible. If the leg is bent, make the leg as bent as naturally possible. If an arm is outstretched, outstretch this arm as far as possible. This will also add drama to the picture.

Tips & Warnings

• Study motions in motion pictures or television.

• Be careful with how you draw the background in relation to the character. Many artists omit the background when drawing a character in motion because the image can look funny if the moving character or object doesn't fit with the background.