How to Draw a Whistle

Draw its sleek and shiny shape.

Drawing an inanimate object --- particularly a small, single-part device such as a whistle --- is an effective way to hone your drawing skills if you are just starting out as an artist. Because you do not need to worry about the whistle moving or changing in the time that it takes you to draw it, as a live creature or subject might, you can focus on its shape and shading without having to account for shifts in position or appearance.

Things You'll Need

• 1 medium-grade graphite drawing pencil
• Kneaded eraser
• Drawing paper

Instructions

Drawing the Whistle

1. Draw a circle in the center of the page. The circle should be approximately 3 inches in diameter.

2. Draw a horizontal line coming out and to the left from the top of the circle. This line should be parallel with the horizontal side of the paper and should be approximately 3 inches in length. Draw another line of equal length 1/4 of an inch below this line and parallel to it. Join the lines on the left side with a short, vertical and perpendicular line. This is the tip of the whistle. Erase the places where the circle overlaps the lines you have just drawn, so that there is one, continuous shape.

3. Draw a short, diagonal line that is approximately 1/3 of an inch coming from the bottom of the whistle tip up toward the upper left corner of the paper. Draw a parallel line of equal length 1/4 inch above the first one. Join the two lines with a short, vertical line. Draw another horizontal line joining the top, left-most tip of the whistle that you have just drawn to the round body of the whistle. Erase the spot where the new line meets the circle. The outline of the whistle's mouthpiece and body are now complete.

4. Shade the bottom-most horizontal section of the whistle's mouthpiece using short, diagonal crosshatching strokes. Shade the bottom left curve of the whistle's body as well, using short, curving strokes that mirror the body of the whistle itself.

5. Draw a horizontal line across the page that meets the base of the whistle. This is the ground surface. Darken the place where the whistle meets this surface to create the illusion of weight and shadow. Erase any smudges.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your pencil is sharp as you work. Allowing it to dull will lessen your drawing's precision and contrast.

References

• Drawing Materials: Everything To Get Started Drawing

Resources

• Art Lesson Plan: Contour Drawing: Values: Still Life