How to Draw Mountains Step-by-Step

The magnitude of mountains creates drama in a drawing.

The beauty of mountains is a source of inspiration for those around them. But if you're new to drawing, then the sheer size and scale of the landscape can seem daunting. However, you can be make it easier by using guidelines to create a frame onto which you can sketch the mountains. It is a basic technique that will help you develop an authentic perspective to create mountains that stand out on the page.

Instructions

1. Turn your page horizontally to capture as much of the horizon line as possible. By doing so, you can include more mountains to give the picture more drama and magnitude.

2. Review the shape and dimensions of the mountains you want to draw. Notice where each of the mountain peaks is situated and where additional features such as trees, lakes or valleys are. Looking closely at the scene will enable you to focus on exactly where to position each of the objects in the drawing.

3. Draw a horizontal line across the width of the page with a ruler. Position it at the same level as the highest mountain. Then draw a series of vertical lines perpendicular to the horizon line. Each of these lines is positioned where a peak of the mountain range will be.

4. Sketch a rough inverted V shape directly on top of each of the vertical lines. This is the outline of each mountain peak. Vary the width and angle of the lines depending on the mountain you are looking at. If it is a low, wide mountain then make the axis of the V shorter, and further apart.

5. Develop the outline of the mountain range following the guidelines in place. Granite or limestone mountains will be more angular than more rounded hills, so use jagged and sharper lines to represent this feature.

6. Add a three-dimensional effect to the mountain range by drawing free hand lines down the sides of the mountain. Each line follows the contours of each peak, parallel but more curved than the V guidelines. Draw three or four on each side of the mountain to show shape where the mountain protrudes, or is slightly more concave.

7. Shade the mountain range. Start from the top of each peak and gradually fade the shading toward the base. Use your finger to smudge the pencil lines to blend. Or, wrap a piece of paper around the nib of a pencil and use this to rub the lines to create the same effect.

8. Illustrate any additional features in the foreground of the drawing to finish the drawing. These features place the mountains in context and give the image character. If there is a lake, consider drawing the reflection of the mountain range in it to make it more realistic.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that mountain ranges are individual so have a thorough look at the texture and shape of it before you begin.

References

• Dragoart: How To Draw Mountains
• Explore Drawing And Painting: Shading Techniques

Resources

• How To Draw Mountains: Homepage