Achieve a Beard Like a Pro
Drawing a short beard can be an intimidating task. It often looks like a small detail, but if you don’t get it right, it might make your artwork look unrealistic. If you’re having trouble perfecting your facial hair, then here are some tips for you to practice and get amazing results.
Consider the Growth Pattern
The first step to draw a short beard is to understand its growth pattern. Short beards tend to be more uniform and symmetrical, since the strands of beard are shorter. This pattern is different from long beards, which can be thicker and more shaggy. Take a closer look at some well-groomed short beards to get an idea of how they should look.
Study the Major Facial Features
Knowing the facial features of the person you’re drawing is essential if you want to draw an accurate beard. These features include the size and shape of the cheeks, lips and chin. For realistic results, you should draw the beard in accordance to these features. For example, if the cheeks are wide and full, the beard should taper inwards towards the chin.
Mind the Perspective
The perspective of the face can affect the way you draw the beard. For instance, if the face is in profile, then the beard should be shorter and more uniform. If you’re drawing the face from a front view, then you should draw the beard from the sides in an outwards motion. Consider the angle of the face and draw accordingly.
Vary the Line Thickness
Most beards have different thicknesses, so it’s important to vary the line thickness to make the beard look natural. Make the lines of the beard thicker at the jawline, cheeks and outer edges to create a more masculine look. This effect will add volume and depth to the beard and make it look more realistic.
Use Different Shades of Gray
The color of a beard is also important when it comes to realism. To bring your artwork to life, you can use different shades of gray to show the texture of the beard. Try to mix in some white and black to create a more sophisticated look. This will add more dimension to your work and make the beard look more realistic.
Add Highlights and Shadows
Highlights and shadows can make the beard look more three-dimensional and life-like. For highlights, you can add some white strokes to show the texture of the beard. For shadows, you can use darker shades of gray to create depth and shadow. This will add more volume to the beard and make it look more realistic.
Experiment With Different Brushes
The type of brush you use for drawing a beard can also make a big difference. You should experiment with different brushes, such as hard and soft, to get the desired result. A soft brush will give the beard a soft and fuzzy look, while a hard brush will make the strokes sharper and more defined. Experiment with different brushes and find the one that works best for you.
Creating a Fuller Beard
When creating a fuller beard, start by outlining the main line of the beard. Then use this line to complete the beard by filling in the rest of the beard with small, thin strokes. You can also blend the strokes to make the beard look thicker and fuller. Keep in mind that the beard should have an even thickness throughout and the strokes should be in the same direction.
Creating a Thinner Beard
For a thinner beard, start by outlining the beard as you did for a fuller beard. Then use smaller, thinner strokes to fill in the beard. You can also blend the strokes to create a softer, more natural look. Keep in mind that the strokes should still be in the same direction and the beard should have an even thickness.
Creating a Sparse Beard
For a sparse beard, start by outlining the beard as you did for a thicker beard. Then use small, thin strokes to draw the beard. Make sure to leave some spaces between the strokes to create a more sparse look. You can use a soft brush to blend the strokes and create a softer effect. Use highlights and shadows to add more dimension to the beard and make it look more realistic.
Creating a Harsh Beard
For a harsh beard, start by outlining the beard as you did for a fuller beard. Then use sharp, angular strokes to fill in the beard. Make sure to vary the line thickness to create a more rugged, masculine look. You can also add more shadows and highlights to make the beard look more rugged and rough.
Creating a Wispy Beard
For a wispy beard, start by outlining the beard as you did for a fuller beard. Then use soft, wispy strokes to fill in the beard. Make sure to use lighter shades of gray to create a softer, more ethereal look. Add some highlights and shadows to make the beard look more three-dimensional.
Creating an Evenly-Shaped Beard
For an evenly-shaped beard, start by outlining the beard as you did for a fuller beard. Then use short, even strokes to fill in the beard. Make sure to blend the strokes for a smoother, more even look. You can also add some highlights and shadows to make the beard look more realistic.
Creating a Textured Beard
For a textured beard, start by outlining the beard as you did for a fuller beard. Then use small, short strokes to fill the beard. Make sure to vary the length and thickness of the strokes to create a more textured look. You can also use highlights and shadows to add more dimension to the beard and make it look more natural.
