5 Easy Steps to Draw a Gnome: A Beginner's Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Embarking on an artistic journey can be quite exhilarating, especially when the subject is as whimsical and fun as a gnome. This easy gnome drawing guide is the perfect starting point for beginners. It takes you step-by-step through a simple process to create a charming gnome on paper. Whether you're a budding artist or just looking to engage in some creative relaxation, you'll find this guide handy. Let's start on this delightful artistic journey!

1. Get Your Materials Ready

Before you start drawing, you need to gather your art supplies. Having a well-equipped toolbox will not only make your drawing process smoother but will also ensure that your gnome turns out as enchanting as you envision. Here's what you'll need:

Selection of Drawing Pencils

With pencils, variety is key. You'll need a range of drawing pencils, from soft (B series) for dark, bold lines to hard (H series) for light, subtle lines. For your easy gnome drawing, a good starting set could include B, 2B, and 4B pencils. These will help you create depth and texture in your gnome drawing. Remember, the 'B' stands for bold, and the higher the number, the darker the pencil. 'H' stands for hard, and the higher the number, the lighter the pencil.

Choice of Paper

Good quality drawing paper can make a world of difference. Choose a paper that can handle erasing and shading without tearing or smudging. A medium weight sketch pad with a slightly grainy texture is perfect for your easy gnome drawing. It will hold the pencil well and give your gnome drawing a more professional look.

Erasers and Sharpeners

Lastly, don't forget your erasers and sharpeners. These two tools are just as important as your pencils. A good sharpener ensures your pencils have a good point, allowing for precision and detail. As for erasers, you'd want to have a kneaded eraser for lightening or completely removing pencil lines. This will be handy when refining your gnome's shape and details.

Now that you have your materials ready, let's immerse ourselves in the wonderful world of gnome drawing!

2. Start with Simple Shapes

Now that you have your materials, let's jump right into the fun part of your easy gnome drawing journey. You'll start by breaking your gnome down into simple, manageable shapes. This is a great technique for beginners as it takes the complexity out of the drawing process. Ready? Let's go!

Sketching the Body

Every great gnome starts with a great body. Begin by drawing a simple oval for the gnome's body. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect. The goal is to capture the basic shape and size. You're creating the foundation to build on, and it's okay if it's a little rough around the edges. You'll refine it later.

Drawing the Face

Next, let's give your gnome a face. Draw a circle on top of the oval, slightly overlapping it. This will form the head of your gnome. Inside the circle, sketch two smaller circles for the eyes, a curved line for the nose, and a simple line for the mouth. There you have it, a cute gnome face!

Outlining the Hat

What's a gnome without a hat? Draw a triangular shape on top of the face for the hat. Try to make the triangle a bit curved for a whimsical touch. Now, you have all the basic shapes down for your easy gnome drawing.

Starting with simple shapes helps to break down the drawing process into manageable steps. It's a lot less intimidating than trying to draw the gnome in one go, and it allows you to focus on the proportions and positioning of each part. Now it's time to bring your gnome to life with some details and personality.

3. Add Details and Personality

Moving on, we're going to add some flair to your gnome. This is where your gnome starts to come alive and show its unique personality. This step is all about adding small details that make a big difference. Remember, there's no right or wrong here — it's all about expressing your creativity in your easy gnome drawing.

Drawing the Beard

First, let's give your gnome a beard. Draw a bunch of curved lines starting from the bottom of the face and extending down to the body. This will create a fluffy, full beard. Feel free to experiment with the shape and length of the beard. After all, it's your gnome and it can have any beard style you want!

Adding Clothes

Next, let's dress up your gnome. Draw a simple line across the oval body to create a belt, and add small rectangles for the buckle and the boots. Don't forget to sketch a rounded rectangle for the gnome's shirt. And there you have it, a stylish gnome!

Personalizing your Gnome

Finally, let's add some personal touches to your gnome. Maybe your gnome loves flowers — draw one and tuck it into the hat. Or perhaps your gnome is a star gazer — add some stars on the hat. The sky's the limit when it comes to personalizing your gnome. This is where you can really let your creativity shine. Have fun with it!

Adding details and personality is what makes your gnome truly yours. It's all about the little things that make your gnome unique and special. Now, let's move on to refining and outlining your easy gnome drawing.

4. Refine and Outline

Now that we've got the personality down, we need to refine and outline our gnome. This is all about smoothing out those rough edges and making your gnome drawing as polished as possible. It's like giving your gnome a nice, clean haircut.

Smoothing Out Lines

Begin by gently erasing any sketch lines that are too harsh or that break the flow of your gnome's shape. Your strokes should be light, and you should aim to maintain the overall form of your gnome. Think of it like you're a sculptor, chipping away at the unnecessary bits to reveal the masterpiece underneath. And remember, it's okay to make mistakes. That's what your eraser is for!

Finalizing the Outline

Next, firm up the most important lines of your gnome. Outline the body, face, beard, clothes, and any accessories with a darker pencil or a fine liner. This will help your gnome pop off the page and give it a more defined look. It's like adding a frame to a beautiful painting. It's all coming together now, isn't it?

Eraser Techniques

Your eraser isn't just for mistakes, it's also a powerful drawing tool. Use it to add highlights to your gnome's beard, hat, or clothes. You can also use it to soften lines or to create a texture. Remember — with a little creativity, every tool is a brush!

By refining and outlining your gnome, you're bringing it one step closer to completion. But we're not done yet. The next step is to bring some color into your easy gnome drawing. Exciting, isn't it?

5. Color Your Gnome

Finally, we're at the last, but certainly not least, fun part of our easy gnome drawing journey—bringing your gnome to life with colors! This is where your gnome starts to feel real and where you can let your creativity soar. Shall we get started?

Choosing Colors

First things first, pick your color palette. Think about the personality of your gnome. Is your gnome a nature lover? Go for earthy tones like browns, greens, and yellows. Maybe your gnome is a bit of a fashionista? Try some bold, vibrant colors. Remember, there are no wrong choices here—whatever you think suits your gnome best is the right choice!

Coloring Techniques

When coloring your gnome, start with a lighter touch. You can always add more color, but it's trickier to take it away. Try different techniques like cross-hatching for texture or blending for smooth transitions. Coloring isn't just filling in spaces—it's about creating depth and interest. So, don't be afraid to experiment!

Adding the Final Touches

Lastly, let's add those final touches. These could be highlights in the eyes, a rosy blush on the cheeks, or even a pattern on the clothes. These final touches can really make your gnome pop and feel truly one-of-a-kind.

And voila! By following these steps, you've created a vibrant, easy gnome drawing that's full of personality. So, what's your gnome's name?

If you enjoyed learning how to draw a gnome and are looking to further develop your drawing skills, don't miss out on Yazmin Moktan's workshop, 'Drawing with Ease and Accuracy.' This workshop is perfect for beginners who want to expand their artistic abilities and learn to draw with confidence and precision.