Easy Tips for Creating Realistic Texture in Your Drawings

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Drawing textures can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it's easier than you think. Dive into the fascinating world of easy drawing texture art. It's all about understanding your tools, getting to grips with the basics of texture, employing different strokes, using shading techniques, and, of course, practicing regularly. Let's start this creative journey!

1. Get to Know Your Tools

Before you can start your adventure in easy drawing texture art, you need to familiarize yourself with the tools you'll be using. Remember, each tool can create a unique texture, and understanding how they work is the first step towards mastering texture in your drawings.

Using Graphite Pencils

Graphite pencils, the darlings of every sketch artist, come in a variety of hardnesses. A softer pencil (like a 6B) can lay down some seriously dark lines—ideal for creating deep textures. On the other hand, a harder pencil (such as a 2H) is perfect for lighter strokes, which can add a subtle texture to your artwork. The key here is to experiment with different types of pencils to see how they impact the texture of your drawing.

Exploring Charcoal

You might have noticed artists using this magic stick—charcoal. It's a versatile tool that can add depth and realism to your easy drawing texture art. Charcoal is fantastic for creating rich, dark tones that graphite pencils simply can't match. It's also great for smudging, which can help you create a range of textures, from the roughness of a tree trunk to the smoothness of a glass surface. Remember not to press too hard when using charcoal; otherwise, you might end up with a mess rather than a masterpiece.

Trying Out Pastels

Pastels may remind you of coloring as a kid, but they're not just for filling in. These often-underestimated tools can help you create unique textures in your artwork. Soft pastels, for example, offer a creamy texture that's perfect for blending, while hard pastels can create crisp, detailed lines. Moreover, pastels come in a wide range of colors, which can add an extra dimension to the texture of your art. So go ahead, channel your inner child and play around with pastels to create some amazing textures.

2. Grasp the Basics of Texture

With your tools in hand, it's time to turn your focus to the textures themselves. Textures can vary dramatically, from the softness of fur to the roughness of wood and the unique pattern of scales. Understanding these basic textures is vital for your journey in easy drawing texture art. Ready to explore?

Drawing Fur

Fur can be tricky; it's soft, fluffy, and varies from one animal to another. But don't fret—you can create a convincing fur texture by using short, rapid strokes. Try to follow the direction of the fur and vary your pencil pressure to create depth and volume. Remember, fur isn't uniform, so don't make your strokes too consistent. A little bit of randomness can make your fur look more realistic.

Illustrating Wood

Wood is everywhere, from the trees in your backyard to the furniture in your house. It's a common texture in art, and mastering it can go a long way in your drawing journey. When drawing wood, remember to focus on the grain—it's what makes wood look like wood. Use varied line weights and shades to represent the grain's irregularities. And don't forget about knots; these little imperfections can add a lot of realism to your wooden texture.

Sketching Scales

Whether it's a dragon from a fantasy tale or a fish from your local aquarium, scales are a fascinating texture to draw. The key to drawing scales is to start with an underlying shape (usually a series of curved lines or ovals) and then add details. Vary the size and shape of your scales to make them look more natural. And remember, scales overlap, so be mindful of this when you're drawing. With a bit of practice, you'll be sketching scales that look as if they could shimmer in the light.

3. Employ Different Strokes

Now that you're familiar with various textures, it's time to master the strokes that will bring them to life in your easy drawing texture art. Different strokes can create unique textures and effects. Let's explore a few handy techniques you should definitely add to your art toolkit.

Hatching and Cross-Hatching

Hatching involves making parallel lines close together. This technique can create a sense of depth and shadow, making your textures pop out from the page. Cross-hatching, on the other hand, is all about drawing intersecting lines. It's great for adding even more depth and creating darker tones. Try using these techniques on different textures and see the magic unfold!

Using Scribbling

Remember when you used to scribble as a kid? Well, it turns out, scribbling is a fantastic technique for creating texture in your drawings. It's perfect for providing a loose, random, and natural texture. So go ahead and bring out that inner child—scribble away to create some fascinating easy drawing texture art.

Applying Stippling

Stippling might sound complex, but it's just a fancy term for drawing lots of tiny dots. This technique can be time-consuming, but the results are worth it. Stippling allows you to create gradients and shadows, adding depth and realism to your textures. Remember, the closer the dots, the darker the area will appear. So grab your tool and start dotting your way to fantastic textures!

4. Use Shading Techniques

Adding shade to your drawings is like adding spice to your food—it makes everything better! Shading can turn your simple sketches into realistic drawings. It's not just about making areas darker, it's about understanding how light works. Here are a few shading techniques that can elevate your easy drawing texture art.

Smooth Shading

Smooth shading is all about creating a gradual transition from light to dark. It's a fantastic method to depict round objects or highlight the curvature in your drawings. An apple, for instance, can be given a three-dimensional look with smooth shading. Remember, the key here is to maintain consistency. Make sure your pencil strokes are even and continuous for a smooth gradient.

Contour Shading

Contour shading is a bit more complex but equally rewarding. It involves drawing lines that follow the shape of the object. For instance, if you're drawing a tree trunk, your shading lines would follow the cylindrical shape of the trunk. This technique can add a dynamic and realistic touch to your drawings. It's a bit like dressmaking—you're tailoring your shading to fit the object perfectly.

Understanding Shadows

Shadows can make or break your easy drawing texture art. They're what give your drawings depth and a sense of light. But remember, not all shadows are created equal. You have to consider the light source, the object's shape, and even the surface the object is on. It might seem complicated, but with practice, you'll be casting shadows like a pro!

5. Practice Constantly

Just like in any art form, practice makes perfect in drawing texture art. You can't expect to become a master overnight. It's a journey of constant learning, experimenting, and most importantly, practicing. Here are a few ways to keep your skills sharp and your creativity flowing.

Draw from Life

Nothing beats the school of life when it comes to drawing. Try sketching objects around you. It could be the bark of a tree, the scales of a fish, or the fur of your pet. Drawing from life gives you the chance to observe and understand the texture in its most natural form. Remember, the goal isn't to create a perfect replica, but to understand how texture works and how you can represent it in your drawings.

Study Photos

Photos can be a great resource for practicing easy drawing texture art. You can pause, zoom, and examine the texture at your own pace. It's like having a still life model at your disposal 24/7. Just remember to study a variety of photos to broaden your understanding of texture.

Use Different Materials

Experimenting with different materials can open up new possibilities in your drawings. Graphite pencils, charcoal, and pastels each offer their unique feel and can bring different textures to life. So don't limit yourself to one medium. Experiment and find out which materials you enjoy working with the most.

If you're looking to improve your drawing skills and learn more about creating realistic textures, don't miss the workshop 'How to Draw Beautiful Character Designs from Scratch' by Trey Zimmerman. This workshop will not only help you with texture creation but also teach you how to design stunning characters from scratch, elevating your artwork to new heights.