Easy Tips for Drawing Gothic Art: A Beginner's Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 8 min read

Are you intrigued by the mysterious allure of gothic art and want to create your own? Well, the good news is, it's not as daunting as it might seem at first. With a little guidance, you can easily start making your own easy gothic drawings. Here's a step-by-step guide that will help you navigate your way through the intriguing world of gothic art.

1. Get Familiar with the Gothic Style

Before you pick up your pencil, it's important to understand the style you're about to recreate. Gothic art is rich in history, full of distinctive architectural features, and laden with symbolic meanings. Let's take a closer look:

Know the History

Gothic art, a style that originated in 12th century France, is known for its combination of the spiritual and the supernatural. It was prevalent in the Middle Ages and is distinguishable by its dark, romantic, and sometimes eerie aesthetic. Understanding the history of gothic art will give your easy gothic drawings a solid foundation.

Appreciate the Architecture

When we think of gothic art, we often picture towering cathedrals with pointed arches, intricate details, and stunning stained glass. These architectural elements play a significant role in the gothic style, and incorporating them into your drawings will add authenticity. For instance, the pointed arch, a hallmark of gothic architecture, can be a great addition to your artwork.

Understand the Symbols

Gothic art is filled with symbols that convey deep meanings. For example, the rose window, often seen in gothic cathedrals, symbolizes the cosmos. In your drawings, you could use this symbol to represent unity or completeness. Similarly, gargoyles, another common symbol, were not just decorative but also served to ward off evil. By understanding these symbols, you can infuse your gothic drawings with depth and significance.

Now that you have a better understanding of the gothic style, you're ready to gather your materials and start drawing. But remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—so take it one stroke at a time.

2. Gather Your Materials

Now that you have a good understanding of the gothic style, it's time to gear up. Having the right materials will make your drawing experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here's what you need:

Choose Your Paper

While you may be tempted to reach for any old sheet of paper, remember that the quality of your paper can dramatically affect your end result. For easy gothic drawings, a thicker paper, like sketch or drawing paper, is best. It can handle erasing, shading, and won't easily tear or smear.

Pick the Right Drawing Tools

Next, let's talk about your drawing tools. A basic pencil set is a good starting point. For gothic art, it's helpful to have a range of pencil hardness for different levels of shading - from soft pencils like 2B or 4B for dark shades to hard pencils like 2H for lighter shades. A good eraser and a sharpener are also must-haves. And don't forget a set of fine liners or ink pens for those crisp, dark lines that are characteristic of gothic art.

Prepare Your Workspace

Last but not least, make sure you have a comfortable workspace. A clean, well-lit area with all your drawing materials within reach will make your drawing experience a breeze. Also, consider having a drawing board or a flat surface to support your paper. Now, with everything in place, you're ready to dive into the world of gothic drawing!

Remember, the process is just as important as the final piece. So, take your time, enjoy each step, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. After all, every great artist was once a beginner, right?

3. Start with Basic Shapes

The beauty of drawing, including easy gothic drawings, is that every complex figure starts with basic shapes. So, let's break down this seemingly intimidating process into digestible pieces.

Draw the Structure

Start by sketching the basic structure of your drawing using simple shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. This is your guide and will help keep your drawing proportionate. For instance, the gothic arch—a staple in gothic architecture—can start as a simple triangle.

Create the Outline

Once you're happy with the structure, it's time to create the outline. This means transforming those basic shapes into the structures they represent. Our triangle, for example, will become a more detailed, pointed arch. Remember, this is still a sketch, so don't worry about making it perfect. The aim here is to define the form of your drawing.

Add Details

With the structure and outline in place, you can now start adding details. This is where your gothic drawing begins to come alive. Consider the intricate patterns often found in gothic architecture, the delicate folds of a gothic gown, or the hauntingly beautiful features of a gothic figure. Remember to keep your pencil light as you add these details. You can always darken them later.

Starting with basic shapes not only simplifies the drawing process but also helps maintain proportion and symmetry—key elements in gothic art. So, the next time you look at a complex gothic drawing, remember: it all began with simple shapes!

4. Master the Art of Shading

Now that you've created a detailed sketch, it's time to bring your easy gothic drawings to life through the art of shading. Shading adds depth and dimension, turning a flat image into something that seems to pop off the page.

Learn Light and Shadow

Shading is all about understanding how light and shadow work. Here's a simple truth: objects closer to the light source will be lighter, while those farther away will be darker. So, take a moment to decide where your light source is coming from and shade accordingly. This will give your gothic drawing a more realistic look, making it seem three-dimensional.

Practice Shading Techniques

There are many shading techniques you can use, from simple hatching to more complex techniques like cross-hatching and stippling. Hatching involves drawing parallel lines close together for darker areas and further apart for lighter areas. Cross-hatching is simply drawing another set of lines at an angle to the first, while stippling involves using dots instead of lines. Try them all and see which one you prefer for your gothic drawings.

Apply Shading to Your Drawing

Now it's time to apply shading to your drawing. Start with the lightest areas and gradually work your way towards the darker areas. This gradual approach allows you to build up the shading slowly, giving you more control over the final result. Remember, patience is key—good shading takes time.

By mastering the art of shading, you'll add a dash of realism to your easy gothic drawings, making them stand out. So grab your pencil, and let's bring those drawings to life!

5. Add the Gothic Elements

Let's take your easy gothic drawings to the next level by adding some distinct gothic elements. These will give your artwork that unmistakable gothic feel, setting them apart from other styles.

Draw Gothic Arches

One of the most recognizable features of gothic art is the gothic arch. These are pointed arches, rather than round ones, and they add an air of grandeur and mystery to any drawing. So, how about adding a few to your artwork? Remember to use a ruler to ensure your arches are symmetrical.

Create Gothic Figures

What would a gothic drawing be without some gothic figures? These could be characters from gothic literature, like vampires and ghosts, or real-life figures from the Middle Ages. When drawing your figures, pay attention to their clothing and hair—these details can add a lot of gothic flavor to your drawings.

Incorporate Gothic Symbols

Lastly, don't forget to incorporate some gothic symbols into your drawings. These could be anything from the iconic gothic rose window to symbols of mortality like skulls and tombstones. Including these symbols will not only add depth to your drawings but also make them more interesting to look at.

By adding these gothic elements to your easy gothic drawings, you'll create artwork that truly captures the essence of the gothic style. So let's get drawing and see what you can create!

6. Finalize Your Drawing

Alright, we're nearly there! Your easy gothic drawing is taking shape. Now, it's time to put the finishing touches on your masterpiece. This is the point where you'll refine, polish, and perfect your artwork.

Refine Your Lines

First up, let's improve those lines. Are they as smooth and continuous as you'd like? Do they convey the shapes and forms you're aiming for? Use your eraser to clean up any stray marks and refine your lines. This will make your drawing look more polished and professional.

Add Final Touches

Now, it's time to add those final touches that will make your drawing uniquely yours. Consider adding a backdrop or filling in some details. Maybe your gothic figure could use a pet bat, or perhaps your gothic arch would look more dramatic with some weathering. Let your imagination run wild!

Evaluate Your Work

Finally, take a step back and evaluate your work. Are you happy with your drawing? Is there anything you want to change or improve? It's okay if you're not entirely satisfied — every drawing is a learning experience. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process and improve your skills with each easy gothic drawing you create.

By following these steps, you'll be able to finalize your gothic art in a way that's satisfying and rewarding. Ready to put those final touches on your masterpiece?

7. Continue Practicing and Learning

Creating easy gothic drawings is a journey, not a destination. The more you practice, the better you'll become. Keep your creative juices flowing and never stop learning. Here's how:

Draw Different Gothic Styles

There's a whole world of gothic art out there. From the delicate lines of the early Gothic period to the ornate designs of the High Gothic era, each style has its own unique charm. Why not try your hand at a few? It's an excellent way to challenge yourself and broaden your artistic horizons.

Learn from Others

There are tons of artists, both past and present, who have mastered the art of gothic drawings. Look up their work, study their techniques, and draw inspiration from their creations. Who knows? You might find a few new tricks to add to your artistic toolbox.

Participate in Art Communities

Joining an art community, whether it's a local art club or an online forum, can be hugely beneficial. It's a great place to share your work, receive feedback, and learn from other artists. Plus, it's always nice to connect with people who share your passion for easy gothic drawings.

Remember, every artist was once a beginner. With perseverance, practice, and a willingness to learn, you'll be creating stunning gothic art in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sketchpad, and let's get drawing!

If you're looking to improve your drawing skills, especially in the realm of Gothic art, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'Drawing with Ease and Accuracy' by Yazmin Moktan. This workshop will provide you with the techniques and guidance you need to create stunning Gothic drawings with ease and precision. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock your full artistic potential!