How to Draw a Nose in 7 Easy Steps: A Beginner's Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 7 min read

Step 1: Understand the Basic Anatomy of a Nose

Step 2: Gather Your Drawing Materials

Step 3: Start with the Nose Bridge

Step 4: Draw the Nostrils

Step 5: Add Shading to Create Depth

Step 6: Draw the Nose Tip and Wings

Step 7: Practice and Refine Your Technique

Learning how to draw a nose may seem intimidating for beginners, but with the right guidance and a bit of practice, you'll be able to create realistic and expressive nose drawings in no time. In this blog, we'll go through seven easy steps to help you understand and master the art of nose drawing. Grab your sketchbook, and let's get started!

Step 1: Understand the Basic Anatomy of a Nose

Before diving into the actual drawing process, it's important to understand the basic anatomy of a nose. Knowing the key parts of a nose will help you create a more accurate and realistic drawing. Here are the main components of a nose you should be familiar with:

Nose bridge: The upper part of the nose, connecting the forehead to the tip of the nose. It's usually slightly curved.
Nostrils: The two openings at the bottom of the nose, through which we breathe. They are surrounded by soft tissue called alar cartilage.
Nose tip: The rounded, protruding part at the end of the nose.
Nose wings: The fleshy, curved sides of the nostrils that connect to the cheek.

Keep these basic components in mind as we move on to the actual steps of nose drawing. With a good grasp of nose anatomy, you'll be better equipped to create a realistic and expressive nose in your artwork.

Step 2: Gather Your Drawing Materials

Having the right drawing materials can make a significant difference in the quality and ease of your nose drawing. To ensure you have everything you need, gather the following materials before you start:

Pencil: A good quality pencil, preferably in the range of HB to 2B, will provide a nice balance between light and dark shades. This is essential for creating depth and dimension in your nose drawing.
Eraser: An eraser is crucial for correcting mistakes and refining your drawing. Consider using a kneaded eraser, which can be molded into different shapes for more precise erasing.
Paper: Use a smooth, medium-weight drawing paper that can hold up to erasing and shading. Avoid using lined or textured paper, as it can interfere with the details of your nose drawing.
Blending tools: To create smooth and realistic shading, you'll need tools to blend your pencil strokes. You can use a blending stump, a soft tissue, or even your finger to blend the graphite on the paper.
Sharpener: A sharp pencil point allows you to draw finer details, so keep a sharpener handy to maintain your pencil's sharpness.

With your materials gathered, it's time to start drawing! Remember, the quality of your materials can greatly impact the final result of your nose drawing, so choose wisely and don't be afraid to invest in good-quality art supplies.

Step 3: Start with the Nose Bridge

Now that you have your materials ready, let's get started on the actual nose drawing. The nose bridge is a great place to begin, as it helps establish the overall shape and structure of the nose. Here's how to draw the nose bridge:

Observe the reference: Look at a reference image or a mirror to study the shape of the nose bridge. Notice how it starts between the eyes and slopes down towards the tip of the nose. Keep in mind that the bridge's shape may vary depending on the angle and the person's unique facial features.
Draw a line: Lightly draw a line to represent the nose bridge, following the observed shape from the reference. This line serves as a guideline for the rest of your nose drawing.
Adjust the line: If necessary, make any adjustments to the line based on the specific shape and angle of the nose you're drawing. Remember, it's easier to make changes at this stage, so don't be afraid to erase and redraw the line until you're satisfied with the shape.

With the nose bridge in place, you've created a solid foundation for your nose drawing. Next up, we'll tackle the nostrils to further define the nose's shape.

Step 4: Draw the Nostrils

Adding nostrils to your nose drawing helps give it more dimension and character. Here's how to draw the nostrils with ease:

Observe the reference: Look at your reference image or a mirror to study the shape and placement of the nostrils. Take note of how they're positioned in relation to the nose bridge and tip, and pay attention to their size and shape.
Draw the nostril shape: Using light strokes, draw the shape of each nostril as you see it in your reference. Remember to keep the lines light, as you may need to make adjustments later.
Check the nostril symmetry: Make sure the nostrils are symmetrical and proportional to the rest of the nose. If needed, adjust the size, shape, or position of the nostrils to achieve the desired balance. Keep in mind that perfect symmetry isn't necessary, as real noses often have subtle differences between the two nostrils.
Refine the nostril lines: Once you're satisfied with the nostril symmetry, go back and darken the lines for more definition. You can also add any details you noticed in your reference, such as the curve of the nostril openings or the creases around the nostrils.

With the nostrils drawn, your nose is starting to come to life! Next, we'll add shading to create depth and make your nose drawing look even more realistic.

Step 5: Add Shading to Create Depth

Now that you've drawn the basic structure of your nose, it's time to add shading to create depth and bring your nose drawing to life. Shading can be a bit tricky, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Here's how you can add shading to your nose drawing:

Identify the light source: First, determine where the light is coming from in your reference image or setting. This will help you understand which areas should be shaded darker and which should be lighter.
Start with light shading: Using a pencil or other shading tool, begin adding light shading to the areas of the nose that are away from the light source. Start with a gentle touch and gradually build up your shading as needed.
Shade the nostrils: The nostrils are usually the darkest part of a nose drawing. Add darker shading inside the nostril openings and around their edges. Be mindful of the shape and size of the nostrils as you shade them.
Shade the nose bridge and tip: Add shading along the nose bridge and the sides of the nose to create depth and dimension. Also, shade the area under the nose tip to create a shadow, which will help your nose drawing appear more three-dimensional.
Blend the shading: To create a smoother look, use your finger, a blending stump, or a tissue to gently blend the shaded areas. This will help the shading appear more natural and prevent any harsh lines.
Adjust and refine: Review your shading and make any necessary adjustments. You may need to darken some areas or blend further to achieve the desired effect.

By adding shading to your nose drawing, you're giving it depth and making it look more realistic. With practice, you'll become more comfortable with shading and your nose drawings will continue to improve.

Step 6: Draw the Nose Tip and Wings

With the shading in place, it's time to focus on the nose tip and wings. These details will give your nose drawing a more complete and realistic appearance. Follow these steps to draw the nose tip and wings:

Observe the reference: Take a close look at your reference image or the nose you're trying to draw. Pay special attention to the shape and size of the nose tip and wings.
Draw the nose tip: The nose tip is the rounded, bulbous part at the end of the nose. To draw it, sketch a subtle curve or oval shape just below the nostrils. Be sure to keep the shape and size consistent with your reference.
Draw the wings: The wings of the nose are the curved areas on either side of the nostrils. To draw them, start by extending a curved line from the outer edge of each nostril, following the natural shape of the nose. These lines should curve slightly upwards and then connect with the curve you drew for the nose tip.
Refine the lines: Once you've sketched the nose tip and wings, take a moment to review and refine the lines. Make adjustments as needed to ensure the shapes are accurate and in proportion with the rest of the nose drawing.
Add shading: To make the nose tip and wings look more three-dimensional, add shading using the same techniques you used earlier. Add darker shading to the areas furthest from the light source, and blend the shading for a smooth and natural appearance.

By carefully drawing the nose tip and wings, you'll create a more realistic and complete nose drawing. Remember to practice and refine your technique for even better results in the future.

Step 7: Practice and Refine Your Technique

Now that you've learned the basics of nose drawing, it's essential to practice and refine your technique. As with any skill, practice makes perfect, and the more you draw noses, the better you'll become. Here are some tips to help you improve your nose drawing skills:

Vary your references: To avoid getting stuck in a rut, practice drawing noses from various angles, shapes, and sizes. This will help you develop a better understanding of the nuances in different types of noses.
Break down complex shapes: If you find a particular nose shape challenging, try breaking it down into simpler shapes like circles, ovals, or triangles. This can help you understand the underlying structure and make it easier to draw accurately.
Experiment with different materials: Try using different pencils, charcoal, or even digital tools to see how they affect your nose drawing techniques. Different materials can create unique textures and styles, so don't be afraid to explore!
Analyze your work: After completing a nose drawing, take a step back and critically analyze your work. Compare it to your reference image and identify areas where you can improve. This self-reflection will help you grow as an artist.
Seek feedback: Don't hesitate to share your nose drawings with others, whether it's friends, family, or fellow artists. Constructive feedback can reveal areas for improvement that you may have overlooked.

With dedication and practice, you'll continue to refine your nose drawing technique, creating even more realistic and captivating drawings. Above all, remember to enjoy the process and embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth.

If you enjoyed this blog post, don't miss the chance to dive deeper into the world of art with the workshop 'A Drawing for a Painting' by David Shepherd. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating a drawing that serves as the foundation for your painting, ensuring a strong and cohesive final piece.