How to draw skulls became recently almost a ”must know skill” because of the extreme popularity of the theme during the past few years.
A skull, that dark and somewhat weird theme which is associated mainly
with death is now regularly appearing in fashion or accessories. It is
printed on T-shirts and women’s stockings.
Whatever the reason for such popularity might be it doesn’t need to be ignored or to pretend that it does not exists.
A lot of us want to avoid drawing skulls because of its morbid
character…but, come on, let’s take a bit different look at the whole
thing.
On the other hand however, I personally do not like too much skull graphic design on apparel and accessories because it does not create very good vibes, especially if I see it on kid's clothes or underwear. It may be that I lack some deeper knowledge but I just cannot get the point.
Human skull represents us, humans. I have a skull and you have yours too.
Everyone has one, so why don’t we just make a simple pencil drawing of a
skull?
I made this quick drawing in order to show you a simplified version of human skull.
click the image to enlarge
Click on the above image to enlarge it. Before you start to draw, I
would like you to observe first carefully the total shape enlarged, eye
openings and their shape.
They are not round but rather irregularly prolonged like a deformed egg. The openings are not just complete black holes.
click the image to enlarge
Draw a simple outline of the skull first. On the above picture I already
corrected some excessive pencil lines. Whatever shape is OK on the
first try, it doesn’t need to resemble to my drawing at all.
If you learn how to draw skulls the very first time, outline the entire
shape by tilted loose hold pencil, the strokes would be more accurate
and you will probably capture almost the perfect shape on the first try.
This method works.
click the image to enlarge
Start to shade the top of the head and the eye openings. Slightly shade those parts, which will be darkened later in order to crate a preliminary plasticity and gradation.
click the image to enlarge
Lets start to gradually darken the eye and nasal (nose) openings. These three holes will probably be of the darkest tone on the skull drawing. Slightly outline the teeth too.
click the image to enlarge
Every time, if you feel some difficulty, observe the final drawing and
simply copy what you see. It is important to always watch the direction
of the pencil strokes.
Especially the longer pencil strokes because they often determine the
final shaping of the object, whether it is round or square, etc.
click the image to enlarge
Notice that the teeth are not white. It is good to put only a weak shade on the teeth.
Very gently darken the face of the teeth so that your drawing will look more natural and realistic.
Finally, outline the whole skull with a stronger pencil in order to stand out on the white paper.
If yes, I recommend you to check out how to draw skulls, skull paintings and skull drawings collection on my good friend Thaneeya's website. Thaneeya is a prolific artist and I am sure you will like her artwork, especially "sugar skulls".
Please see and enjoy the following collection of personal galleries. We all believe you will have a lot of fun. Observing other’s art work is always, always very inspirational. You may get some new ideas for your own drawings.
![]() | |||
The following Theme Based Galleries are a collection of selected drawings from various authors based on a certain theme. I would like you to get as much inspiration as possible for your own drawings.
Share your own drawings, sketches or doodles by choosing a suitable
category below. You will be guided to the uploading process step by
step.
Mar 03, 21 06:55 AM
i love drawing so i thought to myself and said let me trying drawing a hand with nails.
Mar 03, 21 06:52 AM
My 12 year old drew Steve Harvey in a cartoon version.
Mar 03, 21 06:50 AM
I like the film
Mar 03, 21 06:48 AM
Chibi art
Mar 03, 21 06:46 AM
This is my drawing of Oggy and the Cockroaches together on Microsoft Paint. I made it during an art lesson with Southfield teacher Janet Deane.
Mar 03, 21 06:45 AM
it's my fursona uwu
Mar 03, 21 06:43 AM
Flower And Bee
Mar 03, 21 05:17 AM
Taking care of an insect is really good and that's what is described in my sketch.
Mar 03, 21 05:07 AM
Early in 2020, I joined a horse-riding group called the Westernaires. At my first lesson, I rode a beautiful horse named Taki (yes, like the chips).
Feb 20, 21 04:12 AM
Cow And Crane
Feb 14, 21 11:26 PM
Different colours representing different communities... in the pouch there is corruption
Feb 14, 21 04:42 AM
I have drawn Shikamaru Nara from Naruto series.Manga and anime really inspires me and helped me got through the tough times.
Feb 14, 21 04:36 AM
Just started drawing my own cartoon characters.
Feb 09, 21 05:00 PM
Done on my iPod with my fingers sorry if it looks a little messy ... anyway the character is from the princess and the frog . I heard it is trendy to modernise
Feb 08, 21 01:40 AM
Happy Saraswati Puja