If you’re an aspiring or beginner artist, learning to draw facial features is crucial for creating captivating characters and lifelike portraits. Unfortunately, one feature that often presents a challenge for many artists is the nose.
But why is it so important to learn how to draw noses accurately? Firstly, a nose is the anchor of the face, located right in the center. They can also convey much information about where the head is turned and how the face is positioned. The nose is one of the most distinctive features of the face, and even the slightest variations in the bridge, nostrils, or tip can make each nose look unique.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to draw noses accurately and confidently. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to refine your skills, this guide will give you the knowledge and techniques to draw realistic noses.
Drawing A Nose For Beginners
Drawing the nose can seem intimidating for beginner artists, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice drawing them. By learning the basics and practicing, you can gain the confidence needed to create more detailed and accurate nose drawings. In addition, taking the time to learn how to draw noses will enhance your artistic abilities and provide a strong foundation for drawing other facial features.
The first step in drawing a nose is to understand its basic structure. The nose contains three main parts: the bridge, the nostrils, and the tip. The bridge is the uppermost part of the nose and is made up of bone and cartilage. The nostrils are the openings in the nose that allow us to breathe, and the tip is the bottommost part of the nose.
It is also important to remember that there are infinite types of noses in the world! Yours might look completely different from a family member’s and undoubtedly different from a stranger’s. These slight changes are why studying the anatomy of the nose is essential. The foundational knowledge will help you make minor adjustments depending on the type of nose you want to create.
1. Draw Three Circles
Once you understand the basic structure of the nose, it’s time to start sketching. Begin by drawing a simple circle to represent the tip of the nose. You can also draw an oval to represent the bridge of the nose. Next, add two smaller circles on either side of the bigger circle to create the sides of the nose. Check out my Instagram video below to see how I draw noses:
How To Draw a Realistic Nose from the Side
Drawing noses from the side is just as important as drawing them from the front. It provides a better understanding of the structure of the nose and how it connects to the rest of the face. In addition, the nose takes on a different shape and perspective when viewed from the side, with the bridge and tip being more prominent. By practicing drawing noses from different angles, you’ll be able to create more dynamic and exciting portraits and characters. Plus, understanding the structure of the nose from different angles will also help you in shading and adding details to the nose, making it look more realistic and three-dimensional.
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2. Add The Septum of The Nose
To add more details to the nose, focus on drawing the septum, the cartilage that divides the nostrils. Sketch it with two curved lines that start from the tip of the nose and meet at the bottom of the nasal bridge. Remember that septums can be very different depending on the person and the size of the tip of the nose. Above all, make sure it is proportional to the rest of the nose, and make any necessary adjustments before moving on to the next step.
3. Outline the Nostrils
When drawing nostrils, paying attention to their shape and placement is essential. The shape of the nostrils can vary depending on the angle and position of the nose, but generally, they are wider at the base and taper towards the tip. To draw the nostrils, start by adding the outer edges or flares.
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Then, draw a curved line connecting the flares to add the bottom part of the nostrils. Finally, add some shading to create depth and give the nostrils a more three-dimensional look. Remember to blend the shading to create a smooth transition between the nostrils and the rest of the nose. Remember, practice is critical to mastering the art of drawing nostrils, so keep practicing until you’re happy with the result!
4. Add Some Shading
Shading is an essential part of drawing a realistic nose. By adding shadows and highlights, you can create the illusion of depth and dimension, giving the nose a three-dimensional appearance. The key to shading a nose is to understand the form and structure of the nose, as well as the direction of the light source. Establishing the light source will help determine where shadows and highlights are placed.
By adding shadows on the underside of the nose, you can create the illusion of a rounded, curved shape. Adding highlights to the tip and bridge of the nose can make it appear more prominent. A nose can look flat and lifeless without shading, so taking the time to add shading can bring your artwork to life.
5. Practice and Find Inspiration
As with any skill, the key to becoming proficient at drawing noses is practice, practice, practice. Keep going even if your first attempts turn out differently than you imagined. Keep practicing, and you’ll gradually improve. One helpful tip is to study different noses from different angles, which will help you better understand how to draw them accurately.
Another critical aspect of improving your nose drawing skills is finding inspiration from other artists. Look at how they draw noses, and try incorporating what you like into your work. Remember that everyone has their unique style, and no “right” way to draw a nose exists. Keep experimenting and practicing, and you’ll find your style over time.
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