How to draw human legs with a pencil - step-by-step master classes with photo examples

Where to begin?

So, in order to start creating, we need at least the most minimal knowledge of anatomy. But do not be afraid of such a scary and frightening word at first glance. At the first stages it is enough to get acquainted with the basics, gradually learning more complicated material.

In addition to the necessary theoretical part, for further work we will need the following:

• paper (separate sheets or an album);
• Pencils (simple, automatic; different hardness and softness for sketches and shading);
• eraser.

But the most important thing, without which you can't do in any new endeavor is determination and aspiration to achieve a worthwhile result. For without desire and the slightest interest everything will fail and do not work out, which obviously will not play in favor of either you or your mood and skills.

And now that we have everything we need, we can get down to the process itself.There are several available ways to draw feet. Now we will look at a few lessons, starting with the simplest one.

How to draw legs: a simple version with geometric shapes

This method is the most clear and uncomplicated, even for beginners. A few simple geometric shapes are taken as the basis.

Before proceeding, it is necessary to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the structure of male and female legs:

• Men are naturally stronger and more muscular, while women are gentler and weaker. Consequently, the form of some powerful and large, and others thin and graceful;
• Women's curves are smoother and have rounded forms, while men have rather rough features and angularity;
• The structure of the upper part (thigh area) is also different: in women it is larger than in men.

Step by step instructions:

1. Measure your proportions. They depend on factors such as age and gender. The length of an adult's and a child's legs have noticeable differences, so this point is important.
2. Set the direction.
3. A leg is not a straight stick, remember that. Using ovals and circles, you can achieve curves and bulges for this body part. You can also mark in more detail the relief of the muscles for more naturalness.
4. Draw more clearly the main muscles and curve lines.
5. Use shading to create shadows on the inner thigh and on the side of the buttock. Such contrast gives volume and liveliness to the drawing.

How to draw feet: step by step instructions

If you don't go much into anatomy, you can derive a few basic rules:

• The foot is not absolutely flat. In structure, it resembles an arch, so in the process of drawing, you should not forget about the natural curves;
• The line from heel to little finger also has curves: ankle, heel and arch;
• the fingers are not completely on the ground: the thumb is parallel to the surface, and the rest are lowered to the ground.

Step by step instructions:

1. Draw the basic shape - a flattened oblong egg on one side.
2. Correcting for the natural shape, we create asymmetry on the flattened side.
3. We need to show the volume. For this we draw a flattened curved pyramid with rounded edges. Its top is displaced to the heel: in this place there is the connection of the leg with the foot, and the ankle is formed.
4. Add the toes. You can draw separately, regardless of the basic shape (foot). Alternatively, draw guiding lines to define the shape of all the fingers.
5. Work out the arch and add the ankle bone.

Also distributed, when the basis is taken as a triangular wedge-shaped prism and it is already forming the shape of the foot.

How to draw feet in anime style

Most likely, this option will seem easier, because it does not require such realism and accuracy in the image. In addition, a huge number of drawing styles in anime and proportions are often partially modified. But it's still not worth it at the initial stage to get carried away and ignore the basics.

1. Step 1: making a sketch. If the pose of the character is taken from your head, it is necessary to think it over carefully and draw a line sketch. Again we choose the direction and dynamics, and respect the established proportions.
2. Step 2: Add relief. Here comes the working out of the main curves and lines of the muscles. Another peculiarity is the possibility of hyperbolizing the structure of body parts (within reasonable limits, of course).
3. Step 3. depending upon the idea and the character's image, we finish drawing the clothes, shoes and other small details.
4. Step 4. tracing, creating a clear and well defined outline.
5. Step 5. There are options: we give the work volume with regular shading or do the same thing, but in color.

Recommendations for further action

Now that you are familiar with the theoretical framework and tried to draw a person's leg step by step yourself, do not give up the practice. Especially if you failed at the first time. This is just the reason to take up the case with persistence and perseverance.

Draw whenever and wherever you have a free minute. It's a good and useful practice to draw from life and it doesn't matter who you pose, your friends or maybe a random stranger in the street. Use photos and artists' paintings as references, develop your imagination and think through the details of the drawing.

Try to draw more often not only the legs, but the whole body in motion, in different poses and from different angles. Watch video tutorials and master classes, don't stop at one thing and don't freeze in place.

And then by following our tips over and over again and by constantly practicing, after a while you'll notice how your skills improve and how the process of drawing human feet doesn't seem so complicated anymore.

Photo ideas and examples for drawing human feet in pencil