Tutorial drawn by Nate Lindley
Skill Level: Middle School+
Tools: Paper, Pencil, Ink
Skill Sets: Drawing Basics; Proportion; Shape
Tools: Paper, Pencil, Ink
Skill Sets: Drawing Basics; Proportion; Shape
Step 1: Basic Shape Framework
Line drawing of basic shapes: how to draw a brachiosaurus (dinosaur) by Nate Lindley
Tip: Convert complex images into basic shapes.
Work loosely and lightly - most of these lines will be erased.
Work loosely and lightly - most of these lines will be erased.
Step 2: Improving the Basic Shapes
Line drawing of improved shapes: how to draw a brachiosaurus (dinosaur) by Nate Lindley
Tip: Think about the scale and relation between various shapes.
Wait to darken the lines until you are certain the objects are correctly placed and sized.
Wait to darken the lines until you are certain the objects are correctly placed and sized.
Step 3: Forming Complex Shapes
Line Drawing of complex shapes: how to draw a brachiosaurus (dinosaur) by Nate Lindley
Tip: Do not worry about getting every smudge off the piece.
Sometimes those smudges leave a faint detail that can help inspire you when finishing the piece.
Sometimes those smudges leave a faint detail that can help inspire you when finishing the piece.
Step 4: Skill-Level Finishing
Fully rendered artwork: how to draw a brachiosaurus (dinosaur) by Nate Lindley
Tip: Be sure to vary line intensity and break lines throughout your artwork.
If every line looks exactly the same, the piece will be flat. Mix bold and thin lines;
the piece will become visually interesting.
If every line looks exactly the same, the piece will be flat. Mix bold and thin lines;
the piece will become visually interesting.