How to Draw Zeus with Charcoal Pencil

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Start with some size guidelines

   This isn't necessary, but can be helpful for new artists.
   
   Divide the paper into parts to fit the figure, so you don't run out of room and your figure is well-balanced.
   
   You can even draw faint lines in pencil to space it out.
   
   Here, the middle line will guide you to balance the left and the right side of the body.
   
   The dash above the middle line will serve as the limit for the head of Zeus.
   
   The dot made at the far right to Zeus is where the thunderbolt will fit.
2. 2

   Step 2: if desired.

   To get the shapes right, you may have to sketch and re-sketch.
   
   For example, if the head is too thin, sketch more lines to make it thicker, until it looks well balanced.
   
   Find the shape of the face first by making a narrow 'U' shape.
   
   You can also try drawing a shape similar to a 'V' if you want Zeus to have a sharper jaw.
   
   Don't be afraid to create a rough sketch of Zeus's beard and mustache, too! If you're sketching out the hair, make sure it goes down until the shoulders. , Make the eyes in the shape of two almonds with the nose centered between them, and make his nose taper off at the end.
   
   Don't forget to draw his lips and eyebrows, as well as his facial hair! Make the irises in the shape of a 'U'.
   
   If you draw round irises, it creates an expression of anger or shock.
   
   Sketch over the eyebrows to make them thicker.
   
   The eyebrows will be thicker as it begins and thinner at the ends.
   
   The mustache can be drawn with closely drawn lines.
   
   It will be thinner around the lips and thicker at the end. , Draw his right arm lifted up, with his hand forming a fist.
   
   Then draw a lightning bolt in his fist.
   
   If you are having trouble drawing the folded fingers or the fist, sketch a rectangle and add the digit '3' two times; then draw the thumb. , Use pencil before you dive into charcoal.
   
   Pencils are easy to erase and won't affect the surface if you erase often.
   
   Try making a rough outline first, and then finalizing it once you're happy with it.
   
   Hold off on shading until you're sure it's the right overall shape.
   
   Start with lining the right side of the upper body till the waist.
   
   Make the body wider at the top and narrower at the waist.
   
   Draw the guidelines for the chest and add some more lines to mark the abs.
   
   Then, to the left side of Zeus, draw the outline of the toga starting from the neck and falling until the waist.
   
   Sketch the left arm by making a triangle to imply that the arm is folded on the waist, and then draw the fingers. , Make a concise shape of the right leg and the folded toga lines to the left. , Follow how the drapes would fall in real life to get the lines and shading correct.
   
   For example, where it is falling low, draw lines that droop; where it is going up, make curved lines going up.
   
   Sketch a rectangle to make the knot. , The details make all the difference in bringing the expression to life.
   
   For the toga on the right arm, make the lines spaced out at the top and "bunched" around the waist.
   
   Concentrate on making the beard and the mustache full, since they're a signature feature of Zeus's.
   
   Cover any flaws at the end with shading. , Shade the ends and the folds.
   
   Shade the darker areas with double the intensity and leave the highlighted areas lighter.
   
   You want the folds, backs, and sides to be darker to create depth.
   
   Add thickness to the eyebrows, the sides of the nose, and add definition to the abs with shading.
   
   At the toga knot, follow the fabric lines.
   
   Make more lines and shade darker at the waist and around the knot.
3. 3

   Step 3: Sketch over the shapes on the body and head as needed.

4. 4

   Step 4: Add the facial features.

5. 5

   Step 5: Sketch Zeus's right arm.

6. 6

   Step 6: Outline the posture of Zeus.

7. 7

   Step 7: Draw the legs.

8. 8

   Step 8: Add folds to the toga.

9. 9

   Step 9: Add details to the features.

10. 10

    Step 10: Shade and outline.

Detailed Guide

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