How to Draw Glasses: A Complete Guide to Drawing the Perfect Pair
Drawing glasses may seem like a daunting task, but with some practice and the right technique, it can be a fun and rewarding process. Whether you’re looking to add glasses to a portrait, character design, or just want to improve your drawing skills, this guide will cover everything from standard frames to style-specific glasses. Let’s get started!
A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Before you start drawing glasses, it’s essential to determine the general shape and style you want your glasses to have. The first step is to draw the frame of the glasses, which can be done in a few easy steps:
1. Draw two identical oval shapes side by side, leaving a small gap in the middle.
2. Connect the two ovals using two parallel lines on either side of the glasses. These lines represent the actual frame of the glasses.
3. Add the nose pads at the bottom of the frame using small circles or rectangles attached to the lower part of the frame.
4. Finally, draw two lines extending from either side of the frame to represent the arms of the glasses. These lines may be curved or straight, depending on the style of the glasses.
Once you have your frame, it’s time to add the lenses. The most common lens shape is a circle, so draw two identical circles within the frames. Make sure the circles align with each other and the frame.
When drawing glasses, it’s essential to pay attention to detail. There are a few extra nuances that you can add to make your glasses look more realistic:
– Add thickness to the frames by making the lines around the lenses thicker than the rest of the frame.
– Create hinges by adding a small rectangle or oval where the arms connect to the frame.
– Add shading to the lenses to create depth and dimension.
Tips and Tricks for Realistic Glasses
Drawing glasses can be tricky, but there are some tips and tricks you can use to create realistic glasses:
– To create realistic reflections on the lenses, draw a small circle or oval where the light would hit the lens. This will give the impression that the glasses have lenses.
– Add shading to the frame to give it a more 3D appearance. Pay attention to how the light falls on the frame and add shading accordingly.
– For a more authentic look, add scratches or smudges to the lenses.
Video Tutorial
If you’re more of a visual learner, you might find it helpful to watch a tutorial on how to draw glasses. Thankfully, there are plenty of tutorials available on YouTube dedicated to drawing glasses. Watching a video tutorial can help you see how an artist approaches drawing glasses and pick up on any tips and tricks they use.
Style-Specific Glasses
Not all glasses are created equal, and different glasses styles have unique features that make them stand out:
– Round Harry Potter style glasses have smaller lenses and a thicker frame. Add lightning bolt details to the frame to complete the look.
– 50s cat-eye glasses have sweeping frames that extend beyond the lenses. The top of the frame is more oversized than the bottom, which creates a dramatic effect. Add a little design such as a diamond or a star in the upper corners to accentuate the cat-eye shape.
– 80s aviator glasses are a true classic with larger lenses and a thin metal frame. Make sure to add shading to the lenses to give them a reflective appearance.
Glasses on Different Faces
Different face shapes require different types of glasses to fit and flatter properly. Here are some tips for drawing glasses that work with different face shapes:
– For a rounded face, try glasses with rectangular frames. This will help balance out the roundness of the face.
– If you have an angular face, try glasses with rounder frames to soften the features.
– A square face would look great with glasses that have a more geometric shape, like square or rectangle frames.
Using Glasses to Convey Character
Glasses can say a lot about a character’s personality. Here are some ways you can use glasses to convey different character traits:
– Round frames with thin metal arms can convey a laid-back, ’70s vibe.
– Large, square glasses with thicker frames can make a character look old-school and serious.
– Glasses with a cat-eye frame can give a character a retro, glamorous look.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
As with any drawing, there are common issues that can arise when drawing glasses. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
– If your frames are lopsided, try adjusting the angle of the arms until they are even.
– If your lenses are too big or too small, adjust the size of the lens accordingly.
– If your reflections are too shiny, add more shading to the lenses until you achieve a more realistic look.
Conclusion
Drawing glasses may seem daunting at first, but with practice and the right techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding process. Remember to start with a basic frame, add lenses and other nuances to make the glasses look more realistic. Don’t forget to experiment with different glasses styles, face shapes and character traits. Keep practicing, and before you know it, you’ll be drawing the perfect pair of glasses in no time.
