How to Draw a Pen Illustration of a Wild Boar
Introduction
Hello, I’m Pengamaru.
In this article, we’ll dive into how to draw a pen illustration of a wild boar specimen in detail.
Pen illustration is an art form that uses simple tools yet allows for incredibly deep and expressive work. It’s especially suitable for depicting the texture of fur and shadows, making drawing a furry animal like a wild boar a fun and rewarding challenge.
We’ll walk through each step of the process, from sketching to inking and finishing touches, with detailed explanations. This guide is designed to be beginner-friendly, incorporating basic techniques and tips along the way.
Let’s embark on the world of wild boar pen illustrations together.
Tools Used in This Project
- Kakuno EF Fountain Pen (Learn more about Kakuno EF)
- Tsuwairo Pigment Ink (Learn more about pigment inks)
About Wild Boars
The subject of this work is a wild boar specimen.
Wild boars (Sus scrofa) belong to the Suidae family in the order Artiodactyla.
Characteristics
- Size and Weight: Male wild boars range from 110–170 cm in length, while females measure 100–150 cm. They can weigh between 80 and 190 kg.
- Fur Color: Their bodies are covered in coarse hair, ranging from brownish to blackish tones.
- Tusks: Males have especially well-developed lower canine teeth that can grow up to 15 cm long.
Habitat and Behavior
- Diet: Wild boars are omnivorous, consuming roots, fruits, insects, and small animals. They have a particular fondness for acorns and chestnuts.
Although wild boars are known for their powerful charge and sharp tusks, they are generally cautious animals that tend to avoid humans.
For this project, we’ll focus on a small wild boar specimen. Instead of drawing the entire body, we’ll concentrate on a side profile of its face. The light source is set to come from the front-left direction.
Sketching
Rough Outlines
Start by using a pencil to create rough outlines. At this stage, loosely determine the shape of the head and the position of the eyes.
Focus on the overall balance rather than getting caught up in details.
Defining Shapes
Build upon the rough outlines, gradually adding details. Pay attention to the direction and length of the fur as you refine the head’s contour and the position of the eyes.
Capturing the wild boar’s distinct features at this stage is crucial.
Indicating Fur Direction
Sketch the direction of the fur.
Pay special attention to the fur around the nose and eyes.
Inking
Outlining and Fur
Now, switch to your pen. Begin by drawing the contours with strokes that mimic fur.
Then, add finer details to show the direction of the fur more clearly.
Adding Fur
Draw fur around areas like the eyes, the junction between the head and body, the nose, and the jaw.
Refer to the preliminary sketch to guide where the fur grows and its direction and length.
Use strokes starting at the base of the hair and extending outward to create natural-looking fur flow.
Erasing the Sketch
Once you’ve made significant progress, erase the pencil marks with an eraser.
Be gentle and erase in one direction to avoid damaging the paper. Pressing too hard can flatten the paper’s texture, which may result in overly thick lines when adding more ink later.
Adding More Fur
Using the previous ink lines as a guide, add more fur to increase density.
Next, work on the eyes by drawing the pupils and leaving the highlights blank (preserving the white of the paper).
Enhancing Shadows
Add fur to denser, darker areas where the light doesn’t reach, or where the fur is naturally darker.
Pay particular attention to shadowed areas like the mouth and legs.
Shading and Refining the Face
Shade areas like the mouth, jaw, and cheeks to depict the face’s contours.
Adjust fine details while maintaining overall balance.
Finishing Touches
Finally, review the entire piece and make any necessary adjustments.
Add extra lines to areas like the eyes, behind the ears, and legs to complete the illustration. Don’t forget to sign your work.
Conclusion
We’ve provided a detailed guide on how to draw a pen illustration of a wild boar.
Pen art is an excellent medium for expressing fine details, especially for textures like fur and shadows.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a realistic and captivating piece.
The techniques of pen art can also be applied to other animals or landscapes, so feel free to try your hand at various subjects.
Thank you for reading until the end! Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on pen art in the future.
