Draw the torso. Determine the size of the insect and depict a circle.
How to Draw a Bug
In this tutorial, I want to show you how to draw a bug. All in a few simple steps, you will learn how to draw a popular insect and have a good time.
This lesson will be interesting for any young naturalist and aspiring artist. Here I will show in detail how to draw a bug. In the picture, you see a ladybug. It is a popular member of the large beetle family. This bug has a rounded body and bright coloration.
Perhaps you have repeatedly seen such a bug in real life, and now you have to learn how to draw this insect on your own. Sequentially, follow all the drawing steps and use small hints to correctly depict the next element.
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
- Coloring supplies
Time needed: 30 minutes
How to Draw a Bug
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Draw the torso. Determine the size of the insect and depict a circle.
Depict the head. In the lower left part of the circle, draw another small circle.
Add the outline of the elytra. Draw two smooth curved lines that are perpendicular.
Detail the elytra. Depict a dividing line and add some large spots.
Sketch out the eyes. Draw two small ovals on the bug’s head.
Add the antennae. Depict two whiskers on the head. At the ends of the antennae, draw two large dots.
Draw the paws. On the side of the body, depict three small paws in succession.
Correct inaccuracies. Use the eraser to remove extra lines in the drawing.
Color the bug. You will need dark gray and red for the bug’s body. Color the eyes black and add highlights.
As usual, at the end of the lesson, there is a link where you can download a brief instruction in PDF format. Use the file whenever you want to return to the lesson.
Fly
In most cases, try to avoid side views , although they are easier and faster to draw.
Uninteresting composition
Because I am right-handed, I draw from left to right (so I do not smear what I have already drawn):
Drawing from left to right
It is more interesting for the observer to see insects (or anything else) with an angular view.
Fly pencil drawing
The housefly is attracted to human food and exposed parts of their body, thereby passing on pathogens that it carries on its body.
Aphid & Ladybug
Front or top views are like side views. Meaning, less interesting.
Aphids front and top views
To learn more about composition, visit my guide on composition drawing.
Basic drawing steps:
To draw any insect, start by drawing its form (structure) accurately .
Draw lines gently, so you can draw over them, or erase them.
There are no lines in nature , so you do not want lines in your final drawing.
I usually prefer to draw the background layer first (in this case, the plant stem).
Pay attention to brightness values and edges .
While the body of (most) insects has hard edges, the shadows have soft edges.
Aphid pencil drawing
Aphids are destructive to plants (sap-sucking).
Ladybugs prey on aphids.
Ladybug pencil drawing
If you struggle with accuracy, here is how to draw from photos (from observation).
Bee
How to draw a single hair strand?
As mentioned above, there are no lines in nature.
When drawing a single hair strand, press harder when you start your stroke and gently release pressure.
That way, you will have both a transition in brightness values (from dark to light), and your mark will taper (from thick to thin).
For a group of hair, think of it as areas or clusters of brightness values. You can add a few hair strands, but draw them lighter.
Many insects have hair. For example, a bee.
Bee pencil drawing
Bees have an important ecological role in pollinating plants, but their number is getting smaller, and the cause is unclear.
Planting flowers rich in nectar, and avoiding the use of spraying materials in planters, or in the garden.
Spider Web Drawing – An Easy Realistic Web
Spider web drawing tutorial, where you learn to spin a simple spider web, and then break up the perfect web with some irregularities for a more natural look.
How to Draw a Butterfly: Easy Beautiful Butterfly Drawing (Step-by-Step)
Learn how to draw a butterfly – an easy step-by-step butterfly drawing tutorial including drawing butterfly wings with an intricate pattern.
How to Draw a Spider – Simple Cartoon Style
Learn how to draw a spider in an easy cartoon style – cute spider from a single circle and two double circle spiders – an animal and a friendly humanoid.
All Drawing Collections:
- How to Draw Animals
- How to Draw Bugs and Insects
- How to Draw Farm Animals
- How to Draw Forest Animals
- How to Draw Sea Animals
- How to Draw Zoo Animals
- How to Draw Food
