Anyone can learn to draw a totem pole with a little practice and the right guidance. Totem poles are a rich part of indigenous North American culture, and drawing one is a fun way to connect with that heritage. In this guide, we'll show you how to draw a simple totem pole step by step, using easy-to-follow instructions and tips.
Before we begin, remember that there's no wrong way to draw. Totem poles come in many styles and themes, so feel free to make this design your own. Let's gather our materials and dive into the world of totem pole drawing.
Gathering Your Materials
To get started, you'll need some basic art supplies. Here's a list of essentials:
- Pencil (HB or 2B for beginners)
- Pencil sharpener
- Eraser
- Drawing paper or a sketchbook
- Carbon paper (optional, for tracing)
- Colored pencils or markers (optional, for coloring your totem pole)
Once you have your materials ready, let's learn how to draw a simple totem pole.
Sketching the Basic Totem Pole Shape
A totem pole is essentially a tall, vertical design, so the first step is to draw a rectangle or an oval for the main body. Remember, this is just a basic shape, and it doesn't have to be perfect. The beauty of totem poles lies in their unique, asymmetrical features.
Use your pencil to lightly draw a tall, narrow rectangle, making it slightly taller than it is wide. This will be the main body of your totem pole. For now, don't worry about adding details; just focus on getting the basic shape down.
Adding Basic Shapes for Faces and Features
Now that you have the main body of your totem pole, it's time to add the faces and features that will bring your design to life. Totem poles often depict animals, spirits, or family crests, so choose a theme that inspires you. For this example, we'll draw a bear, an eagle, and a salmon.
Lightly sketch the outline of the first face near the top of your totem pole. For a bear, draw an oval for the head and two smaller ovals for the snout and mouth. Next, add two small triangles for the ears and follows the shape of the head to draw the bear's neck, which will connect it to the main body of the totem pole.
Drawing the First Figure
Now that you have the basic outline of your bear, it's time to add details and turn it into a fully realized image. Start by defining the bear's features: draw two almond-shaped eyes, a small triangle for the nose, and some curves and lines to create the bear's fur and facial features.
Remember to keep it simple and avoid adding too much detail at this stage. You can always go back and refine your lines later. Once you're satisfied with your bear, use a crisp, darker line to trace over your light pencil sketch, making it more visible and less prone to smudging.
Adding the Second and Third Figures
Using the same process, add the second and third faces to your totem pole. For an eagle, draw a narrow, pointed head with two small triangles for the beak, and add two small ovals for the eyes and a line for the eye stripe. For a salmon, draw an elongated, tear-drop shape for the body, and add some simple lines to create the fish's features.
As you add more figures, remember to vary their sizes and positions slightly to create interest and depth. You can also experiment with different animal or spirit themes for your totem pole.
Refining Your Totem Pole Drawing
Once you've added all the figures to your totem pole, it's time to refine your drawing and add some final touches. Start by going over your line work with a darker, bolder line, ensuring that all the details are well-defined and clear.
Next, use your eraser to gently lift any unwanted pencil lines, allowing the blank space to create contrast and definition. You can also use the side of your eraser to create soft, shaded areas, giving your drawing a more solid and three-dimensional look.
Adding Shadows and Highlights
To make your totem pole drawing really pop, add some subtle shading and highlighting. Start by looking at your drawing and identifying the areas that should be darker or lighter, based on the direction of the imagined light source.
For shading, use light, feathery strokes to create a gradual gradation of tone, rather than simply filling in areas with solid black. To create highlights, use a kneaded eraser to lift some of the pencil marks, revealing the bright, white paper underneath.
Coloring Your Totem Pole
Now that your totem pole drawing is refined and detailed, it's time to bring it to life with color. You can use colored pencils, markers, or paint, depending on your preference. Start by lightly filling in the areas of each figure with a single color, using gentle, circular motions to build up the intensity.
Once you have a solid base color, begin layering additional colors and shades to create depth and realism. Blend your colors gently, using a colorless blender pencil or a q-tip to ensure smooth transitions between hues.
Congratulations on completing your totem pole drawing! You've just created a unique and personal piece of art that reflects your own creativity and interpretation of this indigenous art form. Don't be afraid to experiment with new ideas and techniques as you continue to explore and refine your drawing skills.
Now that you've become familiar with the basic process of drawing a totem pole, why not challenge yourself by trying out new themes, adding more figures, or even attempting totem pole carving? The possibilities are endless, and the creative journey never ends!