Learning how to draw a gas mask is just like drawing anything else; you just need to figure out the proper process and then invest the time into practicing that process.
You might be wondering, why a gas mask? What is it about this particular subject that should interest you? Well, it’s definitely unusual, and it has some unique features that you won’t find in many other places.
On top of that, it’s a personal choice. It’s a darker subject that you may choose to embrace in an attempt to express your personal feelings. No matter your reasons, if you want to do it well, you’ll need to follow these steps.
How To Draw Gas Mask In 9 Easy Steps
Equipment You Will Need
Before you start learning how to draw a gas mask, the first thing you need to do is get yourself set up by having the right equipment.
What equipment will you need? That depends on what materials you plan to use. If you work in graphite, then a variety of graphite pencils. If you work in charcoal, different types of charcoal, paints, inks, or whatever your chosen medium is.
Next, choose your surface; make sure to choose one appropriate for the medium you’re working in. Having a ruler so you can measure outdistances and a stencil with different-sized circles will also be helpful tools that you should consider having on hand before you get started.
Draw A Circular Outline
As with anything else you are drawing, you should draw a gas mask with a light sketch. This will let you layout the general shape of the gas mask, which you can then slowly refine until you end up with a final image that you’re happy with.
The first thing you should do is sketch out a general outline, and that outline should be roughly circular in shape.
Refine And Draw The Outline Of The Gas Mask
With the general outline in place, you can start to sketch some of the other features of the mask. Remember, you should still use a light touch and only work in rough features.
All that you’re doing here is refining the shape and adding the beginnings of the details that you’ll need later. Make sure to study your subject carefully, then sketch in detail. By working lightly, you can erase and correct errors to end up with an accurate sketch.
Draw Centreline
Whenever you’re drawing anything symmetrical, especially something with a round shape, it’s essential to establish the centreline.
This will give you the ability to add highlights, reflections, and shadows appropriately, which will add to the realism of your drawing.
Measure The Proportions Of The Drawing
Proportions are significant in any drawing. When you are drawing something mechanical, proportions are even more critical. When drawing a natural form, a variation occurs, so minor imperfections are often overlooked.
But, when drawing something like a gas mask, you need to pay special attention to the proportions. You can try to eyeball it, or, if working from a photo, you can always use the grid method.
Draw Circular Shape Transparent Eye Sockets
One of the aspects of drawing a gas mask that can be interesting and challenging is drawing transparent eye sockets. Gas masks are designed to protect the wearer from poisonous gas, completely sealed shut.
To allow the wearer to see they have transparent eye sockets. While the eye sockets are transparent, they will still change the appearance of the eyes since they aren’t completely transparent.
They will also have reflections on them that you’ll have to figure out how to render, as well as shadows that they cast on the eye and surrounding parts of the face.
Draw Exhalation Valve/ One Or Two
They say the devil is in the details, and that’s true when drawing something with as many small and unique parts as what you’ll find on a gas mask.
You can spend as much time putting detail in as you want, opting for simple shapes or complex renderings. But, no matter what you do, make sure that you include the exhalation valves, or your gas mask won’t look like a gas mask.
Apply A Bold Outline If Drawing With Pen
If you’re working with ink, try using a bold outline around the edges of the gas mask. This might seem counterintuitive since you generally don’t want to do this when drawing, but it can work quite well when drawing an artificial shape.
A bold outline will give your drawing definition and help it retain details while you go in and render.
Add Tone And Value If Drawing With Graphite
One of the most significant advantages of drawing with graphite is producing a full range of values. Make sure that you use this to your advantage when drawing your gas mask.
You need to be careful to avoid blending out the details of the mask while you’re working on it. One great way to do this is to use bolder lines for the details and outline, then use a light coat of spray fixative before starting your rendering.
Alternative Gas Mask Drawing Ideas
If you enjoy drawing a gas mask, why not take this further by trying a few variations? You can draw a futuristic gas mask or one from a dystopian world.
Remember, this is art. Feel free to push the boundaries and experiment. This will only help you grow as an artist in the long run.
Drawn Gas Mask With Head
If you’re drawing a gas mask, why not take it a step further and draw the head and body of a person wearing it. You can challenge yourself to try to depict a look of fear and anxiety while only having the eyes of the subject to convey that emotion.
Draw Profile View Of Gas Mask
Instead of drawing a regular full view of a gas mask, you might want to try drawing it in profile. This is great practice since it will allow you to use a more straightforward view to depict a realistic interpretation of your subject.
