easy drawing of tomas hobbes

3 min read 23-02-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to draw Thomas Hobbes easily with this step-by-step guide! Perfect for beginners, this tutorial uses simple shapes to capture the philosopher's likeness. Follow along and create your own portrait of the influential 17th-century thinker.

Introduction: Capturing the Essence of Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes, the influential 17th-century philosopher known for his masterpiece Leviathan, is a fascinating subject for a drawing. While achieving photorealism might be challenging, capturing his essence through a simplified approach is entirely achievable, even for beginners. This guide will walk you through an easy drawing of Thomas Hobbes, using basic shapes and techniques. Let's get started!

Materials You'll Need:

Pencil: A standard HB or 2B pencil will work perfectly.
Eraser: A kneaded eraser is ideal for precise erasing.
Paper: Any drawing paper will do.
Optional: Colored pencils or markers for adding color and detail.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide:

Step 1: The Basic Shapes

Begin by lightly sketching a circle for the head. Below the circle, add a slightly elongated oval for the body. Don't worry about perfect proportions; this is just a guide.

Step 2: Defining the Features

Now, let's add some basic facial features. Lightly sketch in a vertical line down the center of the circle to help with symmetry. Add two small circles for the eyes, positioned roughly midway down the circle. Below the eyes, sketch a slightly curved line for the nose.

Step 3: Refining the Face

Add simple curves for the eyebrows above the eyes. You can make them slightly furrowed to give a more serious expression. Sketch a line for the mouth below the nose; Hobbes is often depicted with a somewhat stern expression, so a straight or slightly downturned line works well.

Step 4: The Hair and Collar

Sketch in Hobbes's hair using short, slightly uneven lines. He often wore his hair somewhat shoulder-length and slightly unkempt in portraits. Add a simple curved line at the neck to represent his collar.

Step 5: Adding the Body and Clothing

Using simple lines, suggest the shape of his clothing. Hobbes is commonly depicted in somewhat loose-fitting garments. You can add a few simple folds to give the clothing some dimension.

Step 6: Refining and Detailing

Now it's time to refine your drawing. Go over your lines with a slightly firmer hand, erasing any unwanted marks. Add any details you wish, such as wrinkles around the eyes or on the clothing. Remember that less is more in this simple style.

Step 7: Shading and Texture (Optional)

For a more complete drawing, add shading to give your portrait depth. Use light strokes to indicate shadows on the neck and under the chin. You can also add subtle shading to the hair and clothing.

Step 8: Adding Color (Optional)

If you're using colored pencils or markers, start adding color to your drawing. Choose tones that are muted and realistic, reflecting the style of the era.

Tips for Success:

Reference Images: Look at several portraits of Thomas Hobbes to familiarize yourself with his facial features and overall appearance.
Light Strokes: Use light pencil strokes initially, so it’s easier to erase and correct mistakes.
Practice: Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. Practice makes perfect!

Conclusion: Your Hobbes Portrait

By following these steps, you've successfully created a simple yet evocative drawing of Thomas Hobbes. Remember to have fun and let your creativity flow! This drawing serves as a great starting point; feel free to experiment with different styles and levels of detail as your skills improve. Now you can proudly display your easy drawing of Thomas Hobbes, a testament to both your artistic skills and your appreciation for this influential philosopher.