Welcome to this step-by-step guide on how to draw a Plague Doctor! Plague Doctors were important figures in history, particularly during times of epidemic outbreaks. They were known for their distinctive outfits, including long cloaks, wide-brimmed hats, and bird-like masks with goggles. In this tutorial, we will break down the process of drawing a Plague Doctor into easy-to-follow steps. So grab your pencil, paper, and let’s get started!
Materials Required
Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials ready:
- A pencil (preferably HB or 2B)
- Drawing paper or sketchbook
- Eraser
- Fine-tip black pen or marker (optional)
- Colored pencils or markers (optional)
Having these materials will help you follow along and create your own unique Plague Doctor drawing!
Step 1: Basic Head and Body Shape
Start by drawing a medium-sized oval shape for the head. Next, draw a vertical line down the center of the oval to serve as a guideline for the facial features. Add a larger oval shape below the head for the body. This will form the foundation for your Plague Doctor’s figure.
Step 2: Outfit Details
Now, let’s focus on the outfit of the Plague Doctor. Draw a long, flowing cloak by extending two curved lines from the sides of the body oval. Make sure the lines are wider at the top and gradually taper down towards the bottom. Add some folds and creases to give the cloak a realistic appearance.
Step 3: Hat and Brim
On top of the head oval, draw a wide-brimmed hat by extending two slightly curved lines. Curve the lines downward on either side, creating a bowl-like shape. Connect the brim of the hat with the cloak by drawing two lines downwards from the sides of the head.
Step 4: Beak
One of the most iconic features of a Plague Doctor’s mask is the beak. To create this, draw a long, triangular shape that extends from the lower portion of the head oval. Make sure the beak points slightly downwards. Add a curved line near the base of the beak to indicate an opening.
Step 5: Eyes and Goggles
Within the oval-shaped head, draw two large, circular eyes. Place them just below the center guideline. Add smaller circles or ovals inside the eyes to represent the goggles. In between the eyes, draw a small circle or oval for the nose.
Step 6: Facial Details
To give the Plague Doctor a more menacing appearance, add some facial details. Draw bushy eyebrows above the eyes, and slightly curved lines below the eyes to create a stern expression. On either side of the head, draw two long, thin lines to represent hair or a hood.
Step 7: Staff or Cane
To complete the drawing, add a staff or cane in one hand of the Plague Doctor. Draw a long, slender shape that extends from the bottom of the body oval towards the ground. Feel free to add details such as a decorative knob or handle at the top.
Step 8: Finalize the Outline
Now that you have completed the fundamental shapes and details of the Plague Doctor, it’s time to finalize the outline. Use a pen or marker to go over the lines you want to keep, and erase any unnecessary pencil lines. This will make your drawing cleaner and more defined.
Step 9: Adding Color (Optional)
If you want to add a touch of color to your Plague Doctor drawing, grab your colored pencils or markers. Traditionally, Plague Doctors wore dark-colored clothing, so shades of black, brown, or dark blue would work well. Use lighter shades for the beak and goggles, and experiment with different colors for the cloak and hat. Feel free to get creative and make your Plague Doctor stand out!
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing your Plague Doctor drawing! By following these step-by-step instructions, you have learned how to draw this historical figure with its distinctive outfit and bird-like mask. The process of drawing a Plague Doctor allows you to explore different shapes, lines, and details. So, keep practicing and have fun adding your personal touch to each drawing. Now you can confidently create your own illustrations featuring this fascinating character from history.
