A Guide to Brushing Funny Strokes on Canvas by Wain Roy

Drawing a caricature might sound simple but few have the talent to transform a mediocre drawing to a funny caricature. Those who want to learn this skill should first understand the basic difference between a portrait and a caricature. The key difference between the two lies in the distortion of features of the subject. Distortion of key features of the subject makes the subject recognizable. On the other hand, if the artist tries to distort with other features, the caricature turns out to be unrecognizable.

The first rule of drawing a caricature is to enhance the recognizable features of the subject. Minimizing the recognizable features will eliminate the likeness of the portrait to the subject. Can you ever imagine Mick Jagger with small lips and mouth? This is where keen observatory powers come into play. The artist needs to figure out the special features in the subject and think of various ways to capture the individual’s personality and breathe life into the inanimate portrait. Every little detail of a caricature is important. These details make or break the impact of the work.

The success of a caricature artist depends on the extent to which he/she exaggerates a recognizable feature of an individual. The artist needs to be bold enough to experiment with his art. One doesn’t necessarily need to be a good cartoonist in order to create a caricature. Often, caricatures are created by accident. Incorrect but recognizable representation of an individual can be classified as a caricature. Caricature is not always a cartoon; it can be a painting, a sculpture, or even a photograph.

A skilled artist knows how and when to vary his strokes and lines. It is always helpful to study as many faces as possible and then draw a mental picture of the subject. A good artist knows how to create a perfect combination of shadow and dimension. Use of harder strokes for facial edges and that of lighter ones for other details is generally recommended unless, of course, it forms the unique feature of the subject.

These drawing tips would be of great help when you venture into this field as an amateur. But while you try to brush your excellence on canvas, never forget to enjoy your work. Caricature drawing can turn out to be a real fun if you enjoy every step of your learning as well as learn from your mistakes.

About the Author

Wain Roy is an internet marketing professional expert in various industries like real estate, web design, finance, medical tourism and caricatures