Introduction
Crowns are an awesome symbol of status, honor, and royalty – and they’re great to draw! While drawing a crown can seem like an intimidating task if you’ve never tried it before, the following guide on how to draw a crown step-by-step will help you learn quickly, without getting overwhelmed.
In just a few easy steps, you’ll be able to create your own custom crown!
Method – 1
Drawing the General Shape
Drawing any basic shape can be an easy way to get started with illustrations. For instance, here’s how you might draw something as simple as a crown in six easy steps .
- Start by drawing a circle for your base. This will help you keep your proportions even and give your crown its general shape. Don’t worry about making it perfect—you can always clean up later on!
- Next, draw two lines that start at opposite sides of your circle and cross at its center point. These are guidelines for where to place each section of your crown.
- Draw three or four curved lines that go from one side of your circle to another.
- To finish off your crown, all you need is a little detail work around its edges. Add whatever details make sense for what you want to create.
Add some details!
You can spend hours on your crown, adding details and shading until it looks perfect. Once you have your crown drawn, it’s time to outline in black. For simplicity’s sake (and because I can barely draw), I outlined my crown in thick black lines rather than with intricate detailing.
Once you’ve sketched out your crown, darken in its inner contours. Feel free to add shadows for extra depth! Just remember that whenever you add more lines or shading, it’s always best to do so step by step.
Final
Finally, erase everything outside of your initial circle so that only what remains is what’s actually inside it.
Method – 2
Building the Foundation: Creating the Basic Shape
Before diving into intricate details, let’s establish a solid foundation for your crown. Here’s where basic shapes come in – they provide a framework that makes drawing complex objects much easier.
1. Circle Power:
We’ll begin by using a simple circle as the base of our crown. This circle will help you maintain even proportions and define the overall size and shape of your creation. Don’t worry about achieving perfect symmetry at this stage – you can always refine it later. Think of this circle as the canvas upon which your royal masterpiece will be built.
2. Guiding Lines: A Roadmap for Success
Next, let’s create some guidelines to help us position the different sections of our crown. Draw two straight lines that intersect at the center point of your circle, extending outwards from opposite sides. Imagine these lines as a roadmap that will guide you as you build upon the basic structure.
3. Shaping the Spikes: From Simple Lines to Regal Flair
Now comes the fun part – shaping the iconic spikes of the crown! Draw three or four curved lines that originate on one side of your circle and gracefully arch towards the other side. These lines will eventually transform into the majestic peaks of your crown. Feel free to experiment with the number of curves and their curvature – after all, there’s no single “correct” way to design a crown!
4. Refining the Edges: Adding a Touch of Majesty
With the basic structure complete, it’s time to refine the edges and add some regal flair to your crown. This is where you can unleash your creativity and personalize your design. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Sharp Points: Opt for sharp, pointed edges for a bold and powerful crown, ideal for a warrior king or queen.
- Rounded Peaks: For a more elegant and graceful crown, soften the edges by creating rounded peaks. This style evokes a sense of sophistication and refinement.
- Decorative Touches: Consider adding decorative elements like small curves or indentations along the edges. This can add visual interest and further personalize your crown.
Remember, this is your crown, so don’t be afraid to experiment and let your imagination soar!
Adorning Your Masterpiece: Adding Details and Dimension
Now that the basic shape of your crown is complete, it’s time to elevate it to a masterpiece! This is where you can add details, textures, and shadows to bring your creation to life.
- Gems and Jewels: Royalty is often associated with precious stones. Add sparkling gems and jewels of various shapes and sizes to your crown for a touch of opulence.
- Pearls: For a more timeless and elegant look, consider incorporating pearls around the base or along the edges of your crown.
- Symbols and Insignia: Crowns can also represent specific roles or achievements. You can incorporate symbols or insignia that reflect your crown’s purpose, adding a deeper layer of meaning to your artwork.
2. Shading for Depth and Dimension:
Shading adds depth and dimension to your drawing, making your crown appear more realistic. Use light pencil strokes to create subtle shadows at the base of the crown and along the inner curves of the spikes. Remember, the direction of the light source will determine where the shadows fall.
3. Highlighting the Royal Touch:
Once you’ve added shadows, use a white pencil or eraser to create highlights on the opposite side of the light source. This will further accentuate the three-dimensionality of your crown and make it appear to gleam in the light.
4. Refining Your Lines:
After adding details and shading, go back over your initial pencil lines with a darker pencil or pen to create a clean and finished look. This will define the edges of your artwork and make it stand out.
The Final Touches: Bringing Your Crown to Life
1. Erasing the Unnecessary:
Now that your crown is looking regal and magnificent, it’s time to erase any unnecessary guide lines or stray marks from your initial construction phase. Use a clean eraser to gently remove these lines, leaving behind only the polished artwork of your crown.
2. A Splash of Color: Let Your Creativity Shine
(Optional) While a classic pencil sketch has its own charm, you can take your crown to a whole new level by adding color! There are endless possibilities here, depending on the mood you want to evoke.
- Royal Jewels: Use vibrant colors like sapphire blue, ruby red, and emerald green to depict the gems adorning your crown.
- Metallic Majesty: Opt for metallic shades like gold or silver to create a truly regal look.
- Personal Palette: For a more personalized touch, choose colors that resonate with you or represent the theme of your crown.
Experiment with different coloring mediums like colored pencils, markers, or even watercolors to find the one that best suits your artistic style.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Different Crown Styles
The beauty of drawing crowns lies in their versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic steps, you can unleash your creativity and explore a variety of crown styles:
- The Classic Tiara: This elegant and delicate crown features a curved band adorned with jewels or pearls, perfect for a princess or a fairy queen.
- The Royal Diadem: This majestic crown features a circular band with upright peaks, often decorated with elaborate details like filigree or fleurs-de-lis.
- The Warrior’s Crown: For a more imposing look, create a crown with sharp points and minimal adornments, symbolizing strength and power.
- The Pope’s Tiara: This triple-tiered crown, also known as a triregnum, is a symbol of papal authority. You can recreate its unique structure by stacking three circular bands of varying sizes.
Drawing inspiration from real-world crowns throughout history can also be a great way to spark your creativity. Research famous crowns like the British Imperial State Crown or the Crown of Charlemagne to see the incredible variety of styles and details that exist.