So, for this tutorial, we would be stepping into greek mythology to draw none other than the infamous Minotaur from the labyrinth in 7 easy steps. Each of these steps should be followed strictly if you hope to get the best results. Before we get on with it, you should know that we would first sketch out a dummy. This is to serve as a base upon which we would create a flawlessly detailed final sketch.
For each step, I would be providing you with the necessary tips and tricks so you can have the best results. Now that we’ve laid that out, let’s go on to put together a masterpiece. Ready?! Let’s draw ourselves a stunner!.
STEP 1: DRAWING THE TORSO
Our character rib cage would be drawn using the 3/4 drawing scale. This simply means that the right side facing the viewers would be bigger than the left side of the torso. Also, you should note that our character is well-built. So, using the above image as a guide, he should be drawn with broad shoulders and chest and a small waistline. Going on, Minotaur´s rib cage should be divided into 2 horizontal curved lines. The first should connect from shoulder to shoulder and the second should run directly beneath his chest.
Next, you should draw 2 vertical arches connecting the sides of the top line with the corresponding side right below. Once the main shape of the rib cage is drawn you should draw some lines inside to divide the different planes. The first curve line will be the one separating the front chest from the side of the rib cage. The next one will be the one dividing the chest, separating the two pectoral muscles.
For the hips, you should draw them to take the form of a man’s underpants as depicted in the image. This is where the legs of our character would emerge. The bottom part of the underwear should be drawn unevenly because our character will be walking, with one leg moving forward.
STEP 2: DRAWING THE LEGS
Our Minotaur would be drawn on his feet with his legs slightly apart. Also, remember to use the 3/4 perspective. That said, from the base created for the legs, start off each leg as though drawing a big tube. The leg should reduce gradually as you get to the knee region. From there, extend them backward and gradually reduce their size as they get to the ankles. Then draw the hoofs as seen in the image.
Lastly, refer to the picture and outline the knees by drawing two horizontal lines on the knee region of each leg. In the middle of the lines, draw an ellipse to depict the knee caps.
STEP 3: DRAWING THE ARMS
The arms would be drawn using the 3/4 perspective. This means that the right arm would be way more visible than the left arm. Emerging from the shoulders, the arms would take the form of a tube and it should gradually reduce as it gets to the dividing line between the upper arm and the lower arm( the elbow). They should then extend out again and gradually get slimmer as they get to the wrist.
You can then draw the hands and fingers, like clenched fists, as seen in the above image. Check how the hand on the left is drawn with the index finger and the thumb facing the viewer, and the rest of the fingers only partially visible. In the next steps, this hand will be holding the handle of a big battle-axe. The right hand will be drawn with the fingers clenched and the thumb and the index finger partially hidden, and the rest of the fingers almost fully hidden.
STEP 4: DRAWING THE HEAD
From the base created for the head, two short vertical lines should be drawn. This should serve as the Minotaur´s neck. Having drawn that, our character’s head will be drawn in the form of a medium-sized oval that sits on the neck and would be drawn frontally and from a slightly down view. The head should then be divided by a vertical line and a horizontal line that intersects in the middle( forming a cross). The bottom part of the cross should be substitute with nostrils and a muzzle.
Finally, add a couple of horns and hanging ears on the upper part of the head.
If you are interested in developing your anatomy drawing skills and learn how to draw characters digitally, you should check my drawing video course. You can find more information clicking the image below:
STEP 5: DRAWING THE WEAPONS
At this stage, the main shapes of our character’s weapons would be sketched out. The left hand will be holding an axe. This axe should be quite easy to draw if you first draw it using simple shapes as I did in my drawing.
STEP 6: DRAWING THE HAIR AND CLOTHES
Conan´s clothes are quite easy to draw. On the arms, the Minotaur wears two bracelets. It also wears braclets around the ankles.
Another clothing piece that is quite emblematic is the loincloth. You should draw it like an inverted triangle, with the borders torn and worn. Around the waist and holding the loincloth the Minotaur wears a big leather belt with a big shield type buckle on the center.
STEP 7: DRAWING THE FINAL LINEART
Now, we are about to start off our final sketch, so the unnecessary lines of the dummy we have drawn this far would be faded out. Next up, the muscles, clothes, and weapons details we have sketched out in the previous steps would be made bolder.
Using traces lefts of the original character´s sketch, you would then go on to draw the final lines. It should comprise of well-detailed features, well-drawn facial features, weapons, and clothes. With that done, you should then throw in some shading effects to your drawing. Shading has an easy of making drawings appear so real and flawless.
Also, another important detail is to draw wrinkles and foldings coming from tension areas, like the loincloth where the fabric is being pulled and stretched by the belt.
CONCLUSION
We have successfully put together a commendable drawing of the Minotaur and you should feel proud. However, don’t put away your tools just yet. Go over the tutorial a couple of times more and soon you will be able to draw any character without needing a tutorial.
For more tutorials click on the Drawing Tutorials section on the menu bar on top.
