How to Draw Popcorn
- 1). Set up your arrangement. Arrange several kernels of popcorn on the paper towel according to your taste. Move the shapes around to create an eye-catching arrangement. Place the composition in an area that has a strong source of light.
- 2). Erect your easel close to your arrangement. Since popcorn is a small subject, position your easel or drawing pad only a couple of feet away from the composition. Secure a sheet of drawing paper to your work surface.
- 3). Begin drawing the outline. Look carefully at the outline of each kernel shape. Use a medium-grade pencil, such as an HB, to lightly draw the outer edges of each shape. Note where the kernels overlap or touch each other.
- 4). Fill in details. Make the popcorn look realistic by sketching in irregularities. Draw the broken pieces, the section of the hull and the patterns on the inner portions of each kernel. Mark the areas that are darker in color and where the shadows fall on your arrangement.
- 5). Complete the drawing with shading. Use a soft pencil, such as a 2B grade, to create the darkest parts of the shadows. Draw with a scumble motion loose, scribble-like marks to create a frenetic or active look in your still life. Use a hard pencil, like an F grade, to mark light shadows.
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