To Draw Realistic Manga Requires Observation

By Rick Feathers

Observation is one of the key elements to any and all realistic manga drawings. Paying close attention and noticing every little detail is vital to your character. Studying the things around us is a very good place to start.

Let me illustrate by having you look at the inside of your hand. What do you see? First you see the basic outline showing a thumb and four fingers. Second, you will notice that your fingers are different lengths. Third, you will begin to see all the various lines around where the joints of your fingers are and the many lines in your palm.

Upon closer observation you will also see shadows and highlights depending on how the light is reflecting on your hand. What about the tiny hairs on the backside of your thumb and the fingerprints that are usually overseen by all the other lines. Even the blood vessels make themselves know in a different color.

Here is another observation technique for you to follow along with. Sit back in your chair and close your eyes. With your eyes closed just relax for a few minutes and begin to think of a color. Let us pick red for this example.

It is very important to keep your eyes closed for this exercise so no peeking.

Focus only on the color red. Try to remember every thing in the room that is red. Think of the red ink pen or pencil, the book that has a red binder, red lettering on items or red clothing. Just picture it in your mind every things that is red and where they are located in the room which you are sitting in.

Now after a few minutes more open your eyes. First your eyes will be drawn to all the items you remembered. But most importantly you will see how everything that’s red in the room will be visible and stand out above all the other colors. You will also be amazed at all the things that are red in the room that you were not aware of.

Observing and looking at all the details around us takes some discipline, spend time to just sit still and take a good look at all the neat things that surround you. If your goal is to draw realistic manga for the Japanese anime world or just for your personal collection, details bring out the richness and life of all art work. People will look at your work for hours and you want them to walk away saying “Did you see how detailed and real that drawing looked.” Believe me they will come back to see your realistic art.