Overview
Langston Hughes is an iconic American poet, novelist and playwright of the 1900s. He was a leader of the Harlem Renaissance, a movement dedicated to the celebration and promotion of black culture. Today, Langston Hughes is regarded as one of the most important and influential poets of the twentieth century. He is best known for his fantastic works of poetry and literature, incorporating both jazz and blues influence in them. This article will provide you with helpful information on how to draw Langston Hughes, and include perspectives from experts on learning to draw him and the Harlem Renaissance movement.
Steps on How to Draw Langston Hughes
Begin by drawing an oval shape for the face and then use light pencil strokes to draw a boxy-looking hat resting on top. Add a lined brim coming down from the back to the front and draw a line for the mouth and nose. Draw two curved lines above and below the nose to create a smile. Add a triangle atop the head for a shadow and to provide perspective. Add two almond-shaped eyes with a dot in the center and curvy eyebrows. Draw a wide curved line for the chin and use curves for the shoulder and neck area.
To give the drawing a more “Langston Hughes look”, add a few details such as a triangular pendant at the base of the neck and a few lines indicating the textures of his garments. Once the face and outline of the body is complete, add dark pencil strokes to darken the features and give the image dimension. Lastly, erase the guidelines and fill in with flat shading or hatching to complete the final look of your Langston Hughes drawing.
Perspectives from Experts
Graves Lowe, an expert in the Harlem Renaissance and writer, has this to say about drawing Langston Hughes:
“Langston Hughes’ works and legacy reflect a profound grasp of African American culture. Capturing this in a drawing requires skill, attention to detail, and a respect for his unique contributions. Langston Hughes was always at the forefront of civil rights and artistic progress, and this must be remembered and respected in any drawing of him”.
In addition, art historian Stephanie Godwin notes that “any drawing of Langston Hughes must have a striking presence and an element of power. He was a voice for those oppressed, and this must come through in a drawing of him. A good drawing should capture the power and heart of his works and message”.
Factors to Consider When Drawing Langston Hughes
When drawing Langston Hughes, it is important to consider the style and medium you will use. Pencil drawings are commonly used and provide a high level of realism. However, if you are looking for a more expressive or artistic look, then watercolors or pastels could be the way to go.
It is also important to consider the facial features and expressions when drawing Langston Hughes, as this is key in determining the emotional impact of the drawing. For example, depending on the emotion you are aiming to express (nostalgia, joy, strength, etc.), the eyes, nose, and mouth should all be drawn accordingly.
Finally, since Langston Hughes is often presented with a hat, it is essential to ensure that each stroke and line is precise and captures the unique style of his hat.
Tips for Beginners
If you are a beginner, a few tips to help you get started include gathering references of Langston Hughes and his works and using them as inspiration. Additionally, use light pencil strokes when working and focus on mastering the facial features and the hat before completing the overall drawing. And finally, practice the techniques for shading, hatching, and highlighting to ensure that you get the correct depth, perspective, and realism in the drawing.
Tools and Materials Needed
When drawing Langston Hughes or any other figure, it is important to use the right tools and materials. These include graphite or charcoal pencils, erasers, a sketchpad and paper, a pencil sharpener, and a kneaded eraser. If you plan to use any other media such as watercolor, oil paint, pastels, or acrylics, you will need the related supplies for that as well.
The Legacy of Langston Hughes
The legacy of Langston Hughes is one of artistry and influence. He is considered one of the most influential figures of the Harlem Renaissance, and was a force to be reckoned with in the worlds of literature and politics. His works explore themes of racism and inequality, and serve as a call to justice and activism. His art speaks to any and all who are willing to listen, and conveying his message through his portrait can be a great way to pay tribute to his legacy.
Exploring Further
If you wish to dig deeper into the history of Langston Hughes and the art of drawing him, there are many resources available for you to explore. There are books about the Harlem Renaissance, courses on the art of drawing, and even online tutorials teaching the fundamentals of portraiture. By dedicating some time and effort, you can learn the techniques and tricks to masterfully drawing Langston Hughes.
Learning and Sharing
Learning about Langston Hughes and his contributions is important and can be extremely rewarding. Once you have gained a foundational knowledge of him and his works, you can further apply this knowledge by sharing it with others. You can do this by attending seminars and workshops, blogging or vlogging, or even teaching a class. By doing this, you can help celebrate and promote Langston Hughes’ legacy and make a positive contribution to society.
