With Iron Man 3 out in theaters – and "The Mandarin" being the arch enemy in the movie, I thought it would be a fun idea – to include this character, as one of the options for this weeks lesson to vote on.
And yes, here we are drawing him!
Please note – this version of the character, is quite different from the one one in the movie – and even not-so-similar to the one in the comic books too. In looking at images from both places, for a reference…
I gradually came up with a character that pays homage to both – but truly, is quite unique.
And yes, I encourage you (as always when drawing!)…
To do the same.
Here goes…
How to Draw The Mandarin
First thing, in tackling this character – one who quite resembles a ‘wizard’ a first glance, especially with his long robe (as seen in the comics), and those shiny glistening jewels, as seen on the many rings on his fingers…
I began with a simple "stick figure-like" framework… one to help us position the stance of the character before-hand.
Here’s how it looks…
Those green lines above – are in place to mark off those features – key ones (rings! jewels!), at that… which really stand out – and will give this character just that "character"… those defining attributes that in this unique version…
Make "The Mandarin"… The Mandarin.
But of course. Branch off – start from scratch, and have fun. Use these steps as examples. Get creative!
Starting with the head…
So yes – after sketching in the eyes, ear – and the beginning of his mustache and hair line…
Next go ahead with the rest of the head – and as you can see in the examples below (fading out to grey as we proceed) — see if you can add a few details along the way, those types of things which really make your drawing stand out.
You ca see below, I added a couple more jewels along the way – one in his hair, and another in his beard. I ended up removing them in the end – but it just goes to show, while plugging along…
Just how fun it can be – to try new ideas, as you progress.
Next up – once all the jewels are in place (and yes – make them whichever shapes and sizes you like – have lots of fun here, and get super creative!)…
Now move on to The Mandarin’s hands.
Notice how I’m pretty much *sequentially* moving about the framework – sketching in those parts of the drawing, as it would make sense to do so in order?
If it works my way for you, great! If not, tackle it in a sequence that fits for you.
Keep going with his robe or cloak…
Moving on down the drawing – and now we’re at the bottom of The Mandarin’s wizard-like cloak. I added a few more jewels and details along the way at this point – but again, it’s up to you if you want to do the same.
Anyway, here’s how he looks – just about complete now – all the lines faded to grey, accept for the very bottom of the cloak, where the lines fold over…
And yes, one last step now – let’s see how the character looks, with all of the underlying framework lines removed (yours may be lightly sketched pencil lines, or even a simple means of clicking the "eye" to hide a digital layer in Photoshop, Gimp, etc. – out of sight) – and of course…
With a little bit of color!
Especially with the gems, actually – I ensured that most of the character was colored in darker tones, so that his rings would really STAND OUT. And yes, much as they should. Easily, they’re the coolest part – in my opinion, of this Marvel villain character.
And well – that’s all there is to it!
Hope you had fun with the lesson. Will see you very soon for the next one.