How to Draw a Bee – Step by Step
In this step by step drawing lesson, we’ll take a look at how to draw a bee. It’s very simple to do, just look at the shapes that make up the bee and draw them first. Gradually, the drawing will develop. We’ll begin with looser marks and once we have those in place, we can refine the lines.
You may use any medium that you prefer, but since this drawing is linear, it may be best to work with graphite pencils. After the pencil sketch is in place, you can go over your lines with ink using a pen. Don’t worry, you can always erase any of the pencil marks that may remain after the ink dries. Let’s get started, here’s how to draw a bee…
Step 1 – Draw the Shapes of the Bee’s Body
Let’s get our drawing started by drawing three simple shapes that make up the bee’s body. The first shape we’ll draw is an organic one that is somewhat like a triangle with curved edges. This shape will become the head of the bee. The middle shape is simply a circle. The third shape is an oval. Notice how it is at a slight diagonal. Also notice how each of these shapes overlap each other.
Step 2 – Draw the Wings and the Legs
Next, we’ll add a couple of shapes for the wings and the legs. Notice that in this view, we’ll only see three of the bee legs. One of the legs is hidden behind the body. Also part of the wings will be covered by the body.
Don’t worry about all of the details you see in the wings at this point. Just draw the basic shape for now. Notice how one wing is completely visible while the second one is partially visible.
Step 3 – Draw the Bottom of the Legs, and Eye, and an Antennae
Now we need to draw the tips of the legs, an eye, and an antennae. Also add one half of the mandible. The lower portions of the bee’s legs bend outward away from the direction of the upper part of the leg. The eye is almost an oval, but it has an angular edge instead of a curved one. Notice how the eye is drawn at a slight diagonal as well and is positioned on the side of the head – not directly in the center.
Step 4 – Draw the Stripes and a Second Antennae
Next we’ll draw the stripes that wrap around the body and the second antennae. Easy enough. Notice how the stripes on the bee’s body wrap around the form of the body. These shapes should be drawn so that curve. This helps to create the illusion that the bee has form and is 3-Dimensional.
Step 5 – Finish the Drawing
Now we can use our pencil guidelines to finish the drawing. You may choose to use ink to draw the outlines. Be sure to vary the line width. You may make some of the lines thicker in areas to help create a more natural appearance to your drawing. Notice how the outer edge of the body of the bee looks furry. We can create this illusion by adding short strokes with the pen.
You can also add some shading if you like to make the bee appear more realistic. Notice how the eye is mostly black, except for an area of highlight. Also notice that the legs are not filled completely with black ink. We’ve also left a few sections for highlights open here as well.
Here’s a look at the entire step by step drawing process in one convenient image…
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Thanks Matt, really enjoyed this.. Think this will help with starting a new habit of drawing daily. Cant wait for class on Thursday @ Virtual Instructor.com
Gosh, I just love your work! You’re amazing :] And I’m a litlte curious about what material you use when you’re drawing? A litlte jealous over here really, haha.
Got a killer bee. Loved doing it. Am waiting for the new one for today.
Matt
Just started on Day One and really LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DIALY CHALLENGE
Love the bee
I am just starting the challenges…. and this was the first thing I have ever drawn really. The head gave me some trouble, but am over all very happy with what I have done!!!
Hi Gail,
Sure, dating them is not a bad idea! I would suggest keeping them all in a sketchbook.
Super proud of my bee! I can’t wait to see where this takes me!
i Did the Bee challenge thank you Matt
found it pretty easy loving the tutorials. they have helped me a lot
Thanks 4 the tutorial ’twas gr8
I had trouble getting the balance correct but I enjoyed the challenge. Thank you Matt, I’m going to enjoy this
I am very excited to start! I love drawing and my family and friends think that I have a talent,yet I believe that I do not and hope that this will help me exceed my last drawings in amaziness 100%.
My Bee turned out great!
Thank you so much..
Can’t wait until tomorrow.. 🙂
Super easy thank so much mat you refreshed my memory.
I am already getting better at my drawing!!
Excellent resource Matt. Your Sketchbook Challenge helped me to overcome ‘writers block’ and start sketching on a daily basis – thanks.
Matt, thank you for this awesome lesson! I have looked at the bee to see the shapes used as the guides. I can’t wait to see how my skills Improve. My visualizing skills too. I never thought to look for the shapes in my subjects I am trying to draw. You have inspired me!
Insects are supposed to have 6 legs!
Hi Liz, You’re right – they do. But from this angle, not all of them are visible.
I think the techniques between step 4 and 5 are difficult to apply. It’s such a huge gap.