How To Draw Deer Antlers

In this tutorial, we'll draw a pair of antlers—a beautiful element from the world of nature. We'll start with a graphite pencil sketch, designing the typical structure of deer antlers from scratch. Then we'll create an illusion of texture and complete our drawing using ink liners.

But first, let's talk about the difference between horns and antlers. It's always useful to learn more about the object you're going to draw!

Antlers are grown as an extension of the animal's skull and are a single structure. They are generally found only on males of the Cervidae family, which includes all species of deer, moose, and elk. Antlers are grown every spring and shed every winter.

Horns, on the other hand, are two-part structures. They are found on members of the Bovidae family, which includes species as diverse as cows, sheep, goats, and even antelopes and gazelles. Both males and females may have horns, and the size and shape of horns vary from species to species.

With rare exceptions, horns are never branched and never shed. In many species, horns never stop growing throughout an animal's life.

What You Will Need

To complete this project, you'll need the following equipment:

a graphite pencil (I recommend using an HB or B type)
an eraser
an ink liner number 0.05
an ink liner number 0.1
an ink liner number 0.2
a sheet of drawing paper

1.How to Draw Antlers With a Graphite Pencil

Step 1

I outline the border of the skull, just for our reference, and then add a core line.

Drawing the initial lines

Each antler grows from an attachment point on the skull called a pedicle. I mark the foundations of the antlers, using oval shapes.

Step 2

I draw the framework of the horns. We'll start with simple forked structures and add more elements later.

Antlers often have a slight asymmetry and non-typical tines, so don't strive for absolute perfection.

I also recommend drawing both antlers simultaneously, because if you draw just one and then copy and flip it digitally, your artwork won't look natural.

Drawing the framework of the antlers

Step 3

I draw the contours of the longest parts of the antlers, also known as the main beams or antler stems.

Drawing the main beams

Step 4

I draw the short transitional parts; they join the branches with the antler stems.

As you can see in the image, I add the oval shapes to these parts, as if we're looking at the antlers in a cross-section. Thinking about the forms in this manner helps to make the drawing more realistic.

Drawing the transitional parts

I draw the branch growing from the main beam.

Adding the branch

Step 5

I add two shorter branches to the antler stems; let's agree that they are not equal.

Step 6

I draw the curved branches that are facing the viewer.

To emphasize the direction of these branches, I add a border between their sides. Now the front branches look more credible.

Step 7

I draw the short branches in the lower part of the antlers. Another name for these elements is the brow tines.

Step 8

I refine the contours of the antlers, making the lines smoother. Now you can add some new tines or creative features if you wish.

It's time to erase the unnecessary pencil lines.

Step 9

Let's add some texture to the base part of the antlers (it is called a burr, or coronet). The coronet has a distinctive pattern, resembling a set of outgrowths.