How to Draw an Old-Time Gold Prospector

*19th-Century Gold Rush Character*

Materials Needed

✏️ Pencil (HB or 2B)
📄 Paper
🧽 Eraser
🖍️ Optional: Coloring tools (watercolor, markers)

Step 1: Basic Structure

1. Head: Lightly sketch an oval.

   • Tip: Place halfway down the page to leave room for the hat.

2. Guidelines:

   • Draw a horizontal line for shoulders (keep level).

   • Add three facial guidelines:

     • Line 1 (top): Eyebrows

     • Line 2 (middle): Nose base

     • Line 3 (bottom): Mouth

Step 2: Pose & Proportions

1. Stick Figure:

   • Use simple lines for arms (bent at elbows) and legs (slightly bent).

   • Key: One hand on hip, other holding a pan or pickaxe.

2. Body Shape:

   • Draw around the stick figure to create a rounded torso (prospectors wore bulky clothes).

Step 3: Facial Features

👃 Nose: Angular “V” shape (wrinkled from squinting).
👄 Mouth: Curved line with a mustache above.
👀 Eyes: Small half-circles with dark pupils (shaded upper lids for depth).
🧔 Beard: Scruffy, uneven lines along the jaw.

Step 4: Clothing & Details

🎩 Hat:

• Draw the brim through the head oval (not above).

• Make it asymmetrical (battered look).
  🧥 Outfit:

• Suspenders over a collared shirt.

• Patchy pants with boots.
  🧤 Gloves: Simplified mittens (no fingers).

Step 5: Shading & Texture

✏️ Techniques:

• Use cross-hatching for shadows (under hat, folds in clothes).

• Darken areas like the beard and hat rim.

• Leave highlights on the nose and pan for contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Placing the hat floating above the head.
❌ Over-detailing hands (gloves hide fingers).
❌ Stiff posture (gold prospectors leaned forward).

Pro Tip:

*”Practice the pose on scrap paper first. Many artists sketch 2-3 drafts before finalizing.”*

Final Touches

• Add props: Gold pan, pickaxe, or burro in the background.

• Optional: Sepia tones for an antique look.

Art Credit: Adapted from Arlena’s tutorial (2020)