How to Draw a Violin

Step 1: The top bump

Start below the middle, on the left. Draw a rounded bump up and over, and stop on a tiny corner.

Step 2: Two C scoops

Start on the left corner. Draw a smooth C scooping in, and stop on a second corner lower. Same right.

Tip The 4 little corners make it a violin, not a guitar.

Step 3: Big bottom bump

Start on the right lower corner. Swing one big round U down and back up to the left lower corner.

Step 4: The long neck

From the top bump draw 2 long lines straight up, close together. Join the tops with a short flat line.

Tip The neck is as long as the top bump is tall.

Step 5: Peg box and snail

On the neck draw a flared box. From its top draw a swirl curling round twice, ending in a dot.

Tip Make the snail fat and round. This is the part everyone recognises.

Step 6: Four tuning pegs

Draw 2 pegs on each side of the peg box: start on the box, a line out, stop. Add dots.

Step 7: Two f-holes

Below the waist draw 2 curly f shapes: a long leaning S, a dot at each end, a dash across.

Step 8: The bridge

Between the f-holes draw a little bridge standing up: a rounded hill with a small arch cut out underneath.

Step 9: The tailpiece

Below the bridge draw a rounded tie shape. From its end draw a short line down to a button.

Step 10: The strings

Draw 4 long thin strings: start each on the top of the neck and run it down to the tailpiece.

Step 11: The bow

To the right draw the bow: start near the top, a long thin stick down to a block. Add hair.

Tip The bow is nearly as tall as the violin.

Step 12: Warm wood

Colour the whole body and the snail wood brown, going round the f-holes. Colour the bow stick and bridge tan.

Step 13: Dark fittings

Colour the neck and peg box slate grey, leaving the strings showing. Colour the tailpiece, button and bow block black.