How to Draw an Eldar

Finished Eldar warrior drawing with detailed armor, weapons, and shading

This is a great opportunity to learn how to draw an Eldar from Warhammer 40,000. The Eldar are a very ancient and powerful race.

Many fans of the computer strategy game Dawn of War know that the Eldar are fast and mobile warriors. Under skilled leadership, they are able to defeat any opponent.

How to draw an Eldar step by step

Step 1: Sketch the Eldar figure

One of the most important parts of the drawing is the first stage, where we sketch the stick figure. Begin with the head, outlining it as a simple oval. Next, add the spine, chest, pelvis, arms, and legs. The arms and legs of the Eldar are longer than those of an ordinary person. The Eldar is also taller than an average person by approximately the length of one head.

Sketching the Eldar figure with an oval head and simple lines

Step 2: Add volume to the Eldar’s figure

Now add some volume to the Eldar’s figure. First, sketch two crossing lines on the head to help place the details of the helmet. Next, sketch the outlines of the athletic but graceful body. Use elongated geometric shapes to mark the arms and legs.

Adding volume to the Eldar’s torso, arms, legs, and head

Step 3: Outline the Eldar armor

Draw the basic contours of the armor. First, lightly outline the Eldar’s helmet. Next, move to the torso and sketch the armor covering the body. Keep all lines from the first three steps very light because they will serve as guides for the following stages.

Outlining the Eldar’s helmet and armor with light guide lines

Step 4: Refine the helmet details

Take a darker pencil and carefully refine the contours of the helmet. After that, draw the outlines of the mouth and jaw. Add the details of the helmet and draw horizontal and vertical spikes across the face. The helmet resembles the face of an insect. Finally, erase all unnecessary lines from the head.

Refining the Eldar helmet, jaw, mouth, and facial spikes

Step 5: Draw the torso armor

Draw two large armor plates on the chest. Below them, add several smaller plates that cover the abdomen and continue toward the waist. Carefully refine the outer contours of the torso. The armor plates should follow the shape of the body and connect naturally with one another.

Drawing large chest plates and smaller armor sections on the abdomen

Step 6: Add the arms and weapons

Now draw the arms. The Eldar warrior is armored from head to toe, so there is no need to draw the arm muscles in detail. Using curved and straight lines, draw the gun in the right hand. In the left hand, draw the sword of the Eldar. Finish by adding the armor plates on the shoulders and forearms.

Adding the Eldar’s armored arms, gun, sword, and shoulder plates

Step 7: Refine the armored legs

Draw the belt and refine the contours of the legs. Add the armor plates on the thighs, knees, lower legs, and feet. Make the armor on both legs similar in shape. When all parts are complete, erase the remaining construction lines from the entire figure.

Refining the Eldar’s belt, armored legs, and lower body contours

Step 8: Add shadows to the Eldar

Determine which side the light comes from. Then add shadows to the opposite sides of the helmet, armor, arms, and legs. Use dense hatching for the darkest areas and lighter hatching for the lighter shadows. This will give the armor more volume and make your Eldar drawing look complete.

Finishing the Eldar warrior with dense hatching and deep shadows

Eldar warriors can have different armor, helmets, and weapons. To continue practicing, try drawing another Eldar with a different sword, gun, pose, or armor.

If you would like to draw more Warhammer 40,000 characters, try drawing a Dark Eldar. It shares many elements with the Eldar.

For something completely different, learn how to draw a Space Marine or draw a Chaos Space Marine.