Painting a sumo wrestler

In this step-by-step plan, we show you how to paint a mighty sumo wrestler using watercolours. Let’s get into it!

What you need View steps

What you need

Sakura Koi Water Colors Pocket Field Sketch Box set with 30 colours
Van Gogh watercolour paper
Sakura XS mechanical pencil
Sakura Pigma Brush Pen Fine

Step 1

Start with a sketch

Make a sketch of the wrestler’s face using the mechanical pencil. You can use a reference photo or freestyle your drawing using your own style.

Step 2

Let's add some colour

Using only one shade of dark blue, colour in the face. Apply the colour with the included Koi Water Brush. This brush allows you to add water straight from the water reservoir in the barrel to the tip of the brush just by applying a little pressure. Add more water to create beautiful light blues and less water to create deep, almost black blues.

Step 2 - Painting a sumo wrestler in watercolour

Step 3

Work on the details

Add more definition and detail to the face using the same light and dark blue shades. Deepen the shadows underneath the chin and at the back of the neck by applying the dark blue shade without a lot of water.

Step 4

Create a background using a red shade. Red radiates power and offers a wonderful contrast with the calm blue.

Step 5

Add your linework

Emphasise the contours of the face using the Pigma Brush Pen. Draw the features of the wrestler’s face using one uninterrupted line drawing. This method offers your drawing hard contrasts and more cohesion.

Did this tutorial inspire you to create your own sports-inspired drawing? Great! Share your results online using #RoyalTalens. We would love to see your work!

About sumo wrestling

Sumo is an ancient Japanese form of wrestling. This traditional sport is known worldwide for their heavy-bodied participants. Since sumo, unlike western wrestling, does not have any weight restrictions or classes, the athletes tend to bulk up to make sure they aren’t outweighed by their opponent.

The biggest wrestler is not guaranteed to win, however. Though sumo mostly revolves around physical strength, smaller wrestlers may have an advantage due to their speed and agility.

Painting a sumo wrestler

What you need

Step 1

Start with a sketch

Step 2

Let's add some colour

Step 3

Work on the details

Step 4

Step 5

Add your linework

About sumo wrestling

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Painting a sumo wrestler

What you need

Step 1

Start with a sketch

Step 2

Let's add some colour

Step 3

Work on the details

Step 4

Step 5

Add your linework

About sumo wrestling

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