Unlocking the Art of "900" - A Complete Breakdown
The term "900" in the context of drawing might sound a little mysterious, but it actually refers to a specific, impressive skateboarding trick. When we talk about "how to draw 900 everything," we're generally discussing the desire to visually represent this dynamic maneuver. This guide will break down how to approach drawing a 900, covering the key elements and providing a step-by-step approach that any aspiring artist can follow.
Understanding the 900 Trick
Before you can draw it, you need to understand what a 900 *is*. It's a skateboarding trick where the rider performs two and a half (900 degrees) aerial rotations on their skateboard before landing back on the ground. This trick is known for its difficulty and is a hallmark of professional skateboarding. Key visual elements include:
- The Ramp: The trick is almost always performed on a large ramp, often a half-pipe or a mega ramp, providing the necessary height for the rotations.
- The Athlete: A skateboarder, typically in dynamic motion, mid-air.
- The Skateboard: Attached to the rider's feet, also in mid-air and often tilted.
- The Rotation: The most crucial element to capture is the sense of spinning.
- The Landing: The moments just before or after the rotation, where the rider is preparing to land or has just landed.
Step-by-Step Drawing Process
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of bringing a 900 to life on paper. We'll focus on capturing the energy and motion.
1. Establishing the Scene and Perspective
Start by sketching the environment. This will likely be a ramp. Think about the curve of the ramp and where your skater will be positioned. A slightly low-angle perspective can emphasize the height of the jump and the magnitude of the rotation.
2. Sketching the Skater's Pose
This is where you capture the dynamism. For a 900, the skater will be in a tucked or extended position, arms and legs often out for balance or to initiate the spin. Think about:
- Body Torso: The core of the movement. It will be tilted and likely somewhat compressed or extended depending on the phase of the rotation.
- Arms: Often used to generate momentum for the spin. They can be outstretched, tucked in, or actively pushing against the air.
- Legs: Crucial for holding onto the board. They will be bent, with the knees often close to the chest, especially during the full rotation.
3. Drawing the Skateboard
The skateboard is integral. It will be angled relative to the skater's body, showing the rotation. Don't just draw it flat; think about the perspective and how it's tilted. The trucks and wheels will also be angled.
4. Illustrating the Rotation
This is the most challenging part. You can convey rotation through several visual cues:
- Blurring: For a more dynamic feel, you can lightly sketch motion blur lines around the edges of the board and the skater's extremities.
- Tilted Angles: Ensure the skateboard and the skater's body are depicted at steep, unnatural angles, indicating they are spinning.
- Body Distortion: Slightly foreshorten or distort limbs to emphasize the speed and force of the rotation.
- Mid-Air Elements: If the rider is in the middle of the 900, their body will be contorted. Capture this with dynamic lines and curves.
5. Adding Detail and Shading
Once the basic forms are in place, add details like clothing wrinkles, helmet, and the graphics on the skateboard. Shading is key to giving your drawing depth and making it feel three-dimensional. Think about where the light source is coming from and how it would hit the skater and the ramp.
Key areas for shading:
- Underneath the board and skater to show it's lifted off the ramp.
- The concave of the skateboard deck.
- The curves of the ramp.
- Shadows cast by the skater onto the ramp.
6. Refining and Finishing
Clean up your lines, erase any unnecessary construction lines, and add any final touches. Consider the atmosphere – is it a sunny day or an evening event? This can influence your color choices if you're working in color, or the intensity of your shading.
Pro Tip: Studying photographs and videos of professional skateboarders performing a 900 is invaluable. Observe how their bodies and the board move through space. This visual reference will be your best friend.
Drawing Different Stages of the 900
You don't have to draw the exact moment of two and a half spins. You can depict the build-up or the landing:
The Take-off
Focus on the skater launching off the ramp, body coiled and ready for the spin. The board is still partially on the ramp surface, or just leaving it.
The Full Rotation
This is where the body is most contorted, the board is at a steep angle, and the sense of speed is paramount. You might show the rider looking over their shoulder to spot the landing.
The Landing
The skater is mid-air but starting to extend their legs, preparing to absorb the impact. The board is beginning to level out. This stage can convey the relief and mastery of landing the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I make the skateboard look like it's spinning?
To make the skateboard look like it's spinning, use tilted angles for the deck and wheels, and consider adding subtle motion blur lines around the edges. The perspective of the board should change dramatically from its starting position on the ramp.
Why is the 900 trick so difficult to draw?
The 900 is difficult to draw because it involves capturing extreme motion and a complex, contorted body posture in mid-air. The rapid rotation defies a static pose, requiring you to convey a sense of speed and aerial dynamics.
What is the best way to show the skater's movement?
Show the skater's movement by using dynamic lines for their limbs and body. Curve the spine, angle the arms and legs in ways that suggest force and rotation, and ensure the overall pose feels unbalanced yet controlled, as it would be during an aerial trick.
Where can I find good reference images for drawing a 900?
You can find excellent reference images by searching for "Tony Hawk 900" or "skateboarding 900 trick" on image search engines or video platforms. Watching slow-motion replays of actual 900s will provide the most detailed understanding of the motion.
