How to Draw the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy Realistically

Sure, the automotive world has its fair share of ugly ducklings for which we have Japanese, German and American designers to thank in equal share. But there is one car brand that still stands for traditional values, and that is Rolls-Royce.

If you ignore the Forgiato wheels and chrome paint most rappers are slapping onto their Wraiths, the brand is still as classical as a Georgian house and Her Majesty's royal guards.

Besides the trademark grille, the emblem is the most recognizable feature. So if you could recreate the Spirit of Ecstasy with nothing more than a couple of pencils, that would surely impress your mates. Who knows, maybe one of them will give you a commission.

Today, we're going to show you a video by Leonardo Pereznieto. He has exhibited his work in many prominent museums and galleries of cities like Florence, London, Paris, Montecarlo, Nice, Frankfurt, Seoul, New York and Los Angeles. So the Rolls-Royce symbol should be easy, but it does pose a few challenges.

Let's get down to business

You see, it's one thing to make a two-dimensional drawing, but the famous car crest needs to appear like a 3D statue that jumps from the page. It's all about the contrast between the blacks and the whites, which creates an illusion of dark and shadow.

You probably know all there is about the famous statute that leaves every Rolls-Royce where it goes. But do you know alterations were also made? Between 1934 - 1939 and from 1946 until 1955, a kneeling version was used. From the 2003 Phantom onwards, all modern cars use a smaller and safer version with a spring mechanism that's supposed to protect pedestrians in the event of a crash.

PS: we weren't able to draw it, so we figured we could at least take a psychedelic Spirit of Ecstasy photo.