Drawing 3-D Shapes: v Tutorials and Skilful Tips & Tricks

If yous want to learn to draw realistically, 3-D shapes are a foundation for doing so. One time you know how to imply multi-dimensional class, you can apply your knowledge to all types of subjects.

Learn how to describe 3-D shapes and make your art pop off the folio.

3d polygon shape

You don't need whatsoever special tools to learn this skill. I'm using a pencil and paper, but feel free to utilise pens, colored pencils, crayons — whatever strikes your fancy.

Hither are drawing tutorials for v common 3-D shapes with some helpful tips and tricks for cartoon them. Each is broken downwards into simple steps that helps build the overall course.

one. How to draw 3-D triangles

At that place are two types of multi-dimensional triangles: prisms (left) and pyramids (right).

how to draw a 3d triangle

Step one:

When drawing a prism, start with a unproblematic, flat triangle and modest horizon point that's at the side of the shape. It doesn't matter which side you chose. Where you place the horizon point determines the length and angle of your prism.

To create a pyramid, draw three lines, as shown on the correct above. In the center should exist a directly line. From the top of the directly line, depict two angled lines that are the same length. It's OK if the angles aren't exactly identical.

how to draw 3d triangle

Pace 2:

Give your prism a 3-D appearance by cartoon two lines: one off the top corner and i off the base corner of the triangle that's closer to the horizon point. Draw the lines lightly all the fashion to the horizon point. So, close information technology off with a unmarried line that's the same angle every bit the nearest side of the triangle. Erase the lines extending to the horizon signal.

For the pyramid, yous'll finish the drawing by connecting the three lines at the bottom. Draw a dotted horizontal line to connect the two angled lines, and utilise angled lines to connect each angled line to the center line.

ii. How to describe cubes

Cubes can exist drawn in multiple ways, and here, I've created two.

draw a 3d cube

Step 1:

To start the first cube, describe two squares that are the same size. They demand to overlap, just how much is upwards to you.

Draw the 2d cube much like y'all did the pyramid. This time, you'll make three parallel vertical lines of the same size. The two outer lines should start and end at the same point, and the middle one should be shifted down a bit on the folio.

how to draw cube

Step 2:

Now it's all well-nigh connecting corners. On the kickoff cube, apply a straight edge to depict angled lines to lucifer the corresponding edges. So you'll connect the lesser right corner of the first foursquare to the bottom right corner of the second square. Repeat this will all 4 corner.

For the second cube, connect the top points of the three lines with angled lines; echo with the lesser points. Draw a signal straight above the eye line — the altitude between the top of the center line and the point should exist about the length of the center line. Connect the tops of the outer 2 lines to the point with angled lines.

3. How to depict a cylinder

How to draw 3d cylinder

Pace 1:

Start with an oval. Don't worry if yous tin can't describe one perfectly right abroad — I had to redo mine many times! You lot could trace something, as well.

drawing a cylinder part 2

Step two:

After you lot have the oval down, draw two straight, perpendicular lines that come up from either end. These lines can exist equally long every bit you want and can go in any direction.

Footstep 3:

Connect the straight lines with a curved line that mimics the roundness of the oval.

Tip: To make sure the bottom and top of your cylinder match, effort turning the paper upside down. It'll change your point of view and whatever inconsistencies will stand out.

iv. How to draw a sphere

There are several ways to draw a sphere, ranging from unproblematic to very complex. No affair how much you want to challenge yourself, a drawing of a sphere volition outset with a simple circle. Draw one freehand or trace a stencil or household item.

circle drawing

Easier:

In that location sphere looks best when information technology has shading, but you can also make it appear 3-D by drawing profile lines from top to bottom. Make sure the curve mimic the curves of the circle, with less exaggeration as y'all get closer to the middle.

contoured sphere

More advanced:

While cartoon a realistic sphere is worthy of its ain tutorial (this one has great pace-by-step photos), I do want to give you one quick and like shooting fish in a barrel mode to draw a sphere. This method looks more lifelike than the example to a higher place, but information technology'southward also much faster than drawing a very detailed sphere.

If y'all desire to try uncomplicated shading, try a gradient from lite to night across the sphere. In this example, the light is coming from the left, so the lightest point is on the left of the sphere and the darkest is on the right. See how it looks more spherical?

shaded sphere

five. How to describe a cone

A cone is a cross between a cylinder and a pyramid. So we'll take what we know from both to draw this 3-D shape.

3d cone

Step 1:

Start with a horizontal oval. It doesn't accept to be perfect.

Pace 2:

To stop, depict the two sides of a triangle. The line for each side should kickoff at either edge of the oval and run into in the middle in a higher place the center of the oval.

Tips for cartoon 3-D shapes

  • When trying to draw something 3-D, direct lines are important. Use a straight edge (similar a ruler) when you can. Even if you don't have a ruler, something that's flat and made out of a sturdy material will exercise.
  • Be aware of the angles of lines. Things like a cube, for instance, require parallel lines to give them their shape. Others, like a cone, tin have a variety of angles. Compare angles by holding your pencil upwardly to the lines. If they match, then your lines are probably parallel. If y'all desire to become really technical, you can use a protractor.
  • Pencils and erasers are your friend. Whenever possible, draw with pencil to get the angles and lines right.

Drawing other iii-D shapes

Many objects y'all draw will fall into i of those 5 major shape categories. If not, recollect to check your angles and make straight lines. I take this ceramic polygon shape that doesn't really fit as a cube, cone or a prism. Here'due south how I made it come to life.

Step 1:

By starting with a direct border, I was able to make the outline of the shape.

outline of a 3d shape

Step two:

I then drew the inside of the shape to convey its multi-dimensional feel. Comparing angles — from the object itself — helped me when drawing. I however had to go back and fix some lines, though.

outline of a 3d shape - progress

Step iii:

To give the shape even more presence, I shaded parts of it based on the bending of light. This conveys the different surface planes and sense of form. Shading is a complex field of study that we don't have time to comprehend in this postal service, but yous tin learn more about it in the Craftsy class 10 Essential Techniques for Better Cartoon.

3d polygon shape