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

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

Learn how to draw 3-D shapes and brand your art pop off the page.

3d polygon shape

Y'all don't need whatever special tools to learn this skill. I'm using a pencil and paper, but experience gratis to use pens, colored pencils, crayons — whatever strikes your fancy.

Here are drawing tutorials for five mutual 3-D shapes with some helpful tips and tricks for drawing them. Each is cleaved down into simple steps that helps build the overall form.

one. How to draw 3-D triangles

There are two types of multi-dimensional triangles: prisms (left) and pyramids (correct).

how to draw a 3d triangle

Pace ane:

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

To create a pyramid, describe iii lines, every bit shown on the correct above. In the center should be a direct line. From the top of the straight line, draw two angled lines that are the aforementioned length. It's OK if the angles aren't exactly identical.

how to draw 3d triangle

Step 2:

Requite your prism a 3-D appearance past drawing two lines: one off the tiptop corner and one off the base corner of the triangle that's closer to the horizon betoken. Draw the lines lightly all the manner to the horizon betoken. Then, close information technology off with a single line that'southward the same angle as the nearest side of the triangle. Erase the lines extending to the horizon indicate.

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

2. How to describe cubes

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

draw a 3d cube

Step 1:

To start the commencement cube, draw two squares that are the aforementioned size. They need to overlap, but how much is up to you.

Depict the second cube much like you did the pyramid. This fourth dimension, y'all'll make three parallel vertical lines of the same size. The ii outer lines should showtime and end at the same point, and the center one should be shifted down a flake on the page.

how to draw cube

Step 2:

Now information technology'due south all about connecting corners. On the starting time cube, use a straight edge to draw angled lines to friction match the corresponding edges. So you'll connect the lesser correct corner of the first square 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; repeat with the bottom points. Depict a point directly above the center line — the distance between the tiptop of the middle line and the point should be nearly the length of the center line. Connect the tops of the outer two lines to the point with angled lines.

three. How to draw a cylinder

How to draw 3d cylinder

Step 1:

Beginning with an oval. Don't worry if you tin can't draw one perfectly right away — I had to redo mine many times! You could trace something, as well.

drawing a cylinder part 2

Step 2:

Afterwards you have the oval downward, draw two straight, perpendicular lines that come from either end. These lines can exist as long as you desire and can go in any management.

Step 3:

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

Tip: To make sure the bottom and peak of your cylinder match, try turning the paper upside down. Information technology'll change your betoken of view and any inconsistencies will stand up out.

4. How to draw a sphere

In that location are several ways to draw a sphere, ranging from simple to very complex. No matter how much yous want to claiming yourself, a drawing of a sphere will offset with a simple circle. Draw one freehand or trace a stencil or household detail.

circle drawing

Easier:

There sphere looks best when it has shading, but you can also make information technology appear 3-D by drawing contour lines from top to lesser. Make sure the curve mimic the curves of the circumvolve, with less exaggeration every bit yous get closer to the middle.

contoured sphere

More advanced:

While drawing a realistic sphere is worthy of its own tutorial (this i has cracking footstep-by-stride photos), I exercise want to give you one quick and easy way to draw a sphere. This method looks more than lifelike than the example above, merely it'south also much faster than cartoon a very detailed sphere.

If y'all want to attempt simple shading, attempt a gradient from light to nighttime beyond 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 than spherical?

shaded sphere

five. How to draw a cone

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

3d cone

Step ane:

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

Step ii:

To finish, describe the two sides of a triangle. The line for each side should outset at either border of the oval and encounter in the middle above the centre of the oval.

Tips for drawing 3-D shapes

  • When trying to describe something 3-D, straight lines are important. Utilize a straight edge (like a ruler) when you can. Even if y'all don't have a ruler, something that'south flat and made out of a sturdy material volition do.
  • Be aware of the angles of lines. Things like a cube, for case, crave parallel lines to requite them their shape. Others, like a cone, can have a variety of angles. Compare angles by holding your pencil upwards to the lines. If they friction match, and then your lines are probably parallel. If you want to go really technical, you can apply a protractor.
  • Pencils and erasers are your friend. Whenever possible, depict with pencil to go the angles and lines correct.

Drawing other three-D shapes

Many objects you describe volition fall into i of those five major shape categories. If not, remember to check your angles and brand straight lines. I take this ceramic polygon shape that doesn't really fit as a cube, cone or a prism. Hither'due south how I made it come to life.

Step 1:

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

outline of a 3d shape

Step 2:

I so drew the inside of the shape to convey its multi-dimensional feel. Comparison angles — from the object itself — helped me when cartoon. I still had to get back and gear up 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 angle of light. This conveys the different surface planes and sense of form. Shading is a complex subject that we don't have fourth dimension to cover in this post, but you lot can learn more about it in the Craftsy course 10 Essential Techniques for Ameliorate Drawing.

3d polygon shape