How to Draw 3-Dimensional Shapes Step-by-Step
Creating Cubes, Pyramids, Prisms and Cones
May 21, 2009
No object can be drawn without an understanding of advanced 3-dimensional shapes including the cube, prism and pyramid.
These advanced 3-dimensional shapes are the basis for almost any solid object. Each shape incorporates repetition, shadow and well-placed lines to create an optical illusion.
Drawing a Cube Shape
- To draw a cube, the artist should start by drawing a square. Then, another square that is slightly larger is drawn on top of the first.
- The perspective used in the drawing will determine where the second square is placed. If the upper left-hand corner of the second square is placed in the upper left-hand side of the first square then the viewer will be looking down on the cube. The cube will also be turned to the right. (See the cube illustrations, below.)
- If the lower right-hand corner of the second square is placed in the lower right-hand side of the first square then the viewer will be looking up at the cube. The cube will also be turned to the left.
- Connect the corners of the two squares with straight lines. Finish the cube by shading it. The inner part of the cube should always be shaded darker than the other areas of the cube.
Drawing a Prism Shape
- To draw a prism, the artist should start by drawing a triangle. Then, another triangle that is slightly larger is drawn on top of the first.
- Just like with a cube, the perspective that is being used in the drawing will determine where the second triangle is placed. If the point of the second triangle is on the upper right-hand side of the first triangle then the viewer will be looking down on the triangle and the prism will be turned to the right. (See the prism illustrations, below.)
- If the point of the second triangle is placed above the point of the first triangle then the viewer will be looking up at the cube.
- To avoid lop-sided prisms, always draw the second triangle with the point outside of the first triangle.
- The triangle’s corners are connected with straight lines to finish the shape.
Drawing Pyramid and Cone Shapes
- Drawing pyramid and cone shapes are all about what is used for a base.
- A pyramid is drawn by starting with a triangle or diamond shaped base. Then, lines are drawn from the corners of the base into a point. The perspective of the finished pyramid depends on the length of the sides of the base shape. If the sides of the shape are smaller on one side then the pyramid will seem to lean toward that side.
- A cone starts with an oval base. Two lines are drawn from each side into a point. The perspective of the one depends on whether the point of the lines is above or below the oval and how close the point is to the oval. (See illustration, below, for examples.)
To learn more about shading three-dimensional objects see: How to Draw 3-Dimensional Shapes with Shading, Perspective, and Form
The copyright of the article How to Draw 3-Dimensional Shapes Step-by-Step in Drawing is owned by Alina Bradford. Permission to republish How to Draw 3-Dimensional Shapes Step-by-Step in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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