Exercise 07: How to draw a Cube in 3d

This week, we’ll continue our basic lessons in drawing 3d forms. The cube is a great place to start — When you learn the cube, you’ll be able to draw buildings, robots, computers, iPods — most anything with straight lines!

Next week, we’re going to fill a visitor request and do a more in-depth eyes lesson. If you have more requests, just ask!

Let’s begin with a shape that we all know: The square!

Notice how the lines for height are parallel to each other. This means that they go the same direction on the page. The lines for width are also parallel.

When you draw the cube, the square shape shifts into something that looks more like a diamond.

Remember to keep the lines for your cube’s height and width parallel to one another.

To make your cube look more 3-d, you’ll need to draw lines that add depth. See how the lines below add an extra dimension of depth? The cube now stretches back in space.

The three lines for depth are, again, parallel to each other! To complete the linework for the cube, add a third line for height, and a third line for width.

Still parallel!

When you shade a cube, think about where the light in your picture is coming from. If the light is close to your cube, color those areas very lightly… or even, not at all!

Color it more darkly on the sides where there is less light. Don’t forget to add a shadow in the corner.

If you have details on your cube, remember to draw them parallel to their respective planes!

Why does the above drawing look “convincing”?

• The sketchy lines in the shading capture the sudden change in color at the edges of a real cube.
• The light and dark sides show how a cube receives light and casts shadow.
• The details follow the parallel planes of the sides!

Have you drawn an interesting cube? Feel free to post a link to an image in the comments!

See you next week with a lesson in drawing eyes! If you have more requests, just ask in the comments.

More in the 3d series:
Drawing a Sphere: http://mangastart.com/blog/?p=165
Drawing a Cube: you’re already here!
Drawing a Cylinder: http://mangastart.com/blog/?p=244

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