Exercise 10: Overlapping and 3d

Today we’re going to learn how to draw 3d by using overlapping. This basic lesson focuses on the T intersection, a simple but powerful drawing tool.

The T intersection happens where-ever one line meets another like a capital “T”. It means that one thing is covering something else! Let’s draw some samples here, and add a little bit of color to show how one section (1) covers another section (2).

As you can see, you don’t have to draw a very BIG crossbar. Even crossing over a bit makes a nice effect!

The two lines don’t have to meet in a perfect T, either. Sometimes, it can look like a “y”, and can turn around in any which way! Remember, section 1 will cover section 2.

Maybe you think this is just common sense… But thinking about the T intersection can really make the 3d in a drawing pop! Take a look at these two drawings of an arm and sleeve.

The drawing on the right works better because it is more clear that the sleeve is covering the arm, and that it is on top of the chest.

Let’s try some T-hunting!

(A) The spout of the pot hides slightly behind the body of the pot.
(B) The chin is on top of the neck, but the chin line doesn’t need to go all the way to the ear.
(C) The mug’s handle is behind the mug, and the mug is in front of [on top of] the table.
(D) The forearm is in front of the upper arm.

All these small T intersections add up, and help make the whole drawing and the whole page really come together! Can you find more that I hadn’t marked? They are all over this page!

unmarked page

Next week we’ll be talking about backgrounds! See you then!

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