Easy 3D Book Drawings for Beginners
Learning to do a book drawing is really easy, and perfect for beginners. Today you’ll be learning how to draw a book using both two point perspective and one point techniques to make it 3 dimensional.
We’ll be using the 1 and 2 point perspective concepts, but we’re going to do it freehand.
However, you could use a ruler if you want to. But I like keeping the drawings loose and taking a more relaxed approach to creating art. I find it to be much less stressful.
Check out some of these book photos if you need some ideas for your own drawings.
Three things you’ll learn,
- How to use two point perspective to draw a book in 3D
- The difference between one point and two point perspective
- How to use foreshortening for dramatic effect
What’s the Difference Between One Point Perspective and Two Point Perspective
One point and two point refers to the number of vanishing points used in your drawing.
One point perspective is used when you are looking straight on at the face of a shape or object.
Two Point Perspective is used when you are looking at an object from an angle. This is a much more interesting view point, and is only slightly more complicated.
For our book drawings today, you’ll be learning how to draw a book using both one and two point perspective.
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Art Supplies
- Paper or cardstock
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Blending stump (optional)
FREE One Point Perspective Worksheet
How to Draw a Book Using Two Point Perspective
We are going to start by roughing out our basic shape for our book drawing. Since we are going to draw a book in 3D, we will use a cube. We’ll use the same process as in How to Draw a Cube, but we will make it shorter.
Lightly sketch out your cube using a pencil. Draw the edge closest to you first. Keep in mind how thick you want your book to be.
Next, draw the bottom edges of your book. Your lines should make a slight “V” shape.
Then draw the line for the top edge of your book shape. These lines should be parallel with the bottom lines.
Draw the short vertical lines at each end of your book. Don’t worry about your lines extending beyond where they need to be.
Just draw lightly and erase the extra later. It’s actually easier if you go a little past where you need to stop because you can follow through with your pencil strokes.
Now draw the back edges for your book drawing. These need to be drawn parallel with the lines directly across from them.
You now have the rough shape of your 3D book drawn out. Now let’s add some detail and make it look like a book.
How to Draw a Book Spine
For the spine edge of your book draw a couple of curved lines.
Then draw another curved line at the other side to show the pages.
You could draw the pages straight down, but I think they look more interesting curved.
Add additional lines to show the thickness of the book cover. Including these small details can make a big difference on how good your finished drawing looks.
Add shading to your book to help with the illusion of it being 3D.
Determine where your light source is first. For this example, it’s coming from the upper right side of the book. This will make the lower left of the book the darkest areas.
Now let’s look at how to draw a book using one point perspective.
One Point Perspective Book Drawing
This drawing of a 3D book is so easy to do. And if you draw it correctly, will look like it’s popping off the page. It uses a single vanishing point to create the 3D effect.
Begin by drawing the top edge of your book along with the two sides.
When drawing the sides you want to imagine them coming together at a point somewhere, waaay down your paper. You don’t have to draw them that way though. But if you did, it would look like this.
Next, draw the bottom edge of your book.
Now draw the top of your book. The short lines for the edges of the top part should be parallel with each other and straight.
You can add in some detail to your book drawing now that you have the basic shape drawn out. If you’re not quite satisfied with how your rough shape looks, make those changes before adding in your details.
Draw a couple of curved lines for the spine and the pages.
Add in some shading and a cast shadow, and your one point perspective book is finished. You can add some thickness to your book cover to show more detail. I left them off of this drawing so you can see the difference it makes.
I love how it looks like it’s standing on end and popping off the paper.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Now that you know how to draw a book, what’s the next step? If you want to get better at drawing and art you need to practice. The more you practice the better you will get.
This doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your free time working on your art. But it will be extremely beneficial to make it a daily habit. Even if it’s only for a few minutes each day. Those minutes will quickly add up.
If you want to get really good at drawing books, challenge yourself to doing a series of them this week. You’re creativity will improve along with your drawing skills.
Good luck on your artistic journey and hope to see you soon.
Don’t forget to grab your free 3D Drawing Guide.
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