How to Sketch a Truck

Initial sketches should be done lightly, then built upon.

Sketching a truck takes keen observation skills. The technique you use will either be still-life free sketching or the "grid method." Sketching is not meant to be perfect. The idea is to render the image you see onto the paper with a "rough draft" sort of attitude. You can fine tune your sketch into a work of art later. Relax, and just try to get the proportions accurate. Try either of these methods, to see which works best for you. Do not focus too intently on detail until the sketch is done.

Things You'll Need

• Comfortable view of your truck (chair, desk ect.)
• Sketchpad
• 2B pencil
• Ruler (grid method only)
• White eraser
• Any "B" and/or "H" pencils

Instructions

1. Arrange your body so you will be able to sit comfortably and observe your truck. It is important to support your spine, so use pillows behind your neck or a chair that has adequate support. Take little breaks at every 20 minutes or so to stretch and move around. This prevents limbs from falling asleep and muscles from getting sore.

2. Use a 2B pencil for the first initial sketch. Use this pencil for the entire duration of the sketch. This is a soft lead that will allow you to see well, and erase easily. Keep the wrist of the drawing hand loose and supple. Place your sketchpad close to your body as you sketch.

3. Observe your truck and look for the following: Overall shape, proportion and weight. Sketch the overall shape. Squint your eyes a bit an boil what you see down to a simple rectangle, with attached semi-circles or a few squares flanked by rectangles. Break it down so you see the most basic shapes possible. Start drawing each shape as you see it. Keep the proportion by constantly comparing the piece you are working on to other parts of the truck. Go slowly and sketch one or two shapes at a time.

4. Skip the observation method if still-life sketching is posing itself to be too difficult. If you find you are having a hard time getting the proportions correct, fear not. Use the grid method (see resources). Use a ruler and a picture of a truck. Scale the paper into a grid. Do the same for the picture -- just be sure the both grids have the same number of squares. The only difference is the grid on your sketchpad may be larger than the picture's grid. Label each square and only draw one square at a time. Look at the corresponding square on the picture and draw what you see onto the corresponding square on your paper. This breaks up the picture and allows you to only draw what you see a little at a time. This tricks the eye into seeing only shapes.

5. Erase all the grid lines on your drawing after you fill in the final square. Start adding a little more detail if you have been using the still-life method. Add lighter shades with "H" pencils. This pencil will have harder lead and a lighter tone. The "B" pencils have softer lead. The higher the number on the "B" pencil, the softer and darker the lead will be. Add a gradient of shades to really make your truck come to life.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a few simple shadows after your initial sketch is complete. You can go back and add as many or as few as you would like. The more shadows and shading you add the more depth and realism you add to your drawing.

• Do not press your pencil down too hard when sketching. You will make an indentation on the paper that will remain even after the line is erased.

References

• All About Drawings: Cool car drawings

Resources

• Portrait Artist: Drawing for Newbies: Grid Method