How to Draw an Architectural Column
Drawing an architectural column starts with a horizon line. Every architectural drawing starts with a type of perspective, either one-point, two-point, three-dimensional or others. When sketching a column, a one-point perspective is ideal because it allows the viewer to see the horizontal line and the columns' dimensions and stature in relation to the whole space.
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Things You'll Need
- Drawing paper
- Drawing pencils
- T-square
- Art desk or smooth tabletop
- Shading pencils (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
Instructions
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1
Select a sheet of matte paper at least 11 by 20 inches. Tear out a sheet of drawing paper from the pad. Lay the paper flat on a table or, ideally, on an inclined drawing table surface.
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2
Select a height on the page for the horizontal line. Draw the horizon line with the edge T-square at least 6 or 7 inches from the bottom of the page. Imagine a picture of a sunset. Ensure that the line is level and not slanted at all as this will distort the perspective.
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3
Choose a width for the column. Make the block form of the column at least 1 or 2 inches wide. Make two tick marks to show where you will draw the two vertical lines.
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4
Create a block version of the column. Draw two parallel vertical lines at least 5 or 6 inches high with the T-square. Note that if you want to create a rounded column, still draw the base as a vertical lines to establish the edges of the circular sections.
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5
Close off the two parallel lines with a straight line to join them at the top, marking the column's flat top. Draw oblong ovals on top of the column to show the column's "capital," or cap. Use the edges of the blocks to help with drawing the circles. Draw the circles with the one-point perspective.
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Start shading. Shade the column with a light gray pencil. Start shading the left side of the column with dark gray, then loosen the grip on the pencil and let the space become white. Return to heavier dark gray shading for the right-hand side of the column.
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Apply finishing details. Add colors, cross-hatch shading or intriguing molding designs to create a convincing, dimensional architectural column.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit column image by Svetlana Tikhonova from Fotolia.com
