How to Draw Soda Cans
Drawing soda cans is a great exercise in shading. Small objects require very subtle differences in tone in a drawing to bring out their depth. Such drawings are normally referred to as still-life drawings. Whether it is a fruit bowl, a bouquet of flowers, bottles, or a soda can, every item must be very carefully drawn, and carefully shaded. One helpful method when doing this is to think of the object as an entire landscape with light and dark regions, shadows and highlights.
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Instructions
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Select a number of reference images of soda cans. Try to get an image that shows the can in the size you wish to draw. Use such an image as a main reference as you will be able to double check your proportions by measuring the original image. Choose a well-lit area to create your drawing and have the image(s) near you so you can see them as you draw.
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Measure the dimensions of the can in the image and mark them on your paper. Mark the height, and the width, as well as the small curve on the top and bottom edge of the can. Mark the width of the visible top of the can. Mark the points along the curved line along the upper edge.
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Draw the metal tab on the can as it is positioned in the image. Use the ruler to double check the size and angle of the tab. Draw the opening of the can or the line in the metal around the opening, if the can is still closed.
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Draw a line to connect all of the points that you have marked in order to outline the can. Use the ruler to create straight lines. Draw two compressed circles around the top to show depth, and the line around the bottom, below which the can gets smaller toward the foot.
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Create more detail on the tab at the top and outline any markings you wish to include on the side of the can, such as a label. Make up your own brand or slogan if desired, or leave the can blank. Draw any lettering in the right perspective as it wraps around the can. Note how the letters warp and change size.
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Determine from where the light source is coming. Shade the left side of the can if the light is coming from the right. The side facing the light will be the lighter side of the can. Shade both sides of the can if the light is coming from the front. Shade the can with the side of your pencil tip. Shade in a vertical direction to follow the line of the can along the edge. Create a gradual tone with your shading going from dark to light.
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Blend the shading with a chamois to give it a realistic look. Rub it in a vertical direction and carefully graduate the tone while blending in any shading lines. Examine the work and see how it is changing as you shade. Keep shading and blending until it begins to look three dimensional.
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Take more time to make the metallic top look shiny through careful blending. Experiment on a separate piece of paper if necessary.
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Create any further highlights by using the eraser and clean up any smudging beyond the outline to finish your drawing.
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References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
