How to Draw Books

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Things You'll Need

  • Paper

  • Pencil

  • Eraser

  • Books

A drawn stack of books.

If you're a beginning artist who needs to draw a stack or books, read on.Learning how to draw books can even be done by someone who has little artistic skill. By following these tips you too can draw books for whatever artistic need you may have.

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Step 1

Try different layouts until you find the view you enjoy most.

Set some books out on a table to draw from. Stack the books in different ways until you find an arrangement you like. It may be helpful to take a picture of the arrangements you like best so you can look at them all at once to find which one appeals to you.

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Step 2

Use light strokes to draw the first book.

Begin drawing the books by outlining the bottom book. Lightly draw on the page with short strokes using a pencil. Do not make your lines too dark in case you have to erase.

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Step 3

Keep using a light touch as you outline the other books.

Remember that the books are not the same size. One book may be thicker than the others, or it may be much shorter. Paying attention to these elements will help the drawing look more natural.

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Step 4

At this stage you can easily start over if you have to.

Check back over the form of the entire stack when outlining the final book to see if it matches the rest of the books. This is the time to make changes in your outline and to make sure the depth of the drawing looks correct. If need be, you can erase what does not look right.

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Step 5

Notice that the books are not the same length or width.

Go back over your lines with a heavier, darker line when you are satisfied with the outline of your books. Lightly shade the ends of the books to signify pages.

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Step 6

Final drawing of books

Add the final details to your drawing of books. Add details such as words or images found on the binding of the books or book covers. Do not worry about having clear details. Often the drawing will look better if the details are a bit blurred.

Tip

Use a pencil instead of a pen or marker so that you can erase as needed. Use a large eraser, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Practice as much as it takes to make the drawing look good.

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