How To Draw A Dumbbell
Drawing a dumbbell is a skill anybody can learn. All you need is an understanding of basic shapes and an appreciation of 3-dimensional forms. With a few simple steps, you can fashion something that looks just like a real dumbbell. Here’s how to do it.
Start with the handle. Draw a rectangular shape that’s slightly wider in the middle and tapers off at the ends. This will be the base for your dumbbell.
For the ends, draw two circles that are about the same width as the handle. These will form the weight plates for the dumbbell. Make sure the edges of each circle connect with the sides of the handle.
Next, draw two lines inside each of the circles. The lines should form a cross in the center of the circle. This will resemble a weight plate in the actual dumbbell.
Now draw the curves on the handle and weight plates. For the handle, it should be an oval shape that starts just a tiny bit above the center of the rectangle. You can make a fine line all along the edges of the handle and the weight plates.
Lastly, draw two circles in the center of each weight plate. This is to add definition to the dumbbell and make it look as realistic as possible.
Shading Basics
Adding shading to your drawing can make it a lot more life-like. Start with the handle. Make it the darkest part of the drawing by using a pencil, charcoal or marker to add shading along the edges of the handle and the weight plates.
For the weight plates, start off lightly with a pencil and gradually build up shading until you have the desired effect. It should look like the weight plates are reflecting the light from the outside. The lines in the center of each circle should remain unchecked and unpainted.
For extra dimension, add curved lines to the edges of the handle and the weight plates. This will make your drawing look more sculptural, giving it an interesting 3-dimensional look.
Highlighting Tips
Highlighting is an important part of making the right dumbbell drawing. If the drawing looks too dark or flat, the effect won’t be as good. Start by adding small highlights on the handle and the weight plates. You can use a white pencil, a white pen or white paint to create these highlights.
For the handle, focus on the center of the rectangle, leaving the edges dark. For the weight plates, make sure you keep the dark-light balance. You don’t want it too light or too dark. Just enough that it looks like real metal.
Thickening the Handle
The handle is probably the most important part of the dumbbell. It’s what will make your drawing look convincing. To make it more realistic, it should be thicker than the weight plates.
Start by drawing two lines on either side of the handle. Draw the lines from one end of the handle to the other, but be sure to make them slightly thick. This will add strength to the handle and make it look more realistic.
Final Touches
Once you have finished drawing and shading the dumbbell, it’s time to add the final touches. Pay attention to any tiny details you may have missed or that you may want to add.
For example, draw an even line along the edges of the handle and the weight plates. This will give the dumbbell an even and polished finish. You can also add a few shading lines if you want to add more depth and texture to the drawing.
Once you are done, stand back and admire your handiwork. Drawing a dumbbell can be tricky, but with practice and patience, you can create a drawing that looks just like the real thing.
