How To Draw a Mirror
Drawing a mirror may seem intimidating at first, but with a few tips and tricks you can create a realistically-looking design with ease. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of antique nostalgia to your décor or just want to practice your drawing skills, here you will find everything you need to know about drawing a mirror.
Use Geometry
Shape is the foundation to any successful design, especially when it comes to reflecting objects. Fortunately for you, a mirror is based on rectangular geometry, so measuring one out won’t be too difficult. Take a ruler and mark out a perfect box shape, making sure to keep the sides and angles equal. Once you’ve finished, draw three lines inside the box to act as guidelines. This will form the centre and the two bevelled edges.
Create the Top and Bottom
The top and bottom of the mirror are crucial to the design, so you should pay close attention when creating them. Start with the top and use curved, outward lines; make sure they link together and that the shape resembles two peaks. Move on to the bottom and draw two bevelled lines that dip slightly inwards, curving back up to connect. To create the slight dip in the middle use a shorter line that runs in the opposite direction.
Draw the Edge
To draw the edge of the mirror begin with the two sides. Start at the top left corner and draw a curved line, gradually lowering the arc as you move down. Connect it to the top right corner and repeat this process for the bottom. Make sure to pay attention to the bevelled sides and replicate them accurately.
Final Touches
The last step to drawing a mirror is adding the details. This will involve filling in the nooks and crannies to give off a realistic effect. Once finished, you may want to customize the design to your taste. You can use shadows to add depth or colors to make it stand out. And don’t forget to give the effect of a reflective surface by adding scrapes and scratches.
Use an Eraser
When creating the details of the mirror, make sure to use an eraser to clean up any messes or unwanted lines. This will help to make the design look as polished and professional as possible. You can also use a wet paper towel to completely remove sections as you work.
Add Reflection
Reflection lines create a sense of realism for your drawing, so don’t forget to add them in. These are simply straight lines that give off the impression of light reflecting off the surface. They should be subtle and evenly distributed across the frame.
Sketch it First
Before inking your design, feel free to sketch a rough outline first. This will help you to gauge the size and composition of your final design and make any adjustments if needed. Once finished, you can either trace over the sketch or draw a new one altogether.
Start with a Lighthand
When placing the inking, you should do so in one gentle stroke. Don’t be too aggressive with the pen as this can easily lead to mistakes and ruin the design. You also don’t want to create too many lines or textures as this will make the design look overcrowded.
Practice Patience
Finally, it’s important to practice patience when creating your design. Drawing a mirror may seem simple, but the details can take time and precision to get right. So take your time and make sure to get the job done correctly. With a bit of practice, anyone can achieve a realistic looking mirror drawing.
