Optical Illusions with Easy Drawing Steps
It can be easy to be awestruck by mesmerising optical illusions — but did you know it’s simple to create your own beautiful piece of art? Drawing optical illusions can be a fun way to master your drawing skills, or to make a dynamic piece of art to hang on your wall. In this article, we’ll teach you the uncanny tricks behind creating an optical illusion step-by-step.
1. Don’t Be Afraid of Stretching the Rules
One of the first steps to drawing successful optical illusions is to create an unusual perspective. Traditional art rules of perspective may not apply; if you want to draw a cube, for example, you can draw the walls and the sides out of proportion. This can help you to create an eye-catching image that captivates your viewer with its peculiarity.
2. Pick A Pattern To Create Your Illusion
Once you’ve decided to put a spin on perspective, it’s time to pick a pattern. Deciding whether your optical illusion includes a tunnel, a repeating pattern, or a distorted room is vital for making your art stand out. Consider the type of image you want to create and take inspiration from already established optical illusions.
3. Playing with Light and Shade
Adding highlights, shadows, and lines to your optical illusion can create incredible depth and drama. Playing with these elements can transport your viewer into the world you have created — begin the base outlines of your shape, then add shadows and highlights to intensify the effect.
4. Finishing Touches
When you’ve finished the technical aspects of your optical illusion, it’s time to add a splash of colour. This can help to tie the piece together and create a stunning, realistic optical illusion. Wash the canvas in a base colour and then highlight areas with bright shades or bright lines to make your patterns pop.
Tips and Tricks
When creating your masterpiece, bear in mind the following tips and tricks:
- Experiment! Don’t be afraid to break boundaries or take a risk, as this is what will make your art stand out.
- Find inspirational images online and try to mimic the patterns and tricks used by experienced painters.
- Make sure you get everything to scale. Remember that most optical illusions look best when the dimensions are accurate.
- Don’t be disheartened if your first attempt doesn’t work — each piece of artwork is an opportunity to learn and perfect your skills.
Grid Drawing
One of the best ways to make sure you get everything to scale when drawing an optical illusion is to use a grid overlay. Before your begin to draw, overlay your sketchbook with a grid: each square should be the same size and should divide your canvas into equal parts. Every time you draw an element or a layer of your image, make sure it is proportional to each of the squares in the grid.
Do a Sketch First
Before you begin your masterpiece, sketch it out first. Compose a piece the combines shape, text and design. Vary the size and shape of your visual elements and make sure they create contrast. This will help you to create an optical illusion that is eye-catching and one-of-a-kind.
Add a Horizon Line
To give your illusion its own identity, add a horizon line to the top or bottom of your artwork. This can help to create perspective and make your piece look modern and angular. The highest point of the horizon line will denote where the viewer is standing, so pick a unique angle to really make your illusion stand out..
Colour Palettes
Your colour palette will be integral in making your piece stand out. Choose a dominant colour and experiment with complementary shades. For example, if your piece has a blue hue, experiment with shades of purple or even green. This will give the illusion a visual identity and add interest to your design.
