How To Draw Train

How To Draw Train

Do you have a passion for drawing trains? Or have you always wanted to take up sketching railway tracks and old-fashioned steam engines? Well, you are in luck! Learning how to draw a realistic train is not difficult and can be done in just five easy steps.
Step One: Gather Your Supplies. Everyone has a different opinion on the essential drawing supplies. It isn’t necessary to buy expensive markers or colored pencils to draw a realistic-looking train. A simple pencil, eraser, and sketchpad are all that is needed to get started.
Step Two: Find a Picture for Reference. Before you pick up your pencil, find a high-resolution photograph of a train to use as reference material. A reference picture will help you familiarize yourself with the proportions and lines of the train’s body.
Step Three: Sketch the Outline. With an image of the train to refer to, you can start by lightly sketching the outline of the train. After the outline of the train has been penciled in, you can begin adding details like the carriages, wheels, and windows.
Step Four: Add Light and Shadow. Even the most basic pencil sketch can have depth and perspective when you add light and shadow. Make sure to lightly shade the wheels, cab, and outside of the train to create the illusion of depth.
Step Five: Add Final Details. Add the finishing touches to your train drawing by adding a few extra details, like smoke and reflections. You can even add the trees and mountains in the background. Finally, erase any stray pencil marks to make your train look crisp and clean.
Once you have completed the five steps, you can admire your masterpiece. You have successfully bid your own creation: a realistic looking train drawing.

Advanced Techniques

Whether you’re a seasoned sketch artist or just getting started, mastering advanced techniques can take your train drawings to the next level. Here are a few tips to help create a more realistic train sketch:
First, pay attention to reflections. Anything that reflects light, such as glass and metal, can give your train a sense of realism. Secondly, consider the materials of the train. If you are sketching an old-fashioned steam engine, be sure the darkened borders and rusting metals around the windows are included.
Third, Don’t forget the details on the wheels. Wheels of a train are often intricate and require some finesse when drawing. Capture the interlocking gears, spokes, and various pulleys on the wheels to make your train look even more realistic.
Fourthly, think about texture. Texture can be tricky to capture in a drawing but plays a significant role in how realistic it looks. Make sure to add different textures to all the parts of the train: shiny, rubbery, bumpy, smooth, etc.
Finally, add Railroad Tracks. Railroad tracks add the perfect finishing touch to train drawings. Don’t be afraid to be creative here — the beauty of sketching is that you can imagine any type of train track, bridges, and railway signs that you want.

Capturing Different Sides

One of the most challenging aspects of drawing a train is capturing the multiple angles of the train, as well as its carriages and windows. After you have mastered the basic train sketch, challenge yourself by drawing different sides of the train and practice sketching it from different angles.
Experiment with different distances as well. Step away from your reference picture and draw the train as it would appear to someone far away. This is a great way to practice adding perspective to a drawing.
Another way to capture different sides of the train is to practice drawing it from the inside out. Begin drawing from the insides of the windows, the seats and upholstery, and the knobs, trims, and other interior details. This will help you see the train through its details and understanding the train’s structure from a new perspective.

Textures

Textures are a crucial part of train drawings. From the rust-streaked carriages to the engine’s scratched up paint, a train’s texture can add both realism and character to a sketch.
Focus on little details and experiment with different material types. Dull leather seats, polished door handles, wooden floorboards, and scratched windows can all be used to bring train drawings to life. Pay close attention to the materials in your reference picture and be sure to capture the same textures in your drawing.
Also, use different shading techniques. Use a light shade to emphasize the train’s reflection and shadows, and a medium-tone to signify the train’s age and wear and tear.

Deserving the Details

Finally, invest time in the details. Even minimal details, such as letters and numbers written on the Cab, can bring texture to a sketch. Rather than sprinting through the entire sketch, take your time and make sure to capture all the details, no matter how small.
The trick is to look for details that are unusual or unique. This could be anything from nuts and bolts on the outside of the train to the way the light plays on different parts of the train. These details will often be your key to creating a highly realistic train drawing.
Remember, drawing a realistic train doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right reference image and supplies, you can create a stunning train sketch in no time. All that’s left to do is to gather your drawing supplies, explore the world of trains, and start sketching. With a few simple steps, your life-like drawing will be ready to take its place in your gallery.

Julia is an artist and musician, who grew up in a small town in Ohio, where she played in local bands and painted murals in free time. She moved to NY City to study art at the prestigious Pratt Institute, and then relocated to LA to pursue a music career. Julia loves sharing the knowledge she gathered during the years with others.

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