How to Draw a Car from the Back

In this simple tutorial, we will show how to draw a car from the back using the Mercedes-Benz CLS as an example.

This guide is an integral part and extension of our main lesson on drawing a car from different sides, including side view, front, and back.

Below we will show you how to sketch the correct basic proportions of the rear of the vehicle, learn how to add details such as taillights, rear window and exhaust pipes.

At the very end, we will share with you the skills of adding volume and give you some very important additional tips.

How to draw a car from the back: step-by-step tutorial

Step 1 – Sketch the trunk and roof with basic shapes

Mark the rear of the car with two simple geometric shapes. The trunk is flat at the bottom and slightly curved at the top, while the sides of the roof expand smoothly as they get closer to the trunk. Use very light strokes so you can refine the lines later.

Step 2 – Add the trunk edge, taillights, mirrors, and tires

To make the sketch look more like a vehicle, add the basic details. Sketch the top edge of the trunk and the taillights. Their shape and placement depend on the style of your car. On the sides, add the mirrors, and at the bottom sketch the tires. Keep in mind that the wider the tires, the sportier the car will appear. Details on both sides should be symmetrical.

Step 3 – Draw the car back window, exhaust pipes, and bumper line

Continue making the sketch look more like an automobile by adding the rear window and exhaust pipes. The number and type of exhaust pipes vary depending on the car: sporty cars often have two or four, while sedans may have just one. Also sketch the bumper line, under which the license plate will be located.

Step 4 – Trace and refine the upper rear details

Up to this point, the main shapes and elements have been drawn with rough lines. From this step, start tracing everything to make the car rear drawing clean and complete. Trace the details of the upper part of the back, making the lines smooth and neat. Refine any rough curves so the outlines look intentional and polished.

Step 5 – Draw the lower back details of the car with dark lines

Do the same with the lower part of the car. Trace the remaining details with darker, clearer lines and erase unnecessary sketches. Add elements such as the air intakes, license plate, and logo. Outline the bumper, reinforce the exhaust pipes, and include a small logo or badge to give the car identity.

Step 6 – Draw shadows on the car’s trunk, bumper, and window

To make your sketch of the car rear look realistic, add shading. Place shadows in areas without light or along bends in the surfaces. Apply lighter shading across the rear window to suggest glass reflections. By varying the intensity of shading, you can make the rear of the car appear three-dimensional.

Rear view drawing tips

So, if you followed our steps exactly, then you can draw a car from the back. If you haven’t yet learned the process of drawing a car from the front, then be sure to fill this gap.

The rear view is important because it shows tail lights, bumper design, exhaust pipes, and proportions that often define a brand’s identity. Practicing this angle will make your drawing skills more complete and versatile.

This lesson, as well as all our guides from the Basic category, is intended to show the most important principles of drawing a car.

By mastering these basics, you can confidently move on to more complex tutorials, where details such as reflections, perspective, and shading will play a bigger role.

All that we have shown in this guide is suitable for illustrating the rear view of any other vehicle.

Simply adjust the shapes of the lights, trunk, and bumper to match the specific car model, and the same method will work just as well for sedans, sports cars, or SUVs.

To illustrate your favorite vehicle from this point of view, simply find a photo on the Internet or take a picture by yourself and use the steps presented by us to sketch the model you want.

Using real photos will also help you notice small design features – such as how wide the rear glass is or how the exhaust pipes are shaped – making your sketch more realistic.

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