How to Draw a Car in Perspective

Most often we draw cars from the side, but in this instruction, we will show you how to draw a car in perspective.

There are linear perspective and aerial perspective. The rules of linear perspective tell us that all receding parallel lines converge at one point.

The rules of aerial perspective tell us that the further away an object is, the less contrasting and darker it will be.

With that in mind, let’s get down to the guide to draw a car in perspective step by step.

How to car in perspective: step-by-step tutorial

Step 1 – Set the vanishing lines to establish car perspective

To draw a car in perspective, you need to imagine it in the form of simple geometric shapes. First of all, depict constructive lines that will help us draw the car. Given the laws of linear perspective, the lines should smoothly approach each other as they move away.

Step 2 – Draw the car roof contour reduced in perspective

Now carefully draw the roof using smooth arched lines. In the same stage, depict the lines of the windshield. Notice how the details should be reduced in perspective.

Step 3 – Draw the car’s wheel arches considering perspective

Now, continuing the line of the roof, depict the rear of the car. In the same stage, depict the wheel arches. According to the rules of perspective, the rear arch should be smaller and lighter than the front.

Step 4 – Indicate the headlights and side window

Now using the construction lines from the first stage, carefully depict the angular headlights and the upper part of the radiator grille between them. Next, using one arched and one straight line, depict the window frame.

Step 5 – Detail the radiator grille and bumper

Now, continuing the lines of the upper part of the radiator grill, draw the lower part. Next, use a long, curved line to depict the bottom of the bumper. Complete the stage by creating the air intake at the bottom.

Step 6 – Sketch the perspective-correct wheel shapes

Now very carefully depict the wheels inside the arches. The front wheel should look larger and darker than the back. To check proportionality, look at the drawing through a mirror.

Step 7 – Detail the greenhouse and shape the rims

Now use a few straight lines to depict the B-pillar in the window frame. Remember to depict a short line at the back of the window frame. In the same stage, depict the rims as ovals.

Step 8 – Draw the doors decreasing into distance

Now again go to the side surface of the body and depict the doors taking into account the fact that they should smoothly decrease as they move away. In the same stage, depict the door handles.

Step 9 – Add the grille mesh rim spokes

Now depict the central parts of the rims. Next, depict the lines of the spokes diverging from the center to the edges. Now go to the grille and create the texture using intersecting lines.

Step 10 – Darken the near contours, lighten the distant outlines

Carefully get rid of all construction lines. Then darken the closer lines, leaving the farther lines lighter. This will give the car drawing volume and realism.

Step 11 – Add shadows considering areal perspective

Add shadows starting with darker ones and working towards lighter ones. On glass surfaces, depict highlights using simple lines. Depict a cast shadow under the car so that the car does not look like it is hanging in the air.

You can continue to add shadows to make the car drawing look more voluminous and convincing. Note that the shadows that are closer to us should also be darker and more contrasting than those that are in the distance.