What are some tips and tricks for drawing complex or curved shapes and surfaces?

2 Use projection methods

Another useful technique to draw complex or curved shapes and surfaces is to use projection methods, such as orthographic projection, isometric projection, or perspective projection. Projection methods help you to represent three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional plane by projecting their edges, faces, and features onto different views, such as front, top, and side. For example, you can use orthographic projection to draw a cylinder by drawing two circles for the top and bottom views and a rectangle for the front view.

3 Use auxiliary views

Sometimes, projection methods may not be enough to show the true shape or size of a complex or curved surface, especially if it is inclined, oblique, or irregular. In such cases, you can use auxiliary views, which are additional views that show the surface from a different angle or direction. Auxiliary views can help you to show the details, dimensions, and contours of the surface more clearly and accurately. For example, you can use an auxiliary view to show the shape of a cone by drawing a triangle that represents the side view of the cone.

4 Use curves and splines

To draw smooth and continuous curves and splines, you need to use the right tools and techniques. You can use a compass, a French curve, or a flexible curve ruler to draw circular or elliptical curves, or you can use a spline tool, a bezier tool, or a NURBS tool to draw freeform curves. You also need to pay attention to the control points, the tangents, and the curvature of the curves and splines, and adjust them as needed to achieve the desired shape and smoothness. For example, you can use a spline tool to draw a complex curve by placing control points along the curve and dragging them to modify the curve.

5 Use shading and hatching

To add depth, contrast, and realism to your complex or curved shapes and surfaces, you can use shading and hatching techniques. Shading is the technique of applying different tones or colors to a surface to create the illusion of light and shadow, while hatching is the technique of drawing parallel lines or crosshatching to indicate the surface texture or material. You can use different shading and hatching methods, such as gradient shading, stippling, or contour hatching, depending on the effect you want to create. For example, you can use gradient shading to show the roundness of a sphere by applying darker tones near the edges and lighter tones near the center.

6 Use references and models

Finally, one of the best ways to improve your technical drawing skills and techniques is to use references and models. References and models can be photographs, sketches, diagrams, or physical objects that show the shape, surface, or appearance of the object you want to draw. You can use references and models to study the proportions, perspectives, details, and features of the object, and to compare your drawing with the original. For example, you can use a reference photo of a car to draw its complex or curved shape and surface by measuring its dimensions, angles, and curves.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?