How to Draw Buildings

You dont need to be an architect to be able to draw buildings. All

sorts of buildings -- world-famous landmarks, majestic castles and
cathedrals, even buildings you might find in your own
neighborhood -- are here in this article, ready for you to learn how
to draw.

The easy, step-by-step instructions on the following pages can turn

you into an artist. Anyone can do it. All you need is a No. 2 pencil,
a pencil sharpener, an eraser, and a ruler. Then you can practice
drawing a castle, lighthouse, or various other buildings.

Each drawing begins with a few simple shapes in red. The second
step shows the first drawing in black. The new shapes and marks
youre going to add appear in red.

This shows you how to make step ones drawing look like that in
step two. The following steps also show the earlier drawings in
black and the new marks and shapes in red.

Draw lightly with your pencil. This makes it easier to erase

mistakes and other marks that change slightly in later steps. When
you have finished, use a pen or fine felt-tip marker to darken the
pencil marks that make up the finished drawing. Then gently erase
any remaining pencil marks.

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When you are done, you will have 15 drawings showing all kinds of
buildings.

If you wish, you can add color by using crayons or colored pencils
or markers. You may want to cut out your drawings and tape or
glue them onto colored construction paper. Then you will be able
to display your collection of drawings showing all sorts of buildings.
Have fun.

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How to Draw in Perspective

Your drawings of buildings will look more realistic if you use

perspective. This is a way of drawing an object so that the drawing
shows depth. A far-away object appears smaller than a close-up
object, even if they are actually the same size. A drawing made in
perspective will show the two objects in their correct relative sizes.

Learn how to use perspective to draw this building.

Its easy to draw both near and far objects the correct size if you
use vanishing points. If you look down a pair of railroad tracks, you
can see that in the distance they appear to come together. The
point at which lines that are actually parallel appear to come
together is called the vanishing point.

Drawing a building requires two vanishing points -- one on each

side of the building. These two points represent the point where
the horizontal lines of the building would come together if they
were long enough.

In this section, we'll show you how to use perspective in your

drawings. You can draw the building below freehand while looking
at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a
closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

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Step 1: To use perspective when drawing a simple building, draw
a straight line across your paper. The line will represent the
horizon, and points at either end of your line will be your vanishing
points. Then draw a vertical line extending through the horizontal
line to show the front corner of your building. The front corner will
be the tallest edge because it is closest to you.

Step 2: If you draw a straight line connecting the top of this vertical
line with the left-hand vanishing point, and then draw another
straight line connecting the top of the vertical line with the right-
hand vanishing point, those two lines show the proper angle for the
roof line. Connect the bottom of the vertical line with both ends of
the horizontal line. Now you have drawn the proper angle for the
bottom of the building.

Step 3: Between these diagonal lines, draw another vertical line

about halfway on either side of the center line. These are the left-
and right-hand sides of the building.

Step 4: To draw something parallel to the roof line of the house --

the tops of windows, for example -- draw a line from the front
corner of the building to each of the two vanishing points. This
shows the correct angle for other lines parallel to the top and
bottom of the building.

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Step 5: Finish the building by adding windows, a door, and a
chimney. Erase unnecessary pencil marks. Now you have a
realistic-looking structure that you can build on!

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get perspective right the
first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

A lighthouse helps guide ships home. Learn how to draw a

lighthouse in just four steps in the next section.

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How to Draw Lighthouses

Surrounded by ocean waves and sand, this lighthouse rises above

the coast to guide ships in the night. Our simple instructions will
guide you as you learn how to draw it.

Learn how to draw this lighthouse.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this lighthouse. You can
draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you
can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

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Step 1: Sketch a cylinder in the center of your paper and a three-
dimensional box to the right of it. Draw a horizontal line for the
ground.

Step 2: Add a double top to the cylinder. Draw curved lines on the
cylinder as shown. Put a roof on the small house with angled lines.
Add rectangles for the windows. Draw two vertical lines in each
window for the shutters. Sketch the door with an incomplete
rectangle. Draw uneven ovals for the rocks and a wavy line for the
trees in the distant horizon.

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Step 3: Draw a door for the lighthouse. Finish both doors and the
two windows with + signs and double lines. Add doorknobs. Draw
one small and one larger rectangle on the lighthouse for windows.
Add vertical lines for the railing. Sketch double vertical lines and a
bell-shaped figure for the top of the lighthouse. Use a squiggly line
for the waves.

Step 4: Shade the roof of the lighthouse with crisscross lines. Add
more diagonal lines for the glass at the top of the lighthouse. Detail

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the railing with thick black lines. Add shading to the windows.
Texture the roof and shutter slats on the house with horizontal
lines. Shade the rocks and water.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the worlds most recognizable

landmarks. Learn how to draw the Eiffel Tower in the next section.

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How to Draw the Eiffel Tower

One of the worlds most beloved landmarks, the Eiffel Tower

dazzles with its intricate construction. This drawing might look
complex, but our steps make it simple.

Learn how to draw the Eiffel Tower.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw the Eiffel Tower. You
can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or
you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

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Step 1: Draw a large triangle and split it in two vertically with
another line. Add a long horizontal line near the bottom of the
triangle for the ground.

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Step 2: Draw three sets of horizontal lines as shown. Add a small
arch near the top of the triangle. Shape the tower with three sets of
slightly angled lines. Add a set of vertical lines to both of the lower
horizontal tiers to create rectangles.

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Step 3: Draw two vertical lines under the arch. Connect them at
the top with a horizontal line. Add a second line to each of the
slightly bent lines as shown. Draw an upside-down Y in the top tier
with double lines. Divide the rectangle near the center of the tower
with a double horizontal line and a single horizontal line.

Connect the upper double horizontal line to the line above it with
an angled line. Add two short vertical lines to the single horizontal
lines to connect them to the lines below. Continue double lines
below the second horizontal tier. Draw double angled lines below
the third horizontal tier. Use curly lines to add shrubs.

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Step 4: Draw many sets of double horizontal lines for the supports.
Add several diagonal lines below the upper part of the tower.
Detail the two lowest rectangles with short double horizontal lines.
Outline the lowest rectangle. Add more shrubs with curly lines.

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Step 5: Draw double X-shaped figures in all the rectangles created
by the previous step. Shade the horizontal tiers with diagonal lines.
Add double bent lines to the curve at the bottom of the tower and
to the area above it.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

No medieval scene is complete without great, towering castles.

Learn how to draw castles in just five steps in the next section.

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How to Draw Castles

You can almost see the tips of these mountain-top castles

touching the sky. Take a trip to the past and learn how to draw
these stunning castles.

Learn how to draw these castles.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw castles. You can draw it
freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print
out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Step 1: Draw the basic shape of the building using a rectangle, a

box, an odd-shaped rectangle for the roof, and two straight lines
on the left side that meet as shown.

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Step 2: Add the building extension on the right and the towers with
rectangles and straight lines. Top some of them with triangles.
Sketch a horizontal line behind the building. Draw the trees with a
long squiggly line that covers the entire bottom of the castle as
shown.

Step 3: Draw the mountains with uneven lines behind the building.
Add two towers to the top of the roof with rectangles and triangles.
Draw two rectangles beneath the towers as shown. Sketch curved
lines in the upper rectangle. Draw curved lines on two other towers
as shown.

Add a straight vertical line at the top of the tower on the right and
to the roof on the left. Block many windows using rectangles and
odd-shaped triangles. Add some surface detail to the side of the
building with straight horizontal and vertical lines.

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Step 4: Use odd-shaped rectangles and lines to add many
windows to the side of the building. Add small straight lines to the
tops of most of the towers. Draw a curly horizontal line wherever
the roof meets the side of the building. Use uneven ovals to form
the stones on the right side of the building.

Step 5: Add texture to the castle with straight vertical and diagonal
lines. Shade the tree line and the stones on the lower right-hand
side with diagonal lines. In the area where there are no stones,
use diagonal lines to shade the ground.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

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Everyone dreams of living in a beautiful mansion. Learn how to
draw a mansion in the next section.

How to Draw Mansions

This mansion is a stunning sight on a neighborhood street -- or in

your sketchbook. Our simple steps will make it possible for you to
draw your own dream mansion.

Learn how to draw this mansion.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this mansion. You can
draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you
can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Step 1: Sketch various rectangles to form the basic shape of the

house. Draw a horizontal line on each side of the left- and right-
hand rectangles for the ground.

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Step 2: Add second lines to the top rectangle. Draw the roof with
two straight and two diagonal lines that meet. Sketch long
horizontal lines across the center for the banisters. Connect them
on the sides with straight lines.

Detail the lower part of the house with more horizontal lines. Use
one horizontal line and two diagonal lines for the basic shape of
the stairs. Add the left-hand roof with straight lines that meet.

Step 3: Draw two chimneys with straight lines. Add columns with
double vertical lines. Sketch the windows with rectangles. Add a
set of lines outside each window for the shutters. Draw four sets of
double vertical lines with double arches over them for the door.
Repeat the same figure above the door. Add shrubs with curly
lines.

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Step 4: Add railings with short vertical double lines. Finish the
columns with odd U-shaped figures on top. Use rectangles for the
window panes. Draw connecting rectangles for the stairs and two
diagonal lines for the walk. Use rectangles and squares for the
panels in the doors.

Step 5: Shade the roof with uneven horizontal lines. Detail the
chimneys with diagonal lines. Add short horizontal lines to all the
shutters. Shade the arches and side windows with dark zigzag
lines.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

A grand cathedral brings to mind a beautiful European city. Learn

how to draw a cathedral in the next section.

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How to Draw Cathedrals

This grand cathedral is a stunning sight. You will love learning to

draw this cathedral if you are a fan of history or architecture -- or if
youre looking for a drawing challenge.

Learn how to draw this cathedral.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this cathedral. You can
draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you
can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

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Step 1: Draw three connected rectangles, with the center one
being larger than the others. Sketch two diagonal lines in each that
intersect in the middle. Find the peaks of the steeples by drawing
vertical lines through the center of each X.

Extend these vertical lines past the tops of the rectangles. Draw a
triangle and a rectangle over the left-hand rectangle and a triangle
over both the center and right-hand rectangles. Extend a line over
the center of the middle triangle.

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Step 2: Divide each triangle into fourths with straight lines starting
at the peak. Draw a horizontal line over the center triangle to form
a cross. Add V-shaped figures and straight lines to the left-hand
triangle to form a turret. Define the surface with double horizonal
lines as shown. Extend two short diagonal lines from the bottom
corners of the building. Connect them with a horizontal line.

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Step 3: Add columns with single, double, and triple vertical lines.
Top the columns with odd U-shaped figures. Draw one long and
one short line under the turret. Add two vertical lines under the
right steeple. Sketch one horizontal line across the lower columns
on the left.

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Step 4: On the left-hand side of the cathedral, draw double arches.
Finish the cross with a short vertical line. Sketch double arches
over the central part of the building. Detail them with curly lines.
Add a wheel-shaped figure with spokes to the center and add curly
lines underneath. Top it with a V-shaped figure.

On the right-hand side of the cathedral, draw one double arch and
two sets of arches with odd-shaped tops. Add U-shaped lines to
two of them. Sketch a zigzag line for the ground behind the
cathedral. Finish the steps with long horizontal lines whose ends
point downward.

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Step 5: Shade the roof with diagonal lines and the windows with
crisscross lines. Add connecting half-circles to the top front of the
cathedral.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

The Taj Mahal is a wonder of beauty and architecture. Learn how

to draw the Taj Mahal in the next section.

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How to Draw the Taj Mahal

With its intricately detailed exterior, the majestic Taj Mahal is one
of the worlds most wonderful works of architecture. Learn how to
draw this building for a truly special addition to your repertoire.

Learn how to draw the Taj Mahal.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw the Taj Mahal. You can
draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you
can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Step 1: Draw a horizontal line on the bottom of the page. Add a

double set of horizontal lines above it. Sketch six sets of double

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vertical lines perpendicular to the double horizontal lines. On the
outer left- and right-hand sides, sketch slightly bent lines to
connect the two sets of double vertical lines as shown.

Connect the middle two sets of double vertical lines with

intersecting horizontal lines. Add two more horizontal lines to
connect the tops of the remaining vertical lines. Draw a double set
of horizontal lines on the rectangles as shown.

Step 2: Add ovals to the tops of the four posts. Draw a horizontal
line through the center of each oval. Sketch a slightly curved line
connecting the two center ovals. Draw the center dome with a half-
circle. Add a second curved line and a horizontal line underneath
the center dome as shown.

Sketch a sideways V-shape on each side of the large dome. Add

vertical lines underneath. Top each V-shape with a dome. Add
arches with double curved lines and pointed tops. Use straight
horizontal lines underneath some of the arches as shown. Detail
the surface with vertical and horizontal straight lines and
rectangles.

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Step 3: Cap the domes with odd-shaped V-figures. Add a half-
circle to the top of the center dome. External a short vertical line
from the top of each dome. Detail the surface with straight vertical
and horizontal lines. Draw an arch for the doorway. Add a curved
line to the top of the arch. Use straight vertical and horizontal lines
for the door.

Step 4: Detail the center dome with curly and dashed lines. Begin
the grillwork with straight vertical and horizontal lines that intersect.
Draw a double arch over the doorway and two horizontal lines

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underneath it. Add an arched doorway with a curved line over the
top of the arch. Detail the base with two squares in each rectangle.

Step 5: Shade the center dome with curved, straight and broken
lines. Draw curly lines over all the arches. Shade the windows on
the side domes with diagonal lines. Add a heavy black line to the
bottom of each. Draw bars on all the arches that have grillwork
with intersecting horizontal and vertical lines.

Shade these arches with crisscross lines. Use straight horizontal

and vertical lines to finish the details on the doorway. Shade the
upper left-hand half of the doorway with crisscross lines.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

Australias Sydney Opera House is a uniquely beautiful structure.

Learn how to draw this building in the next section.

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How to Draw the Sydney Opera House

Australias Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable

buildings in the world. Youll have a great time learning how to
draw this unique and beautiful building.

Learn how to draw the Sydney Opera House.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw the Sydney Opera
House. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer
monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each
step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Step 1: Sketch the basic shape of the building with two horizontal
lines, rectangles, and triangles.

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Step 2: Add different levels to the rectangles using straight lines.
Form arches on the triangles and below using curved lines.

Step 3: Detail the arches using curved lines that join at the top.
Draw a curved line under the lower left-hand arch. Add additional
curved lines to the arches on the right-hand side as shown. Draw
straight horizontal lines to two sections of the left-hand rectangle.
Sketch an odd-shaped diamond. Add the door with an incomplete
rectangle.

Step 4: Sketch ribs on the arches with curved lines. Draw

squiggles for the water line. Detail the building with rectangles, a
V-shaped figure, and horizontal lines.

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Step 5: Finish the drawing by adding many straight vertical lines
for the wood and arches. Draw diagonal lines inside the arches
and windows to show depth.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

A classic diner is a great place to meet for food and fun. Learn how
to draw a diner in just five steps in the next section.

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How to Draw Diners

This diner promises good times and good food. Every detail of this
building -- from the windows to the signage -- brings to mind the
classic diners of the 1950s.

Learn how to draw this diner.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this diner. You can
draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you
can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Step 1: Use the exercise on perspective and vanishing points to

establish the basic shape of the diner.

Step 2: Sketch the shape of the windows, door, and side details
using the rules on drawing lines that are parallel to the basic
structure found in the introductory exercise. Add curly details to the
roof as shown.

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Step 3: Establish the sign over the diner and the stairs using the
rules on vanishing points. Draw the shape of the stairs using three
lines that meet at the right-hand side. Add steps with straight lines.
Separate the windows with straight single and double lines. Draw
two rectangles for the glass in the door. Add odd-shaped figures
for the pipes on the roof as shown.

Step 4: Print the name of the diner on the sign. Detail the roof with
four curved lines and odd-shaped figures. Draw horizontal lines in
the windows for the shades. Add a short vertical line ending in a
blackened circle underneath. Detail the side and front with double
lines.

Draw curves at the top and bottom of the door and two horizontal
lines in the middle. Use straight vertical and horizontal lines for the
banister. Add a line parallel with the bottom of the front of the
building for the parking lot. Extend parallel straight lines for the
parking spaces.

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Step 5: Shade the pipes on the roof with diagonal lines. Add
grillwork to the windows with intersecting vertical and horizontal
lines. Finish the banister with vertical lines. Add blackened lines to
the sign and parking spots for shading.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

Every bustling metropolis boasts skyscapers of all sizes. Learn

how to draw a skyscraper in only four steps in the next section.

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How to Draw Skyscrapers

Towering over cities around the world, skyscrapers are impressive

works of architecture. By using the principles of perspective and
vanishing point, you can learn to draw skyscrapers of all sizes.

Learn how to draw this skyscraper.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this skyscraper. You
can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or
you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

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Step 1: Use the rules on perspective and vanishing points to
establish the basic structure of the building.

Step 2: Keeping vanishing point in mind, draw many lines for the
window bands. Draw a sidewalk with straight lines and a door with
an incomplete rectangle.

Step 3: Add vertical lines to the structure. Draw another line

around the door for thickness. Sketch two dots for the doorknobs.
Add trees as shown. Draw a squiggly line for the ground behind
the building. Sketch another line to the curb.

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Step 4: Shade the windows as shown. Add texture to the tree
trunks with squiggles. Use straight lines to show the blocks in the
sidewalk.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

Log cabins bring to mind a cozy evening in the woods. Learn how
to draw a log cabin in only four steps in the next section.

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How to Draw a Log Cabin

This warm and cozy log cabin would look right at home in the
woods. By using the rules of perspective and vanishing point, you
can easily learn how to draw this log cabin.

Learn how to draw this log cabin.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this log cabin. You can
draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you
can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Step 1: Draw the basic structure of the log cabin using the rules on
perspective and vanishing points. Sketch an X from corner to
corner of the center and right-hand vertical lines. Draw a vertical
line up through the center to show where the top of the roof will be.

Connect the top of this line with the left point to establish the roof.
Draw two diagonal lines to connect the top of the roof with the
sides of the cabin. Establish the other edge of the cabin with a
vertical line on the left. Start forming the roof with a diagonal line
as shown.

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Step 2: Establish the location of the chimney using the rules on
vanishing points. Outline the windows and a door on the front side
of the cabin using the rules on drawing lines that are parallel to the
basic structure. Sketch two windows on the side of the cabin. Add
diagonal lines to the roof.

Step 3: Using the rules on vanishing points, draw evenly spaced

lines all along the front and side of the cabin for the logs. Round
the edges. Add a doorknob and double lines on the top and bottom
of the door.

Draw double vertical and horizontal lines for the window panes and
a horizontal line for the shade. Add another vertical line on the
front window for thickness. Use squiggly lines for the tree and
shrubs. Add a zigzag line on the right-hand side for the horizon
and an uneven line for the path leading to the door.

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Step 4: Fill in every other log with zigzags to give them texture.
Add vertical lines to the doors. Use diagonal lines to shade the
windows, door, and chimney. Sketch the shrubs with curly lines.
Add an uneven line to the left of the cabin for the horizon.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

A ranch house is a simple one-story home. Learn how to draw a

ranch house in just five steps in the next section.

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How to Draw a Ranch House

This simple and pretty ranch house is a classic American home.

By using the rules of perspective and vanishing point, you can
easily learn how to draw this ranch house.

Learn how to draw this ranch house.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this ranch house. You
can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or
you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Step 1: Draw the basic structure of the ranch house using the
rules on perspective and vanishing points. Sketch an X from
corner to corner of the middle and right-hand vertical lines. Draw a
vertical line up through the center to show where the top of the roof
will be. Connect the top of this line with the left point to establish
the top of the roof.

Use two diagonal lines to connect the roof line with the side of the
house. Draw a diagonal line to connect the top of the roof with the
side of the house. Use the rules on drawing lines that are parallel
to the base of the building for the foundation. Draw another set of
lines around the bottom of the roof.

44
Step 2: Establish the location of the chimney using the rules on
vanishing points. Outline the windows, garage door, and entrance
door using the rules on drawing lines that are parallel to the basic
structure. Sketch two windows on the front of the house and two
on the side of the house.

Step 3: Use intersecting vertical and horizontal lines to detail the

windows. Establish the garage door with vertical and horizontal
lines. Detail the entrance door with five rectangles. Add the stairs
with rectangles and straight lines. Form the bushes with curly lines.
Add a front light to the house as shown.

Step 4: Using the rules on vanishing points, draw evenly spaced

lines all around the front and side of the house. Sketch a diagonal
line on the underside of the roof on the right side. Add a dot and a
short curved line for the garage openers and straight lines for the
driveway. Draw a broken line under the shrubs to show the
ground.

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Step 5: Use vertical and horizontal lines to finish the chimney.
Detail the roof with straight lines. Draw the shutters with horizontal
lines. Add a doorknob to the entrance door. Finish the shrubs with
squiggles.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

The two-story brick house in our next section boasts a detailed

brick exterior. Learn how to draw a two-story brick house in just
five steps in the next section.

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How to Draw a Two-Story Brick House

This two-story brick house would look right at home in any

neighborhood. Pay close attention to detail when drawing the
intricate brick exterior of this building.

Learn how to draw a two-story brick house.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw a two-story brick house.
You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor,
or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Step 1: Draw the basic structure of the house using the rules on
perspective and vanishing points. Add a fourth vertical line at the
left for the attached garage. Sketch an X from corner to corner of
the two right-hand vertical lines.

Draw a vertical line through the center to show where the top of
the roof will be. Connect this line with the left point to establish the
roof. Finish the right-hand side of the house with two diagonal lines
that connect the top of the roof with the side of the house. Form
the end of the roof of the house with a diagonal line. Draw two
more diagonal lines to form the roof of the garage.

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Step 2: Outline the windows, garage door, and entrance door
using the rules on drawing lines that are parallel to the basic
structure. Sketch the windows as shown with double vertical lines.
Establish the doors with single vertical lines. Draw a line under the
bottom of the roof of the garage and the house. Add a double line
from the peak of the roof to the end of the right-hand side corner.

Step 3: Use intersecting vertical and horizontal lines to detail the

windows. Draw straight lines and rectangles to form the entrance
door as shown. Detail the garage door with a double vertical line
and single horizontal lines. Add curly figures for the shrubs. Draw
the driveway with diagonal lines.

Step 4: Using the rules on vanishing points, draw evenly spaced

lines all along the front and side of the house.

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Step 5: Add short vertical lines all along the front and side of the
house to detail the bricks. Sketch slanted lines on the roof of the
house and garage. Draw a doorknob for the entrance door. Detail
the shrubs with squiggles. Blacken the roof line at the front of the
building.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

The United States Capitol Building is one of the most popular

sights in Washington, D.C. Learn how to draw this building in just
five steps in the next section.

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How to Draw the United States Capitol Building

The United States Capitol Building is a wonderful example of neo-

classical architecture. Learning to draw this building is a great
creative challenge.

Learn how to draw the United States Capitol Building.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw the United States
Capitol Building. You can draw it freehand while looking at your
computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer
look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Step 1: Draw two diagonal lines for the front of the building as
shown. Connect them with two vertical lines. In the bottom center,
draw another diagonal line that intersects with the bottom line. Add
two more intersecting lines as shown. Sketch four lines from the

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left side of the front of the building to show the side of the building.

Add an odd-shaped U figure to the top of the structure. Top that

with another U-shaped figure. Draw another curved line over that,
connecting it with short vertical lines to the figure below. Top the
dome with a half-circle.

Step 2: Draw a series of rectangles, triangles, and tube shapes to

establish the front of the building, keeping the rules on vanishing
points in mind.

Step 3: Add a series of horizontal lines following the shape of the

front of the building. Sketch a triangle and horizontal lines
connected with bent lines for the stairs. Add two small ovals to the
dome. Top them with a tube shape. Draw another oval on top of
the dome and cover it with a half-circle.

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Step 4: Add windows to the side of the building with rectangles
and squares. Draw windows on the front of the building with
blackened rectangles. Add curved lines to some of them as shown.
Draw windows on the dome with blackened bullet-shaped figures
and blackened rectangles. Sketch various types of curved lines to
detail the dome.

Draw a statue on the top of the dome as shown. Add arches to the
front of the building with sets of vertical lines connected at the top
with curves and straight lines. Draw shrubs and the ground with
curly lines. Sketch the flag with a straight vertical line topped with
an odd-shaped oval.

Step 5: Shade the capitol with straight horizontal and diagonal

lines. Add curved lines for detail as shown. Finish the bushes with
squiggles. Darken all the windows and doors with intersecting
diagonal lines.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

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The Mediterranean-inspired Spanish villa in the next section is a
beautiful, elegant building. Learn how to draw a Spanish villa in
five simple steps in the next section.

How to Draw a Spanish Villa

This Spanish-inspired home brings to mind all the charm and

beauty of Spain. Dont be afraid to use color when youre done -- it
can enhance the beauty of the finished drawing.

Learn how to draw a Spanish Villa.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw a Spanish Villa. You
can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or
you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you
a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each
illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines
drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Step 1: Use the rules on perspective and vanishing point to

establish the basic structure of the building. Keep in mind that this
house has two front corners. Create the second front by extending
one parallel line just above and below each top and bottom line.

On the right side, draw an X from corner to corner of the two

vertical lines. Draw a vertical line through its center to determine
the height of the roof. When you connect the top of this line with
the left point, the roof will be established. To situate the second

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floor roof, extend a vertical line up from the first floor roof as
shown.

Step 2: Draw a vertical line between the two faces of the house for
the chimney. Connect the bottom of the line with the left point.
Draw two vertical lines on each side of the first one. Use straight
and bent lines to form the top of the chimney.

Detail the top ends with an odd-shaped triangle. Establish the

windows using the rules of drawing lines that are parallel to the
basic structure. Draw a triangle to form the second floor roof. Add
a diagonal line to the side of the second floor.

Step 3: Use the rules on vanishing points to establish another

window and the first floor roof line. Draw a curve on top of this
window. Sketch rectangles inside the other three windows. Draw a
curve on top of this window.

Establish a wide U-shaped figure on the front plane for the

entrance. Draw a door with straight lines and a rectangle inside the
entrance as shown, keeping in mind that the door is on the same
plane as the side of the window.

Step 4: Use squiggles to add detail to the roof. Add bars to the
windows with double intersecting lines. Draw the door as shown.
Create the railing with double vertical lines. Add a plant with

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curved lines. Finish the patio tile with straight intersecting lines.
Sketch a second line on the inside of the patio door, the right-hand
side of the adjoining window, and around the outer roof.

Step 5: Shade the roof and chimney with diagonal lines. Add
curved lines to the gutters. Draw diagonal lines by the door and
crisscross lines by the arched window. Add texture to the plant
with diagonal lines.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time,
keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

Whether youre a budding architect, a fan of national landmarks, or

just love to draw, learning how to draw buildings is great challenge
and a lot of fun. With the help of our simple instructions, an
understanding of perspective, and plenty of practice, you can bring
these amazing buildings to life.

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