This tutorial teaches you how to draw multiple cylinders in perspective, focusing on the top surfaces and spatial relations. Perfect for designers and artists wanting to enhance their understanding of 3D volumes in scenes like a cityscape or machinery.
What we have here are two circles sharing the same center, like a camera lens. Now it’s time to draw these in perspective using a simple technique and avoid common beginner mistakes.
Symmetry and Minor Axis
Make sure that both ellipses share the same symmetry axis, also called the minor axis. This is the shortest distance of the ellipse. The measure axis is the longest and should be perpendicular to the minor axis.
Common Mistakes in Ellipse Alignment
Make sure both measure axes are not aligned, which is a common mistake. In perspective, ellipses do not share the same measure axis.
One-Point Perspective Setup
Look at a one-point perspective setup. Feel free to watch the previous lesson about how to draw an ellipse in perspective. A circle fits inside a square, and a circle in perspective appears as a perfect ellipse.
Drawing Ellipses on Square Faces
For both squares in perspective, draw one ellipse each. In the front view, minor and major axes go to the same center, but in perspective, this is no longer true. The measure axis is slightly below center.
Drawing the Bigger Ellipse
Now we draw the bigger ellipse. The measure axis is not centered in the square. Remember that the measure axis is the longest distance and the symmetry axis is perpendicular. Both ellipses are not aligned in perspective.
Conclusion and Practice Reminder
That’s it for today. See you for the next video, Part B. The golden rule is to ensure all your minor axes go in the same direction and all cylinders remain symmetrical, as you saw in Part A.
Below are the steps in picture ! 🙂
Get started with the Designer Starter Kit (Including basic perspective tutorials)Both circles share the same center, such as this camera lens for example.In perspective, both ellipses share the same symmetry axis – also called the Minor axis. The minor axis is the shortest distance of the ellipse.Each ellipse has its respective major axis. The Major axis is the other symmetry axis of the ellipse and also the longest distance.Minor axis and Major axis are ALWAYS perpendicular each other. No matter what. 🙂The common beginner mistake is to draw both ellipses aligned.Make sure you watched this previous lesson video about How to draw ellipses in perspective.Rule: A circle fit in a square + A circle in perspective become an ellipse.From the front view: Both Major and Minor axis (blue lines) join in the middle.But in perspective, the MAJOR axis does NOT cross the center.Remember, in perspective both ellipses are not aligned through the Major axis.Click here to watch the Part B (Coming soon), and get ready to draw multiple cylinders!
Hello! I'm Chou-Tac, a Product Designer from France.
If the sketching methods I’ve acquired aid me in my life and in my industrial design career, I believe that they can also help you reach your dream goal as a student or professional designer.
Leave a comment in the blog or send me an email at choutac@thedesignsketchbook.com : )
[…] and simplified geometric forms, such as squares, cubes, and cylinders. […]
Very useful tip, Chou Tac. Thanks for the explanation. I will keep this in mind.
Hello Rene ! 😀
Glad it helps. Have you watched the Part B as well ?
See yah!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac