How to Sketch an Easy Reflection Drawing | Beginner level

DRAWING TIP-A-DAY CHALLENGE 13/30
Related article: How to draw a bottle (with a digital tablet)

How about you?

I have friends who go shopping only when
they have something specific to buy.

For me, I like to go there to find plenty of design ideas for free!
Today I found a Coffee Carafe to inspire me to show you an easy way to draw reflection.

DRAWING EASY REFLECTION ON COFFEE CARAFE

This is how on a weekend,
I’m chilling at Lock & Lock shop and found this coffee carafe.

This coffee carafe has nothing special nor innovative, but it is perfect to illustrate our DRAWING TIP-A-DAY about: Light Reflection Drawing on Glass (for beginners)!

So prepare a coffee cup, and let’s draw!

1. DRAW THE VERTICAL AXIS

The body of the carafe is symmetrical.
Start with a vertical axis to use as a symmetry axis.

2. SET THE PROPORTION WITH A FEW LINES

Spot the main dimension of the carafe adding these lines.
It helps to visualize the main form in proportion.

3. DRAW THE PROFILE WITH SYMMETRY

Draw the profile on the left, then try to replicate it “in mirror”.
If your curves are not accurate, do not hesitate to iterate if needed (Like I did)

4. DRAW THE COFFEE CARAFE ELEMENTS

Now you have the main body of the carafe, you can spend time on the “attached elements” and details.

5. SPOT THE FUNCTIONAL DETAILS

Be attentive to details.
The cover has a bottom side behind the glass.
As a beginner, we may miss this part. Do not only draw what you see.

6. DRAW SIMPLE LIGHT REFLECTION

Make the blank surface for the light reflects the most simple and smooth as possible.
Draw following the curves of the glass surface to create more 3D volume.

Can you already feel the shiny surface? : )

7. ADD TINY SPOTLIGHTS

The spotlights give a magic feel to the environment.
It’s a good idea to play with them.

In real life, they make any glass or shiny products more attractive.

8. Create a new carafe design!

To carry on practicing, apply the same sketching strategy you’ve learned to the new carafe!

The only difference between both is the twist on the proportion and profile shape. I also adapted the form of the handle.

All other steps are exactly the same. : )

9. Start drawing unlimited new designs!

All these carafes have in common to be symmetrical for the body like a bottle.
If you draw on a graphic digital tablet, you can use some practical tools to help you make your sketch neater.

Draw as many carafe forms as you wish.
They are each of them all great examples of shiny surfaces.
Practice and apply light reflection on.

10. KEEP DRAWING MORE!

Keep drawing more and more coffee carafe.
It’s literally an addictive sketching game. 🙂

You can go crazy on your designs!
I thought to draw it like an art sculpture.
It may not be that functional though.

Whatever, I had fun drawing it! : )

11. Draw dark reflects of objects

The coffee carafe is surrounded by other objects.
Simplify theirs reflects with some dark (zig-zag) lines where the carafe is the curviest.

12. Draw hatching for depth

13. Light reflection in front and behind

TIP: Draw the light reflection on the front, and also the back surface of the transparent object

Quick Hatching Background

To enhance the glass reflection, we add a distorted background behind the coffee carafe.

BONUS TIP:
BRING YOUR DRAWINGS TO LIFE!

You have total creativity on that.
Here is a coffee carafe to heat the drink.
Let’s add some steam to give it a cartoon touch.

I could have drawn some coffee beans and liquid inside the carafes.
Make your board interesting and attractive with some “contextual illustrations”.

These extra details will retain your audience, and give them a warm feel.

BONUS TIP:
GOOD COMPOSITION SERVES YOUR MESSAGE

When you choose your composition, think first about what message or feeling you want to communicate.

If you want to, I can make tutorials on presentation board composition for you to raise your chances to convince your audience for your student projects, portfolio, degree, or job.

The original quote:
“Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day.
Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime”
– Unknown author