How to Draw an Airplane Step by Step

Alexia Young 04/09/2023

3 2 minutes read

Table of Contents

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of drawing an airplane in a 3/4 view. With simple instructions and illustrated examples, you’ll be able to create your own airplane drawing in just nine easy steps.

Airplane drawing step by step
Image source: paintxwiki.com

Step 1 – Sketch the Body of the Airplane

Begin by sketching the body of the airplane. In a 3/4 view, the front of the body should be wider and gradually narrow towards the back. The rear part of the body should taper even further near the tail.

Airplane body drawing

Step 2 – Add the Wings

Next, add the wings to your drawing. The front wing, closer to the viewer, should be wider and longer, while the rear wing should be shorter and narrower. This perspective effect creates the illusion of depth. Note that a portion of the rear wing will be hidden behind the body of the plane.

Airplane wings drawing

Step 3 – Draw the Tail

Draw the “tail” of the airplane, known as the vertical stabilizer, at the upper back of the body. The tail should lean backward and be wider towards the bottom, gradually narrowing towards the top.

Vertical stabilizer drawing

Step 4 – Add the Tail Wings

Include the tail wings, also called the horizontal stabilizers, similar to the front wings. The foreground wing should be longer and wider, while the background wing should be smaller and narrower.

Horizontal stabilizers drawing

Step 5 – Sketch the Engine

Beneath the foreground wing, outline the shape of the engine. Only one engine is necessary for this view since the second engine will be hidden behind the airplane’s body. The engine should resemble a barrel-like shape.

Airplane engine drawing

Step 6 – Draw the Front Details

Now, add the details to the front of the plane and the engine. Use a curved line to indicate the tip of the nose. Incorporate the cockpit windows and draw the door, which wraps around the tube-shaped portion of the plane’s body.

Airplane front details drawing

Step 7 – Add Wing & Engine Details

To make your drawing more interesting, consider adding extra details to the wings and engine. These additional elements enhance the overall appearance of the airplane. However, you can choose to omit them for a simpler drawing.

Airplane wing and engine drawing

Step 8 – Finalize the Line Drawing

Complete the line drawing by adding passenger windows along the body of the plane. The windows should be slightly larger and rounder towards the front, gradually becoming smaller and narrower towards the back. Once finished, go over the sketch with darker pencil lines or a black pen/marker.

Airplane line drawing

Step 9 – Add Color to Your Drawing

To bring your drawing to life, consider adding some color. For this example, use shades of blue and yellow, with a grey color for the engine. Colored pencils or paints are recommended for coloring, as they provide a softer effect compared to markers.

Airplane drawing

Conclusion

Drawing a passenger jet like the one in this tutorial is not overly challenging. However, adding smaller details may require some time and patience. If you find the process time-consuming, feel free to simplify your drawing by focusing on the essential elements. Happy drawing!

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