Learn how to draw a cylinder in perspective with this 1 hr 1 min tutorial. This tutorial is broken down into six lessons, each consisting of a normal-speed video demonstration with verbal explanations of each step from start to finish. Watch and keep up with each video one step at a time, and you will feel more confident in your ability to see your drawing through to the end and successfully draw a cylinder in perspective!
Hi, I’m Jack.
I am a self-taught artist and the creator of the Let's Draw Today Club!
My experience as a first-grade teacher has taught me the value of breaking big concepts down into small, learnable steps. That is the same approach I bring to my drawing tutorials.
Whether you are a beginner or you have a bit more drawing experience, it is my goal to make helpful, step-by-step drawing tutorial videos and courses that will allow you to easily follow along, create beautiful drawings, and build your confidence in your skills and abilities to draw things you never thought you could draw before.
I look forward to sharing my passion for drawing with you here in the Let's Draw Today Club!
Sections and Lectures
Draw a Vertical Prism
Learn how to draw a cylinder by using a rectangular prism as the framework. You will use one vanishing point to draw the prism under the horizon line.
Draw Two Circles and the Sides
Learn how to draw accurate circles (or ellipses) for each end of a cylinder in one-point perspective using a ruler and some basic geometric principles.
Draw a Prism on Its Side
In this lecture, you will begin to draw a cylinder in two-point perspective. You will still begin with a prism, but this time, the cylinder will be on its side.
Draw Each End of the Cylinder
Again, you will see how to draw the circular ends from the square faces at each end of the prism, resulting in appropriate curves for the angles.
Draw a Tall Prism
For this third cylinder, we will begin by drawing a rectangular prism above the horizon line using three vanishing points.
Finish Drawing the Cylinder
Watch and draw along to finish the final cylinder, including the circle at both ends and some optional shading to give form.
Downloadable Ebook
Access the downloadable ebook version of this tutorial. This 53-page ebook allows you to learn and draw along without an Internet connection.
Downloadable Slideshow PDF
As an alternative to video and reading, scroll through this 31-picture step-by-step slideshow as you draw the cylinders from start to completion.
More References
Choose from a selection of similar reference photos for additional practice. Apply what you have learned to drawing other cylinders!
