The roar of the engine, the metallic screech of the tracks, the looming silhouette on the horizon… World War tanks were formidable weapons, dominating battlefields and changing the course of history. But beyond their destructive power lies a fascinating design and a wealth of detail that makes them intriguing subjects for artists. Do you want to learn how to capture the essence of these armored behemoths on paper? This guide will take you through the process, step by step, so that you too can create your own impressive tank drawings. Whether you’re a budding artist, a history buff, or simply curious, this guide will provide a clear path to drawing a World War tank.
Getting Ready: What You’ll Need
Before we embark on this artistic journey, let’s gather our supplies. You don’t need an expensive art kit to get started. The beauty of drawing lies in its simplicity.
You’ll require:
- A pencil: A standard graphite pencil, such as an HB or a 2B, works perfectly well. Experiment with different grades later; harder pencils are good for light sketching and softer ones for darker lines and shading.
- An eraser: A good quality eraser is essential for removing mistakes and refining your lines. A kneaded eraser is especially helpful for lifting graphite and creating highlights.
- Paper: Any paper suitable for drawing will do. Sketchbooks are great for practice and experimentation. Drawing paper, with a bit more tooth, will make you drawing more detailed.
- A ruler (optional): A ruler can be a great aid for drawing straight lines and getting accurate proportions, especially in the initial stages.
- Optional enhancements: If you want to take your drawing further, consider having colored pencils, markers, or pens to add color and detail.
Now that we have our tools, let’s start the creative process!
Crafting the Foundation: Forming the Basic Shape
The foundation of any good drawing is the basic shape. Let’s begin with the body of the tank. Think of this as a large, rectangular box, but with a few variations.
Start by sketching a rectangle. The proportions of this rectangle will determine the overall look of your tank. If you are drawing a tank like the Sherman, the body is relatively low and wide. For a tank like the Tiger, it is taller. Remember, tanks come in various shapes and sizes, so the specific dimensions of your initial rectangle will vary.
Next, soften the edges of the rectangle. The corners of a tank are rarely sharp. Round them off slightly to give the impression of armored plates. You might also consider adding a slight upward or downward angle to the top of the rectangle, again depending on the specific tank you are aiming for. The goal at this stage is to get a general idea of the tank’s overall form.
Keep your lines light. We want to sketch here. This allows us to make corrections easily. The key here is to capture the essential form, the essence of the tank’s armored body. Don’t worry too much about perfect lines; the goal is the general shape.
Rolling Into Place: The Tracks
The tracks are another crucial element that defines a tank. They’re complex, but you can simplify them initially.
Draw a rough shape beneath the main body of the tank, generally following the contours of the lower part of your base rectangle. This represents the tracks. You can think of this as a series of linked wheels or continuous treads.
For a simplified approach, you can draw a slightly curved shape for each track. The tracks generally follow the shape of the base of the tank. You can imagine a wheel inside the track as a guide.
To give a more realistic look, add some detail to the tracks. The tracks are not smooth; they have teeth or grooves for traction. These can be drawn as small, evenly spaced rectangles or parallelograms. The details may not always be clear in the finished image, but giving the illusion of them will drastically improve your drawing.
Consider the perspective. If the tank is facing you directly, the tracks will appear relatively straight. If the tank is at an angle, the tracks will converge slightly towards a vanishing point. Pay attention to this to give your drawing depth.
The Turret: The Weapon’s Home
The turret is the rotating part of the tank that houses the main gun. Its shape is a defining characteristic of the tank model.
Sketch the turret on top of the body. The turret is usually elevated above the body. The shape will depend on the tank you are drawing. Some turrets are cylindrical, others are angular. Researching the specific tank model you’re aiming for will help you in this process. For instance, the Sherman has a more rounded turret, while the Tiger has a more boxy one.
Consider the placement of the turret. Is it centered, or is it slightly offset? Is it positioned near the front or the rear of the tank? This is another key visual aspect. Think about the angle you want the turret to face. A slight angle will make your drawing more dynamic.
The Gun: The Pointy Part
Now for the main armament. The gun is the weapon that defines a tank’s destructive potential.
Draw the gun extending from the turret. The gun is generally a long, cylindrical shape. Consider the length and diameter of the gun in relation to the rest of the tank. A longer gun often indicates a tank with a more powerful weapon.
The end of the gun might have a muzzle brake. A muzzle brake is a device at the end of the gun that redirects propellant gases to reduce recoil. You may need to research this detail to reflect the tank you are trying to draw.
The gun may have a slight upward or downward angle, depending on its elevation.
Refining the Beast: Details and Refinement
With the basic shapes in place, it’s time to add the details that bring your tank to life.
Start by adding hatches, periscopes, lights, and tools. These smaller elements add complexity and realism to your drawing. Look at reference images of the specific tank model you are drawing and try to incorporate these details.
Think about the textures. The tank’s surface is not perfectly smooth; it’s made of metal plates, with seams, rivets, and sometimes weld marks. These details add to the realism of your drawing.
Shading and highlights can also bring depth and dimension. By adding shadows and highlights, you can create the illusion of three dimensions. Consider where the light source is coming from and how it will affect the shadows and highlights on your tank.
Use your eraser to refine the lines and erase any unnecessary construction lines. This will make your drawing look cleaner and more professional.
Enhancing the Design: Color and Finishing
If you want, adding color can bring your tank drawing to the next level.
Experiment with different colors and camouflage patterns. During World War II, tank colors and camouflage patterns varied widely. Research these and choose the colors that you like.
Adding a background will put your tank into context. It can be a battlefield scene, a training area, or whatever you wish.
Tips for Success
Practice is Key: The more you practice, the better you will get. Don’t be discouraged if your first drawing isn’t perfect. Keep practicing, and you will see your skills improve.
Use References: Always use reference images when drawing. There are numerous photos, drawings, and diagrams of World War tanks available online. These references will help you get the proportions and details correct.
Start Simple: If you are a beginner, start with a simple tank design. The Sherman tank, for example, is relatively easy to draw.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different drawing styles and techniques. Have fun with it!
Learn from Mistakes: Each drawing is a learning experience. Analyze your mistakes and try to correct them in your next drawing.
Drawing Variations: Experimenting with Styles
Different tanks present different challenges, but the core techniques remain the same. The basic shapes will vary, and understanding the specific features of each tank will be essential.
Different Tank Models: Once you feel comfortable with the basic steps, try drawing different types of tanks. The Panther tank, the T-34, the Churchill, and many more offer opportunities to explore their distinct designs.
Different Art Styles: Experiment with different art styles. You can try realistic drawings or create more stylized versions. Consider using cross-hatching, stippling, or other shading techniques.
Final Thoughts
Drawing a World War tank might seem complicated, but by breaking it down into simple steps, it becomes much more manageable. This guide provides a solid foundation. You can create drawings of tanks from this era and improve your skills with practice. Remember to study references, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the creative process. Your passion for art and history is the greatest tool in this process!
So, pick up your pencil, and start drawing your very own World War tank! Perhaps you’ll next explore how to draw tanks used in the Korean War or the Vietnam War.
