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How to draw an open book with a pencil step-by-step drawing tutorial

Updated: 4 days ago

In today's drawing tutorial, we will learn to draw a book with a pencil step-by-step.

With this post, we are opening a category of tutorials on how to draw still life.


Step 1. Outline the contours of the book.

Start by outlining the shape of the book with straight lines. As you can see, we have to apply perspective, so the lines are not parallel; rather they aim to a point somewhere in the distance, outside of our drawing.

How to draw a book. Step 1. Outline the contours of the book.

Step 2. Add the curves for the pages to our book drawing.

Add additional curvy lines to show the pages of the book.

How to draw a book. Step 2. Add the curves for the pages to our book drawing.

Step 3. Continue adding lines to show the book binding and cover.

Draw straight lines to show the book cover on both sides.

How to draw a book. Step 3. Continue adding lines to show book binding and cover.

Step 4. Continue adding details to the book drawing.

As you can see below, you will want to draw lines to show the bookbinder. Also, start adding lines to show individual pages.

How to draw a book. Step 4. Continue adding details to the book drawing.

Step 5. Draw the pages of our book and start adding shading.

We add more curved lines to show the pages. We don't want the curved lines to be parallel to each other, as this breaks the illusion of uneven pressure on the paper when the book is open.

How to draw a book. Step 5. Draw the pages to our book and start adding shading.

Step 6. Finalizing the drawing of the book.

As you can see, we need to add shading in between the loosely lying pages on the right as there are few pages there, and they don't press against each other. Also, add shading below the book. The metal book binding ring may take a little effort to draw, but the key point here is to lay the shade alternating with the lighter part correctly. Lastly, add some scribbles on the pages to imitate writing.

How to draw a book. Step 6. Finalizing the drawing of the book.

Hope you liked our drawing tutorial! If you like our website, please also subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ImagiDraw

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