How to Draw a Cityscape

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Drawing a whole cityscape sounds difficult, right? It's actually very simple--follow these four steps to make a realistic cityscape of your own.

Steps

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    Draw a line forming the outline of the buildings. Only use straight lines going up and down, making buildings of many different sizes. Really try to have variety amongst your buildings, or else your cityscape will be pretty uninteresting.
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    This will add depth and perspective to your cityscape; just make sure you keep everything in proportion and if you mess up, erase very carefully so as to not smudge any part of the other sketched row.
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    If you add more rows of buildings, remember that the farther they are into the distance, the brighter the shade of grey they need to be.
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    Use rectangles and squares to mimic the windows. Put many together in groups for larger buildings to make them look like apartments, and for warehouses and similar structures don't add any light at all.
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  • Question
    How can I draw a realistic cityscape?
    Community Answer
    Adding details will make your cityscape more realistic. Focus on adding textures and working with light and shadows to really make it come alive.
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  • Question
    How can I emphasize a single building?
    Community Answer
    Try to make the outside lines on the building thicker, or the colors brighter.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 27 Helpful 31
  • Question
    Do I have to use shading to make it realistic?
    RainbowSprinklesAJ
    Community Answer
    No. You can add value if you like. You can make it look whatever way you want. It's your art, so it's your choice.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 33 Helpful 22
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