11 Practical Tips for Drawing Realistic Backgrounds

Published on 10 July 2023 11 min read

3. Learn about Light and Shadow

7. Practice Drawing Different Materials

9. Experiment with Different Tools

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, wondering how to draw a background that brings your main subject to life? You're not alone. Many budding artists grapple with this challenge. Drawing realistic backgrounds can seem daunting, but with the right approach and a bit of practice, you can master it. Here are 11 practical tips that will guide you on your journey to creating backgrounds that add depth and realism to your art pieces. Let's dive in!

1. Start with a Basic Sketch

Every grand masterpiece begins with a simple sketch, and your background is no different. Starting with a basic sketch is like laying the foundation for a house—it gives you a solid base to build on. Here's how you can do it:

Observe your surroundings: Look around you. What do you see? If you're drawing an outdoor scene, notice the trees, the way the light hits the leaves, the shadow the buildings cast. If it's an indoor scene, pay attention to the furniture, the light fixtures, and even the smallest of details like the texture of the wallpaper.
Sketch lightly: Use a light hand to draw the basic shapes and outlines. This makes it easier to erase and adjust as you refine your sketch. Remember, this isn't about perfection—it's about getting a sense of the overall layout.
Include main elements: While your focus is on how to draw a background, don't forget to sketch out the main subject of your drawing. This will help you understand how the elements in the background interact with your main subject.

Starting with a basic sketch might seem like a small step, but it's a game-changer in how to draw a background. It provides a roadmap for your drawing and ensures that all elements in your artwork are well-placed and cohesive.

2. Focus on Perspective

Now that you have your basic sketch in hand, it's time to turn your attention to perspective. Perspective is the art of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface—in other words, it's what gives your drawing depth and dimension. If you're pondering how to draw a background that looks realistic, mastering perspective is key. Here's how:

Understand vanishing points: Imagine you're standing on a straight road, looking into the distance. The point where the sides of the road appear to meet is called the vanishing point. In your drawings, vanishing points can help you create the illusion of depth. They guide the angle and direction of lines and shapes in your drawing.
Use horizon lines: The horizon line is where the sky meets the land or sea. It's also the eye level of the viewer. When you're figuring out how to draw a background, the horizon line helps you position objects correctly in relation to each other. Objects above the horizon line appear to be "above" the viewer, while those below it seem "below" the viewer.
Play with size and placement: Objects closer to the viewer are bigger and placed lower on the paper, while objects far away are smaller and positioned higher up. This is a simple trick to create a sense of distance in your drawing.

Getting the hang of perspective can take some time, but it's worth the effort. It's like learning to read a map—it opens up a whole new world of possibilities in your drawings. So, the next time you're wondering how to draw a background that breathes life into your artwork, remember to play with perspective!

3. Learn about Light and Shadow

Light and shadow play a significant role in adding depth and realism to your drawing. If you're figuring out how to draw a background that looks life-like, you'll want to get a good handle on this. But don't worry—it's not as hard as it might seem at first glance. Let's break it down:

Identify your light source: Before you start shading, decide where your light is coming from. This will determine where the highlights (brightest areas) and shadows (darkest areas) go in your drawing.
Shade with care: Start with a light hand and gradually build up your shading. Remember, it's easier to add darkness than it is to take it away. Your pencil isn't just a drawing tool—it's like a magic wand that can create light and shadow on your page.
Understand cast shadows: These are shadows that objects throw on the ground or onto other objects. Cast shadows are generally darker and sharper near the object, and they become lighter and blurrier as they move away.

As you're learning how to draw a background, don't be afraid to experiment with light and shadow. Try drawing at different times of the day, under different lighting conditions. You'll be amazed at how much difference a change in light can make in your drawing.

And remember: even the most subtle shifts in light and shadow can transform a flat, two-dimensional sketch into a vibrant, realistic scene. So, pick up that pencil and let there be light—and shadow—in your drawings!

4. Play with Texture

When you're figuring out how to draw a background, adding texture can kick your artwork up a notch. Texture gives your drawing a tangible, touchable quality that pulls viewers in. Let's dive right into the fun world of textures:

Observe and study: The first step to mastering texture is observation. Notice the way different materials look and feel—the roughness of a tree bark, the smoothness of a marble surface, the softness of a fluffy cloud. Every detail counts when you're aiming for realism.
Experiment with techniques: Try different pencil strokes to create different textures. Cross-hatching, stippling, or simple shading—each technique has its unique effect. The key is to match the technique with the texture you're trying to create.
Use a variety of pencils: Different pencils can create different effects. For instance, a 4B pencil can help you create a rough texture, while a 2H pencil is great for smoother surfaces. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to get the effect you want.

Remember, texture isn't just about what you can see—it's about what you can feel. When you draw a background, you're not just creating a visual experience—you're creating a sensory one. So, go ahead, get your hands dirty and play around with textures. Your drawings will thank you for it!

5. Use the Rule of Thirds

Now that we've got texture down, it's time to talk about composition. When considering how to draw a background, it's crucial that we don't forget the rule of thirds. This rule is a classic in the world of art and photography, and for a good reason—it helps create balanced and engaging images.

But how does it work? Picture your drawing divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The rule of thirds suggests that you place the most important elements of your drawing along these lines, or at the points where they intersect.

Place key elements: If you're drawing a landscape, for example, you might place the horizon line along one of the horizontal lines instead of directly in the middle of the page. This gives your drawing a sense of balance and depth.
Create dynamic balance: Placing elements off-center can make your image more dynamic and interesting to the viewer. It invites the viewer's eye to move around the image, creating a more engaging experience.
Plan your composition: Using the rule of thirds can help you plan your composition before you start drawing. By deciding where your key elements will go, you can ensure a well-composed background.

Applying the rule of thirds might feel a bit mechanical at first, but with time, it'll become second nature. You'll start seeing your surroundings in terms of this rule, which will make drawing backgrounds—a breeze!

6. Pay Attention to Detail

Details, details, details! When it comes to figuring out how to draw a background, the devil truly is in the details. Capturing those little elements that others might overlook can make your art stand out and feel alive.

But what does paying attention to detail mean, exactly? Well, let's break it down:

Observe Closely: Look around you. Really look. See the way leaves are shaped, the way the grass looks under different light, and how shadows play on a brick wall. Details are everywhere. You just need to train your eyes to see them.
Include Textures: We touched on this earlier, but it's worth repeating. Texture is a form of detail. The roughness of tree bark, the smoothness of a glass window, the grain of a wooden door—all these add depth to your background.
Draw What You See, Not What You Know: This is a big one. Often, our brains trick us into drawing what we think we know, rather than what we actually see. For example, we know that a tree trunk is brown, but in reality, it might have shades of gray, green, or even blue depending on the lighting and environment.

Remember, details don't mean you have to draw every single leaf on a tree. It's about capturing the essence of what you see. So the next time you're wondering how to draw a background, take a moment, observe, and let the details lead your hand.

7. Practice Drawing Different Materials

When it comes to the question of how to draw a background, you'll find that materials matter. Whether it's the shiny surface of a car, the velvety petals of a flower, or the rough texture of a stone wall, each material has its unique characteristics that you'll want to capture in your drawings.

Here's a game plan to help you master the art of drawing different materials:

Start with Simple Materials: Begin with materials that are easier to draw like paper or cloth. These materials have less complex textures and are great for honing your basic drawing skills.
Move on to More Complex Materials: Once you're comfortable with simpler materials, try your hand at more complex ones like metal, glass, or water. These materials can be challenging due to their reflective properties, but don't let that deter you. Practice makes perfect!
Experiment with Lighting: Lighting can drastically change how a material looks. Try drawing the same material under different lighting conditions to understand how light and shadows affect its appearance.
Use Reference Images: When in doubt, use a reference. Look at photos of the material you're trying to draw or better yet, if possible, examine it in person. Notice the details, the texture, the way light interacts with it. Then, try to replicate those characteristics in your drawing.

Remember, the goal isn't to create a photorealistic drawing (unless that's what you're aiming for). It's to capture the essence of the material. So grab your sketchbook and start practicing. After all, knowing how to draw a background means knowing how to draw a variety of materials.

8. Draw from Life

How to draw a background that breathes life? The answer is simple - draw from life. Drawing from life is a fantastic way to infuse your artwork with a sense of realism that's hard to achieve otherwise. It allows you to study objects and environments in their natural state, capturing details and nuances that might be missed in a photograph.

Here are a few steps you can follow for successful life drawing:

Choose Your Subject: From a vase of flowers to a bustling city street, select a scene that interests you. The more engaged you are with your subject, the more likely you are to stick with it.
Observe: Take your time to really look at your subject. Notice the shapes, colors, and textures. Pay attention to the light source and how it casts shadows. These details will add depth and realism to your background.
Start Sketching: Begin with a basic sketch to capture the overall structure and layout of your subject. Don't worry about the details at this stage. The goal is to get the general form and perspective right.
Add Details: Once you're happy with your basic sketch, start adding in the details. Again, pay close attention to light and shadow as they can make or break the realism of your drawing.

Drawing from life might seem intimidating at first, but with practice, you'll find it becomes easier and truly rewarding. It's a direct and engaging way to answer the question of how to draw a background that feels alive and real.

9. Experiment with Different Tools

When it comes to figuring out how to draw a background, the tools you use can make a world of difference. Each tool brings its own unique character and quality to your artwork and can help you achieve different effects.

Here's a rundown of a few tools you might want to experiment with and what they can bring to your background drawings:

Pencils: Probably the most common drawing tool, pencils are perfect for sketching out your initial ideas. They come in a variety of hardness levels, allowing you to create different effects. For instance, a softer pencil (like a 6B) is great for darker lines and shading, while a harder pencil (like a 2H) offers lighter, more precise lines.
Charcoal: Charcoal is excellent for creating rich, dark tones. It's a bit messy but can add a dramatic touch to your backgrounds, especially when you're drawing a night scene or deep shadows.
Colored Pencils: When you're ready to introduce color into your backgrounds, colored pencils are a great option. They allow for precision and are excellent for building up layers of color.
Markers: If you're after bold, vibrant colors, markers are a great choice. They can also be used for more subtle effects by using lighter touches or blending different colors together.

Remember, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' tool when you're figuring out how to draw a background. It's all about finding what works best for you and your unique style. So go ahead, get your hands on some different tools and start experimenting!

10. Try Digital Drawing

In our digital age, learning how to draw a background isn't limited to traditional pen and paper. Digital drawing is another avenue you can explore and it comes with its own set of benefits.

First off, digital drawing tools often come with undo buttons—something traditional drawing methods can't offer. Made a mistake? Just hit undo and it's like it never happened. It can be a huge confidence booster when you're just starting out and are worried about making mistakes.

Layers: One of the biggest advantages of digital drawing is the ability to use layers. You can draw each element of your background on a separate layer and then adjust them individually without affecting the rest of your drawing. It's kind of like having a magic eraser that only works where you want it to.
Color & Texture: Digital tools often come with a vast array of colors and textures that would be hard to achieve with traditional methods. You can experiment with different backgrounds, color schemes, and textures until you find the one that hits just right.
Zoom: Want to work on the tiny details of your background? With digital drawing, you can zoom in to work on the minutiae without straining your eyes.

Digital drawing can seem intimidating at first, especially if you're used to traditional methods. But give it a try—you might find it's your new favorite way to draw backgrounds!

11. Keep Practicing

The most important tip in learning how to draw a background is to keep practicing. Like any other skill, drawing takes time and practice to master. The more you draw, the better you'll get. It's as simple as that.

Don't be too hard on yourself if your first few backgrounds don't look exactly how you envisioned. Remember, every artist starts somewhere. Even the most realistic backgrounds you see were once just a beginner's sketch.

Start Small: Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to create a complex background right from the start. Begin with simple shapes and scenes. As your skills improve, you can gradually work your way up to more complex backgrounds.
Experiment: Don't stick to one style or technique. Try different methods, use different tools, and explore various styles. You'll learn a lot along the way and might even discover a style you truly enjoy.
Persevere: There will be times when you'll feel frustrated or stuck. It's part of the learning process. Don't give up. Take a break if you need to, but then get back to it. With time and practice, you'll start seeing progress.

Remember, the journey to learning how to draw a background is a marathon, not a sprint. So, keep those pencils (or stylus) moving and keep practicing. Your hard work will pay off in the end with beautiful, realistic backgrounds that you can be proud of.

If you're looking to improve your drawing skills even further, don't miss the workshop 'How to Draw Beautiful Character Designs from Scratch' by Trey Zimmerman. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning character designs that will complement your realistic backgrounds and take your artwork to new heights.