11 Tips for Realistic Backgrounds: A Guide

Published on 10 July 2023 11 min read

7. Incorporate Weather Elements

Drawing backgrounds might seem like a daunting task at first, but once you know the right steps, you'll see it's just like learning to ride a bike—you'll get the hang of it in no time. This guide will walk you through 11 handy tips on how to draw a background that's realistic and captivating. So, grab your favorite drawing tools, and let's get started!

1. Observe and Analyze

Before you put pen to paper, take some time to study the environment around you. Observe your surroundings, the way objects relate to each other, and how they fill up space. This observation stage is an essential part of learning how to draw a background.

When observing, pay attention to:

Shapes: What forms can you spot? Are they geometric or organic?
Spacing: How are the objects arranged? Do they seem crowded or spaced out?
Size: How big are the objects in relation to each other?

For example, if you're in a park, you might notice the tall, vertical shapes of trees and how they dwarf the small, round shapes of bushes. You might also see how the trees are spaced out evenly while the bushes cluster together. These observations will add realism to your background drawing.

Analysis doesn't stop at physical observation. You also need to understand the mood and atmosphere of the scene. Is it a serene morning with soft sunlight filtering through the trees, or a lively afternoon with children playing and birds chirping? This will influence the colors and textures you use in your background.

Remember, observation and analysis is the first and one of the most important steps in learning how to draw a background. So, take your time during this stage—it's worth it!

2. Choose the Right Tools

Now that you've observed and analyzed your environment, it's time to choose the right tools for your drawing. The tools you select will depend on the kind of background you're aiming to draw. The good news is, there is no "right" or "wrong" tool—it all boils down to your personal preference.

Here's a brief rundown of some common tools used in background drawing:

Pencils: For starters, pencils are a great option. They come in a variety of hardness levels—from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest). For crisp, fine lines, opt for harder pencils (H). If you're after rich, dark tones, softer pencils (B) are your best bet.
Colored Pencils: If you're aiming for a vibrant, colorful background, consider using colored pencils. Prismacolor and Faber-Castell are popular brands known for their high-quality colored pencils.
Markers: Markers are excellent for bold, intense colors and are available in a range of tip sizes. Copic markers, for instance, are a favorite among many artists.
Paints: If you're a fan of traditional painting, watercolors or acrylic paints can add a unique touch to your backgrounds. Brands like Winsor & Newton and Golden offer a wide range of colors.

Remember, the key to mastering how to draw a background is to experiment with different tools and find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to mix and match—for example, you could use markers for the main elements and colored pencils to add fine details.

But, no matter what tools you choose, make sure to take care of them. Keep your pencils sharp, your paints fresh, and your markers stored horizontally to prolong their life. After all, a craftsman is only as good as his tools!

3. Master Perspective Drawing

Ever wondered how artists create a sense of depth in their drawings? The secret lies in mastering perspective drawing. Understanding perspective is vital when learning how to draw a background— it brings a 3-dimensional feel to your 2D artwork.

In essence, perspective drawing is all about portraying objects as they appear to the human eye. That means things closer to us look larger, and those farther away look smaller. Here are a few fundamental concepts:

Horizon Line: Think of it as your eye level—the line where the sky meets the ground. Everything above this line is the sky, and everything below is the ground.
Vanishing Points: These are points on the horizon line where parallel lines seem to converge. In a one-point perspective drawing, there's one vanishing point. In a two-point perspective, there are two, and so on.
Converging Lines: These are lines that move towards a vanishing point. They create the illusion of depth and distance.

Seems a bit complicated? Don't worry! With a bit of practice, you'll get the hang of it. Start by drawing simple shapes—like a cube or a cylinder— in perspective. Once you're comfortable with that, you can move on to complex scenes.

Remember, the aim of perspective drawing is not to create a perfect representation of reality but to evoke a sense of realism. So, don't stress over getting every single detail perfect. As long as your drawing feels "right" to the viewer, you're on the right track!

4. Learn Color Theory

Color is like the spice of a drawing—it can transform a flat, dull sketch into a vibrant, captivating scene. Understanding color theory is a crucial step if you're figuring out how to draw a background that feels lifelike.

At its core, color theory is the science and art of using color. It explains how colors mix, how they interact, and how they can be used to create certain feelings or moods. Here's a quick rundown of some basic concepts:

Hue: Another name for color. Red, blue, yellow, green — these are all hues.
Value: The lightness or darkness of a color. Adding white to a hue lightens its value, creating a tint. Adding black darkens it, creating a shade.
Saturation: The intensity or purity of a color. A highly saturated color is vivid and bright, while a desaturated color appears dull and grayish.
Warm and Cool Colors: Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) are energetic and advance in space, while cool colors (blue, green, purple) are calming and recede in space.

Color can play a huge role in setting the mood and atmosphere of a scene. A sunset scene might use warm, bright hues to evoke a feeling of peace and tranquility. A cityscape at night might use cool, desaturated colors to create a sense of quiet and stillness.

Don't be afraid to play around with color in your backgrounds! Experimenting with different color schemes and combinations can lead to some truly stunning results.

5. Practice Light and Shadow

Learning how to draw a background isn't just about the objects and elements you include—it's also about how those elements are lit. Understanding how light and shadow work can make your backgrounds feel more three-dimensional and realistic.

Here's a simple fact: without light, we wouldn't be able to see anything. Light helps us understand the shapes, sizes, and locations of objects. Shadows, on the other hand, give us clues about the direction and intensity of light.

Let's take a look at some basic principles of light and shadow:

Light Source: All light comes from a source. In your drawings, you need to decide where that source is. Is it the sun? A lamp? The moon? The direction of your light source will affect how shadows are cast.
Shadow: Shadows are created when light is blocked by an object. They help to define the form of the object and give an indication of the light's direction.
Highlight: The part of an object that is directly facing the light source is called the highlight. It's usually the lightest part of the object.
Shading: This is the process of adding tonal values to your drawing to suggest light and shadow. It helps to give your objects a sense of volume and depth.

Light and shadow might seem a little tricky at first, but with a bit of practice, you'll start to get the hang of it. And the more you practice, the better you'll become at creating realistic, believable backgrounds.

6. Add Texture Details

Now that we've looked at light and shadow, let's move onto another key aspect of learning how to draw a background— texture details.

What do I mean by texture? Imagine you're walking along a beach. You can feel the rough sand under your feet, see the smooth shells, and touch the craggy rocks. These are all examples of texture. In your drawings, texture helps to make your backgrounds more realistic and engaging.

Here's a fun fact: Our brains are actually wired to recognize textures. So when you add texture to your drawings, you're tapping into a powerful tool that can make your work more relatable and immersive.

So how do you add texture to your drawings? Here are a few tips:

Use Reference Images: If you're not sure how to draw a certain texture, look up some reference images. These can be a great guide when you're starting out.
Experiment with Different Techniques: There are many different ways to create texture in your drawings. You could use hatching, stippling, or even try out different types of pencil strokes.
Pay Attention to Detail: When you're adding texture, the devil is in the details. Take your time and really focus on capturing those little nuances that make each texture unique.

Remember, adding texture is a skill that takes time to develop. But with a bit of patience and a lot of practice, you'll soon find that it becomes second nature. And when you master it, you'll be well on your way to learning how to draw a background that really stands out.

7. Incorporate Weather Elements

Weather, believe it or not, plays a big role in how to draw a background. Let's see why.

Imagine for a moment you're creating a scene set in Seattle, Washington. Now, if you know anything about Seattle, you'll know that it's famous for its rain. So, to create a realistic background, you'd want to incorporate that wet weather into your drawing, right?

That's where weather elements come in. They can set the mood, give a sense of time and place, and add a layer of realism to your backgrounds. And the best part? There are so many different weather elements to choose from!

You could draw a bright, sunny day in Los Angeles, California, a snowy afternoon in Aspen, Colorado, or even a stormy evening in Miami, Florida. The possibilities are endless!

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Use References: If you're not sure how to draw a certain weather element, look up some reference images. They can be a great starting point.
Think About the Impact on the Scene: Weather can change the look and feel of a scene. For instance, rain can make things look darker and more reflective, while sunshine can create strong shadows and bright highlights.
Add Some Drama: Don't be afraid to use weather to add a bit of drama to your scenes. A bolt of lightning, a swirl of snowflakes, or a gust of wind can really bring your background to life.

So go ahead, let your creativity run wild! Incorporating weather elements into your backgrounds is not just fun, but it's also a great way to show off your artistic skills. And remember, the more you practice, the better you'll get at knowing how to draw a background that truly captures the essence of a scene.

8. Integrate Natural Elements

Now that we've discussed weather, let's move on to another key aspect of how to draw a background - integrating natural elements. These can include trees, mountains, rivers, or even a field of wildflowers.

Let's say you're creating a serene scene set in Yosemite National Park, California. By adding towering trees, a rushing river, and perhaps El Capitan in the background, you're not only making your drawing more realistic but also telling a story about the place.

Here are some tips to effectively integrate natural elements into your background:

Use References: Just like with weather, reference images can be a big help when you're unsure how to draw a particular natural element.
Consider the Scale: Remember, things in the background should appear smaller than those in the foreground to create a sense of depth. So, that mountain in the distance should be smaller than the tree up close.
Don't Forget the Details: Details can make or break your drawing. The texture of the bark on a tree, the ripples in a river, or the way light hits a mountain peak can add realism to your background.

By integrating natural elements, you're not only learning how to draw a background, but you're also developing an eye for detail and an appreciation for the natural world. So, the next time you're out and about, take a moment to observe the natural elements around you. You never know what might inspire your next drawing!

9. Create Depth with Layering

Creating depth is a vital skill when you want to know how to draw a background that feels like it extends beyond the confines of the page. It brings your art to life, making it feel like a living, breathing world. The secret to creating this illusion? Layering.

Imagine you're drawing a bustling cityscape like New York. You have skyscrapers, streets, and people. But how do you make it feel like the city extends beyond what the eye can see? By layering your elements.

Here's how you can create depth with layering:

Start with the Background: Begin with what's farthest away, like the skyline. This acts as the base layer.
Move to the Midground: Next, draw elements that are closer, like buildings and streets. These are your midground layers.
Finish with the Foreground: Finally, draw the elements closest to the viewer, like people or cars. This is your foreground layer.

By working this way, each layer adds detail and complexity to your drawing, creating a sense of depth. And remember, objects in the background are generally smaller and less detailed than those in the foreground.

Creating depth with layering can take some practice, but it's worth the effort. It can truly transform your art, making it feel like a window into another world.

10. Experiment with Styles

One of the most exciting parts of learning how to draw a background is the freedom to experiment with different styles. Each style brings a unique flavor to your work—like adding different spices to your favorite dish. And just like cooking, there's no one right way to do it. You have to explore, experiment, and find what works best for you.

Maybe you're drawn to the crisp lines and bold colors of comic book art. Or perhaps you prefer the soft, dreamy quality of watercolors. From the gritty realism of noir to the whimsical charm of children's books, there are countless styles to try.

Here's a simple way to start experimenting with styles:

Study Different Styles: Look at various art styles that catch your eye. Notice the details—what do they do differently?
Try Imitating: Try to reproduce a background in the style you chose. This isn't about copying, but understanding the techniques and principles of that style.
Blend and Adapt: Start incorporating elements from different styles into your own work. Mix and match until you find a style that feels like your own.

Remember, this isn't about finding the "best" style. It's about finding the style that speaks to you and helps you express your vision. So, go ahead, dip your brush (or pencil) into the vast palette of styles out there and start creating!

11. Practice makes Perfect

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, remember that practice is key when learning how to draw a background. Drawing is much like playing a musical instrument or learning to dance. You can't expect to play Mozart on your first day, or nail a pirouette on your first ballet lesson. It's the same with drawing—you won't create a masterpiece on your first try, and that's okay.

Here's the thing: every artist, from Michelangelo to Picasso, started with a simple line. What set them apart is the time and effort they put into their craft. So, don't get discouraged if your first few attempts at drawing a background don't turn out the way you hoped. It's all part of the process.

Here are some practical tips to help you keep practicing:

Set Aside Time: Just like any skill, drawing requires regular practice. Try to set aside a specific time each day or week for drawing.
Draw What You See: Practice drawing backgrounds from life. Go to a park, a café, or just sit in your backyard. Draw what you see around you.
Have Fun: Don't forget to enjoy the process! Experiment with different tools, styles, and techniques. Make your practice sessions something you look forward to.

Remember, every artist has their own journey. Don't compare your progress to others'. Instead, focus on your own development. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and soon you'll see your backgrounds come to life. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your drawing tools and get started!

If you enjoyed our blog post on creating realistic backgrounds, don't miss the workshop 'How to Draw Beautiful Character Designs from Scratch' by Trey Zimmerman. This workshop will help you complement those stunning backgrounds with equally captivating characters, taking your art to new heights!