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How to Draw a Window – easy step-by-step art tutorials

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Learn how to draw a window if you are bored and unsure of what to draw. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist looking to improve your skills, mastering window drawing can be fun and rewarding.

In our step-by-step tutorials, we will break down the process into simple steps, so you can enjoy the creative way of window drawing with confidence. From gathering your materials to adding shadows and details, we’ll walk you through each stage of creating window art.

By following these easy steps and practicing regularly, you’ll be on your way to creating stunning window illustrations with fine detail in no time. So let’s get started!

Gathering Your Materials for Drawing

Before you can start drawing your windows, let’s make a list of all the necessary materials. It would be best if you had a variety of pencils in different shades, an eraser, a ruler, and some paper for sketching.

If you are a beginner struggling to make straight lines, we suggest using graph paper or dot graph paper (a free printable download). It makes drawing a rectangular shape amazingly easy.

You may also want to have some colored or watercolor pencils, brushes, and markers on hand if you plan on adding color to your artwork. 

Here is your basic list to start drawing a window:

  • high-quality sketch paper suitable for drawing and erasing;
  • download our free printable dot paper for easy practice;
  • a variety of pencils in different hardness to create lines and for shading;
  • an eraser for correcting and adding shading, halftones, and smudges;
  • ruler to help you add vanishing points, guidelines, and check proportions;
  • a variety of markers to add details and highlights.

Once you have everything you need, you can set up your workspace for the drawing process.

Setting Up Your Workspace

Find a well-lit space near the window with a comfortable desk to work on your ‘window how-to’ drawing. Make sure your workspace is clutter-free and comfortable so you can focus on creating your artwork. Once you’re settled in, you’ll be ready to sketch the basic shape of your window in the first step-by-step tutorial.

Sketching the Basic Shape of the Window

Before diving into the intricate details of your window drawing, it’s important to start by sketching out the basic rectangle shape of the window frame. This initial step will serve as the foundation for the rest of your artwork, helping you to establish proportions and layout. 

If you can draw straight lines, you are already ahead of the game! If not, don’t forget to download and use our free printable dot paper to help you master drawing straight vertical and horizontal lines.

Start with vertical lines to outline the general shape of the window on paper. Next, draw the top and the bottom of the window with horizontal lines. Once you have a solid rectangular shape to work with, you can move on to the next steps by adding details and textures to bring your drawing to life.

Adding Details and Textures to Your Drawing

Now that you have the basic shape of your window frame sketched out, it’s time to add details and textures to enhance the overall look of your drawing. Start by focusing on the smaller elements within the frame, such as the individual panes of glass or decorative accents.

Use varying line weights and techniques to create depth and dimension in your artwork. Experiment with cross-hatching, stippling, or shading to incorporate different textures and patterns. By adding these intricate details, you can make your window drawing more realistic and engaging.

This attention to detail will set the stage for the next step in your drawing process, where you will learn how to add shadows and highlights to further bring your window to life.

Adding Shadows and Highlights

This attention to detail will set the stage for the next step in your drawing process, where you will learn how to add shadows and highlights to further bring your window to life. By carefully considering the source of light outside of the window, you can determine where shadows would fall and where highlights would catch the eye. This will create a sense of realism and depth, adding another level of sophistication to your artwork. So grab your pencils and get ready to take your window drawing to the next level with shadows and highlights.

How to Draw a Window Step-by-Step with Pencil

What to learn how to draw a window step by step with a pencil?

how to draw a window step by step

Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw the basic shape of the window and add details, textures, and highlights:

Step 1:

Using a dot graph paper, draw a vertical straight line. As you can see in our example, the vertical line connects 12 dots. Next, draw one more vertical line of the same height (moving 6 dots to the right).

Find the center of the window frame and move 2 dots up. Next, connect the 2 vertical lines with a semi-circle. You have created the basic shape of the window.

Now we will add 2 shutters to our window drawing. Draw 2 more vertical lines to the left and right of the window frame following the example. Lastly, connect them using half of the semi-circle line.

Congrats, you have finished step 1!

Step 2:

We will be adding details to the center of the window frame. That part of the window is the most important part of your drawing.

First, outline the inner part of the window frame. Second, draw a vertical line that represents the middle of the window. Next, draw 3 horizontal lines to divide the window into several window panes. Lastly, outline the ‘apron’ part of the window on the bottom.

Step 3:

In this step, we will be adding more details to our window. First, draw 2 vertical lines to add thickness to the shutters. Second, finish drawing all the grilles. Window grilles are narrow strips of wood (or other material) used to separate the glass of a window into panes.

Next, add vertical lines to the shutters. Lastly, add architectural details to the top of the window.

Step 4:

In this step, outline the curtains that are visible through the glass. Finish adding vertical lines to the shutters and shading the sides.

Step 5:

First, sketch the flowers that are growing in the window box outside. Lastly, add accents with thicker lines to accentuate the parts of the window that are closest to the viewer.

Step 6:

Lastly, add details to all parts of the drawing: the window flower box, curtains, and the top of the window. Use a variety of markers with different line weights to add highlights and visual effects to your window drawing.

16 Adorable Window Drawing Ideas

Are you tired of the same old bullet journal doodles and layouts? Looking to add a touch of whimsy and creativity to your pages? Why not try your hand at drawing some adorable window doodles?

In these examples, we’ll show you how to create charming window scenes in your bullet journal with some simple tutorials. From cozy cottage windows to modern cityscape views, you’ll learn how to bring your journal to life with these step-by-step guides. So grab your pens and get ready to add a touch of artistic flair to your daily planning!

Cozy Cottage Window

Now, let’s venture into cozy cottage drawings. Cottage windows will have a charm of rustic details, shutters, flowers, and stone accents. There are a few popular options for cottage-style windows: sliding sash windows, double casement windows, or bay windows.

cozy cottage window drawing

How to Draw a Rustic Window

rustic window drawing idea

Incorporating various textures, such as stone and bricks, can bring depth and authenticity to your window drawings. Don’t be afraid to experiment and play with different materials for a truly unique effect.

Shadows and blending are essential techniques for achieving a realistic look in your drawings. Pay attention to where the light hits your subject, as this will determine where the shadows will be the darkest. As the shadows disperse and fade, you can use lighter tones to add dimension and create a more lifelike appearance.

Modern Cityscape Window

Now, let’s venture into an urban landscape with the next drawing: the Modern Window Design. This design will bring a contemporary and dynamic feel to your artwork, perfect for capturing the hustle and bustle of city life and the simplicity of modern design. Let’s add some metropolitan charm to your art journal pages. 

When practicing your modern window drawing, you’ll use lots of horizontal and vertical straight lines. Modern windows have larger window panes and are accentuated with thinner modern window frames.

Most importantly, the best artists are keen observers of objects surrounding them in everyday life. You will find lots of examples of modern windows no matter where you live.

how to draw a cityscape window

Gothic Window Drawing Ideas

Gothic windows are more challenging to draw but it is a great exercise to master architectural drawings. These stained glass windows come in 2 basic shapes: circular windows (also called rose) and tracery windows, where large panels of stained glass are held upright with decorative stonework.

gothic window drawing ides

Do you want to draw a window with a view?

Besides adding intricate architectural details and shading, you can draw a medieval street seen through the window with a one-point or two-point perspective. Furthermore, add color to your artwork using pencils or watercolors to make your drawing even more captivating.

Fancy Window Drawing

Next, we’ll transition to a classical fancy window drawing. As a part of your art studies and mastering fundamentals, pay attention to values: degree of lightness and darkness in your drawings.

The white, grey, and black range creates the illusion of light and shadow. As a result, you bring depth to your artwork.

As an artist, you know the power of perspective in bringing a drawing to life. Take a closer look – do you see how the foreground objects appear darker while the street in the background appears lighter?

This is known as aerial perspective, creating a powerful illusion of depth in your artwork. Use this technique to add dimension and realism to your drawings.

Tropical Beach Window Drawing

Imagine gazing out onto a tropical beach paradise with the next drawing idea: the Tropical Beach Window. Picture palm trees swaying in the breeze, crystal clear blue waters, and the sandy shore. This vibrant and relaxing design will transport you to a serene and calm place every time you open your art journal.

You will use a two-point perspective to draw window panes. Both vanishing points are located on a horizon line – one for each pane.

The third vanishing point is located on the horizon line in the middle. You will use it to draw the wooden deck leading to the beach.

tropical beach window drawing

Now, let’s shift gears to explore some fun and modern geometric shapes for windows.

Geometric Shapes for Windows

modern window doodles

Now, let’s shift gears to explore some fun and modern geometric shapes for windows. From simple squares and rectangles to more intricate patterns, geometric shapes can add a contemporary and stylish touch to your art or bullet journal.

Whether you prefer clean lines and symmetry or a more abstract and random arrangement, playing with geometric shapes and common objects, like cats and flowers can bring a fresh and whimsical look to your window doodles.

Cozy Window Drawing Idea

Do you want to learn how to draw a window with curtains? Check out this sketch to practice drawing a window with curtains and a flower pot.

a cozy window doddle

Incorporating charming window doodles into your bullet journal is a simple yet effective way to add creativity and personality to your pages. From cozy cottage windows to modern cityscape views, these window drawing ideas offer endless opportunities to make each drawing your own.

In conclusion, mastering the art of window drawing is achievable with the right tools and techniques at your disposal. By following our step-by-step guides for creating a basic window drawing, you can enhance your skills and create stunning artwork.

Remember to practice regularly, explore different styles, and most importantly, have fun expressing your creativity. As you continue to hone your craft, don’t forget that every stroke brings you closer to becoming a true window drawing expert.

Looking for more drawing ideas?

So, grab your pencil and pen and unleash your artistic flair on paper. Let your imagination run wild as you bring your artwork and bullet journal drawings to life, one window sketch at a time.

As you embark on this creative journey, remember: “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” (Scott Adams)

Happy drawing!