These Realistic 3D Drawings Might Make You Scratch Your Eyes

A trained artist can already create detailed pencil drawings, but when they achieve a real mastery of perspective and 3D space, their art, both literally and figuratively, reaches a whole new level. Here are some examples of 3D pencil art that look like they leap off of the page at you.

While 3D art isn’t really new, the craft came back in style quite recently. For centuries, the artists shied away from realistic paintings so that they could express life behind the boundaries of “realness.” Now that technologies enhance our “realness,” the depiction of life using the 3D drawing technique comes back with gusto.

3D painting artists like Ramon Bruin, Alessandro Diddi, and Fredo represent a highly technical form of art that we very much admire here at Bored Panda. The tools they use are simple—just pencil and paper. With a whole lot of practice and dedication, you could draw something like this, too.

Scroll down to see our picks of pencil sketches and best drawings below!

3D drawing of swing on the branch

Created by Julia Barinova

3D drawing of Eiffel Tower

Created by Muhammad Ejleh

3D drawing of snake

Image credits: Ramon Bruin

How to Draw 3D Drawings?

3D drawings are actually a bit of eye trickery! By using shades, shapes, and perspective, the images on paper seem to come alive and jump right out of the page. Although it might seem like a tough skill to master, there are a couple of fairly simple techniques you can use to turn any drawing into a 3D sketch.

If your preferred medium is a pen and paper, first of all, you’ll need to learn about the one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective to create an illusion of depth. Once you’re acquainted with those basics, start with simple geometric shapes, like cubes, spheres, and cylinders, to build your skill. Shading is very important in creating this illusion. When you’re feeling confident with the simple shapes, start combining them and creating more complex 3D artworks.

If you prefer digital mediums, then you can use graphic design or 3D modeling software, like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Blender, or Autodesk Maya, just to name a few. While drawing 3D images might seem easier with this software, they require quite a bit of time to master.

No matter your preferred medium, though, 3D drawings are very fun to do once you get the hang of it! And while it might take a bit of practice, anyone can learn how to sketch 3D images.

3D drawing of fingers with nails

Created by Alessandro Diddi

3D drawing of man swimming with boat in Venice river

Created by Muhammad Ejleh

3D drawing of stairs, baby playing instrument, elephant walking

Created by Fredo

Is It Hard to Make 3D Art?

If we’re talking about the traditional pen and paper 3D drawing ideas, it isn’t very hard to learn the basic principles and practice your skill. That said, not all of us might have the necessary artistic abilities to create 3D masterpieces right away! That’s completely fine, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. You can enjoy a bit of 3D drawing without creating the next Mona Lisa.

When it comes to 3D modeling or rendering, like in video games, this form of 3D art might take a bit longer to master. First of all, you have to learn how to use the necessary software, and then you might need a custom-built computer. In the end, it’s also about your artistic ability.

3D drawing of boat

Created by Ramon Bruin

3D drawing of dinosaur

Created by Ramon Bruin

3D drawing of hand holding ring

Created by Alessandro Diddi

What is 3D Trick Art?

If the usual 3D drawings aim to recreate things and beings as real, the goal of 3D trick art is to create a distorted impression of reality. While it might not be the opposite of reality, the effect usually leaves you scratching your eyes.

You know the freaky 3D drawings where a hand is reaching out for you from a sheet of paper, a sidewalk turns into a crumbling abyss, or a huge spider sits on a wall? They are the perfect examples of 3D trick art. But before running off with complex 3D art ideas, let’s look at a few more realistic 3D art pictures on our list.

3D drawing of crocodile

Created by Vamos Art

3D drawing of dwarfs holding papers and reading

Created by Ramon Bruin

3D drawing of glasses

Created by Carmenharada

3D drawing of Wolverine jumping

Created by Iza-nagi

3D drawing of colorful lego person

Created by Muhammad Ejleh

3D drawing of elephant brokes paper wall

Created by Fredo

3D drawing of kung fu panda

Created by Iza-nagi

3D drawing of person holding cube

Created by Alessandro Diddi

3D drawing of monster eyes with tentancles

Created by Muhammad Ejleh

3D drawing of flying bird and man holding feather

Created by Ramon Bruin

3D drawing of monster with open mouth

Created by Nagai Hideyuki

3D drawing of doll brokes paper

Created by Muhammad Ejleh

Man drawing 3D snake

Created by Alessandro Diddi

3D drawing of person holding lighter

Created by Fredo

3D drawing of person surfing

Created by Alessandro Diddi

3D drawing of man looking at camera

Created by Ramon Bruin

3D drawing of monster brakes from paper

Created by Saulius Art

3D drawing of monster brakes from paper and reaches pencils

Created by Nagai Hideyuki

3D drawing of Assassin Creed character

Created by Devil of my own

3D drawing of cracked floor with pencils

Created by Ramon Bruin

3D drawing of colorful spiderman

Created by Nagai Hideyuki

Person drawing 3D drinking zebra

Image credits: Ramon Bruin

3D drawing of glass cup

Created by Gray Hood

I joined Bored Panda as an image editor back in 2014, during its early stages. It's been quite a journey since then! Over time, I transitioned through different roles until I eventually became the Content Lead. In this position, I now oversee the creation of the viral content published here on Bored Panda. While my primary focus lies in raising awareness about important social issues like gender and race equality, as well as mental health topics, I also enjoy sharing lighter content, such as memes, cat images and intriguing world curiosities. Outside of work, you'll likely find me engaged in one of five activities: planning a vacation, browsing thrift stores, experimenting in the kitchen, watching movies, or spending quality time with my two cats.

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Justė is a copywriter here at Bored Panda, and though her studies at the Veterinary Academy seemingly have nothing to do with writing, the passion for animals and nature helps in creating the most interesting and engaging posts. She also works with Search Engine Optimization, so you could find Bored Panda's articles easier. Justė's not only an avid equestrian, but she's also a walking encyclopedia. Ask her anything!

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