How to Draw Buildings

by the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Browse the article How to Draw Buildings

Famous Landmarks Image Gallery

Publications International, Ltd.
Love architecture? You'll love drawing buildings like this. See more pictures of famous landmarks.

You don't need to be an architect to be able to draw buildings. All sorts of buildings -- world-famous landmarks, majestic castles and cathedrals, even buildings you might find in your own neighborhood -- are here in this article, ready for you to learn how to draw.

The easy, step-by-step instructions on the following pages can turn you into an artist. Anyone can do it. All you need is a No. 2 pencil, a pencil sharpener, an eraser, and a ruler. Then you can practice drawing a castle, lighthouse, or various other buildings.

Each drawing begins with a few simple shapes in red. The second step shows the first drawing in black. The new shapes and marks you're going to add appear in red.

This shows you how to make step one's drawing look like that in step two. The following steps also show the earlier drawings in black and the new marks and shapes in red.

Draw lightly with your pencil. This makes it easier to erase mistakes and other marks that change slightly in later steps. When you have finished, use a pen or fine felt-tip marker to darken the pencil marks that make up the finished drawing. Then gently erase any remaining pencil marks.

When you are done, you will have 15 drawings showing all kinds of buildings.

If you wish, you can add color by using crayons or colored pencils or markers. You may want to cut out your drawings and tape or glue them onto colored construction paper. Then you will be able to display your collection of drawings showing all sorts of buildings. Have fun.

See all How to Draw articles.

Go to the HowStuffWorks home page.

How to Draw in Perspective

Your drawings of buildings will look more realistic if you use perspective. This is a way of drawing an object so that the drawing shows depth. A far-away object appears smaller than a close-up object, even if they are actually the same size. A drawing made in perspective will show the two objects in their correct relative sizes.

Learn how to use perspective to draw this building.

It’s easy to draw both near and far objects the correct size if you use vanishing points. If you look down a pair of railroad tracks, you can see that in the distance they appear to come together. The point at which lines that are actually parallel appear to come together is called the vanishing point.

Drawing a building requires two vanishing points -- one on each side of the building. These two points represent the point where the horizontal lines of the building would come together if they were long enough.

In this section, we'll show you how to use perspective in your drawings. You can draw the building below freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To use perspective when drawing a building, draw a straight line across the paper.

Step 1: To use perspective when drawing a simple building, draw a straight line across your paper. The line will represent the horizon, and points at either end of your line will be your vanishing points. Then draw a vertical line extending through the horizontal line to show the front corner of your building. The front corner will be the tallest edge because it is closest to you.

To continue drawing with perspective, draw a line connecting the top of the vertical line with the left-hand vanishing point.

Step 2: If you draw a straight line connecting the top of this vertical line with the left-hand vanishing point, and then draw another straight line connecting the top of the vertical line with the right-hand vanishing point, those two lines show the proper angle for the roof line. Connect the bottom of the vertical line with both ends of the horizontal line. Now you have drawn the proper angle for the bottom of the building.

To draw with perspective, draw a vertical line between the diagonal lines.

Step 3: Between these diagonal lines, draw another vertical line about halfway on either side of the center line. These are the left- and right-hand sides of the building.

To draw something parallel to the roof of the house, draw a line from the corner to the vanishing points.

Step 4: To draw something parallel to the roof line of the house -- the tops of windows, for example -- draw a line from the front corner of the building to each of the two vanishing points. This shows the correct angle for other lines parallel to the top and bottom of the building.

To finish your perspective drawing, add windows, a door, and a chimney.

Step 5: Finish the building by adding windows, a door, and a chimney. Erase unnecessary pencil marks. Now you have a realistic-looking structure that you can build on!

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get perspective right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

A lighthouse helps guide ships home. Learn how to draw a lighthouse in just four steps in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw

How to Draw People

How to Draw Dinosaurs

How to Draw Flowers and Plants

How to Draw Landscapes

How to Draw Lighthouses

Surrounded by ocean waves and sand, this lighthouse rises above the coast to guide ships in the night. Our simple instructions will guide you as you learn how to draw it.

Learn how to draw this lighthouse.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this lighthouse. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To draw a lighthouse, start by sketching a cylinder in the center of your paper.

Step 1: Sketch a cylinder in the center of your paper and a three-dimensional box to the right of it. Draw a horizontal line for the ground.

To draw a lighthouse, put a roof on the small house with angled lines.

Step 2: Add a double top to the cylinder. Draw curved lines on the cylinder as shown. Put a roof on the small house with angled lines. Add rectangles for the windows. Draw two vertical lines in each window for the shutters. Sketch the door with an incomplete rectangle. Draw uneven ovals for the rocks and a wavy line for the trees in the distant horizon.

To draw a lighthouse, draw one small and one larger rectangle on the lighthouse for windows.

Step 3: Draw a door for the lighthouse. Finish both doors and the two windows with + signs and double lines. Add doorknobs. Draw one small and one larger rectangle on the lighthouse for windows. Add vertical lines for the railing. Sketch double vertical lines and a bell-shaped figure for the top of the lighthouse. Use a squiggly line for the waves.

To finish your lighthouse drawing, texture the roof and shutter slats with horizontal lines.

Step 4: Shade the roof of the lighthouse with crisscross lines. Add more diagonal lines for the glass at the top of the lighthouse. Detail the railing with thick black lines. Add shading to the windows. Texture the roof and shutter slats on the house with horizontal lines. Shade the rocks and water.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Learn how to draw the Eiffel Tower in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw the Eiffel Tower

One of the world’s most beloved landmarks, the Eiffel Tower dazzles with its intricate construction. This drawing might look complex, but our steps make it simple.

Learn how to draw the Eiffel Tower.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw the Eiffel Tower. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To begin drawing the Eiffel Tower, draw a large triangle and split it in two vertically with another line.

Step 1: Draw a large triangle and split it in two vertically with another line. Add a long horizontal line near the bottom of the triangle for the ground.

To draw the Eiffel Tower, shape the tower with three sets of slightly angled lines.

Step 2: Draw three sets of horizontal lines as shown. Add a small arch near the top of the triangle. Shape the tower with three sets of slightly angled lines. Add a set of vertical lines to both of the lower horizontal tiers to create rectangles.

To draw the Eiffel Tower, draw two vertical lines under the arch. Connect them with a horizontal line.

Step 3: Draw two vertical lines under the arch. Connect them at the top with a horizontal line. Add a second line to each of the slightly bent lines as shown. Draw an upside-down Y in the top tier with double lines. Divide the rectangle near the center of the tower with a double horizontal line and a single horizontal line.

Connect the upper double horizontal line to the line above it with an angled line. Add two short vertical lines to the single horizontal lines to connect them to the lines below. Continue double lines below the second horizontal tier. Draw double angled lines below the third horizontal tier. Use curly lines to add shrubs.

To draw the Eiffel Tower, draw many sets of double horizontal lines for the supports.

Step 4: Draw many sets of double horizontal lines for the supports. Add several diagonal lines below the upper part of the tower. Detail the two lowest rectangles with short double horizontal lines. Outline the lowest rectangle. Add more shrubs with curly lines.

To finish the Eiffel Tower drawing, shade the horizontal tiers with diagonal lines.

Step 5: Draw double X-shaped figures in all the rectangles created by the previous step. Shade the horizontal tiers with diagonal lines. Add double bent lines to the curve at the bottom of the tower and to the area above it.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

No medieval scene is complete without great, towering castles. Learn how to draw castles in just five steps in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw Castles

You can almost see the tips of these mountain-top castles touching the sky. Take a trip to the past and learn how to draw these stunning castles.

Learn how to draw these castles.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw castles. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To being drawing castles, draw the basic shape of the building using a rectangle.

Step 1: Draw the basic shape of the building using a rectangle, a box, an odd-shaped rectangle for the roof, and two straight lines on the left side that meet as shown.

To draw castles, sketch the trees with a squiggly line that covers the entire bottom of the castle.

Step 2: Add the building extension on the right and the towers with rectangles and straight lines. Top some of them with triangles. Sketch a horizontal line behind the building. Draw the trees with a long squiggly line that covers the entire bottom of the castle as shown.

To draw castles, add surface detail to the side of the building with straight horizontal and vertical lines.

Step 3: Draw the mountains with uneven lines behind the building. Add two towers to the top of the roof with rectangles and triangles. Draw two rectangles beneath the towers as shown. Sketch curved lines in the upper rectangle. Draw curved lines on two other towers as shown.

Add a straight vertical line at the top of the tower on the right and to the roof on the left. Block many windows using rectangles and odd-shaped triangles. Add some surface detail to the side of the building with straight horizontal and vertical lines.

To draw castles, use odd-shaped rectangles and lines to add windows to the building.

Step 4: Use odd-shaped rectangles and lines to add many windows to the side of the building. Add small straight lines to the tops of most of the towers. Draw a curly horizontal line wherever the roof meets the side of the building. Use uneven ovals to form the stones on the right side of the building.

Add texture to the castle with straight vertical and diagonal lines to finish your castle drawing.

Step 5: Add texture to the castle with straight vertical and diagonal lines. Shade the tree line and the stones on the lower right-hand side with diagonal lines. In the area where there are no stones, use diagonal lines to shade the ground.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

Everyone dreams of living in a beautiful mansion. Learn how to draw a mansion in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw Mansions

This mansion is a stunning sight on a neighborhood street -- or in your sketchbook. Our simple steps will make it possible for you to draw your own dream mansion.

Learn how to draw this mansion.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this mansion. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To begin drawing a mansion, sketch various rectangles to form the basic shape of the house.

Step 1: Sketch various rectangles to form the basic shape of the house. Draw a horizontal line on each side of the left- and right-hand rectangles for the ground.

To draw a mansion, sketch long horizontal lines across the center for the banisters.

Step 2: Add second lines to the top rectangle. Draw the roof with two straight and two diagonal lines that meet. Sketch long horizontal lines across the center for the banisters. Connect them on the sides with straight lines.

Detail the lower part of the house with more horizontal lines. Use one horizontal line and two diagonal lines for the basic shape of the stairs. Add the left-hand roof with straight lines that meet.

To draw a mansion, add columns with double vertical lines.

Step 3: Draw two chimneys with straight lines. Add columns with double vertical lines. Sketch the windows with rectangles. Add a set of lines outside each window for the shutters. Draw four sets of double vertical lines with double arches over them for the door. Repeat the same figure above the door. Add shrubs with curly lines.

To draw a mansion, use rectangles for the window panes.

Step 4: Add railings with short vertical double lines. Finish the columns with odd U-shaped figures on top. Use rectangles for the window panes. Draw connecting rectangles for the stairs and two diagonal lines for the walk. Use rectangles and squares for the panels in the doors.

To finish your mansion drawing, shade the arches and side windows with dark zigzag lines.

Step 5: Shade the roof with uneven horizontal lines. Detail the chimneys with diagonal lines. Add short horizontal lines to all the shutters. Shade the arches and side windows with dark zigzag lines.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

A grand cathedral brings to mind a beautiful European city. Learn how to draw a cathedral in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw Cathedrals

This grand cathedral is a stunning sight. You will love learning to draw this cathedral if you are a fan of history or architecture -- or if you’re looking for a drawing challenge.

Learn how to draw this cathedral.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this cathedral. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To begin drawing a cathedral, sketch three connected rectangles.

Step 1: Draw three connected rectangles, with the center one being larger than the others. Sketch two diagonal lines in each that intersect in the middle. Find the peaks of the steeples by drawing vertical lines through the center of each X.

Extend these vertical lines past the tops of the rectangles. Draw a triangle and a rectangle over the left-hand rectangle and a triangle over both the center and right-hand rectangles. Extend a line over the center of the middle triangle.

To draw a cathedral, extend two diagonal lines from the bottom corners of the building. Connect with a horizontal line.

Step 2: Divide each triangle into fourths with straight lines starting at the peak. Draw a horizontal line over the center triangle to form a cross. Add V-shaped figures and straight lines to the left-hand triangle to form a turret. Define the surface with double horizonal lines as shown. Extend two short diagonal lines from the bottom corners of the building. Connect them with a horizontal line.

To draw a cathedral, add columns with single, double, and triple vertical lines.

Step 3: Add columns with single, double, and triple vertical lines. Top the columns with odd U-shaped figures. Draw one long and one short line under the turret. Add two vertical lines under the right steeple. Sketch one horizontal line across the lower columns on the left.

To draw a cathedral, add double arches to the left-hand side of the building.

Step 4: On the left-hand side of the cathedral, draw double arches. Finish the cross with a short vertical line. Sketch double arches over the central part of the building. Detail them with curly lines. Add a wheel-shaped figure with spokes to the center and add curly lines underneath. Top it with a V-shaped figure.

On the right-hand side of the cathedral, draw one double arch and two sets of arches with odd-shaped tops. Add U-shaped lines to two of them. Sketch a zigzag line for the ground behind the cathedral. Finish the steps with long horizontal lines whose ends point downward.

To finish your cathedral drawing, shade the roof with diagonal lines.

Step 5: Shade the roof with diagonal lines and the windows with crisscross lines. Add connecting half-circles to the top front of the cathedral.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

The Taj Mahal is a wonder of beauty and architecture. Learn how to draw the Taj Mahal in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw the Taj Mahal

With its intricately detailed exterior, the majestic Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most wonderful works of architecture. Learn how to draw this building for a truly special addition to your repertoire.

Learn how to draw the Taj Mahal.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw the Taj Mahal. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To begin drawing the Taj Mahal, draw a horizontal line. Add a double set of horizontal lines above it.

Step 1: Draw a horizontal line on the bottom of the page. Add a double set of horizontal lines above it. Sketch six sets of double vertical lines perpendicular to the double horizontal lines. On the outer left- and right-hand sides, sketch slightly bent lines to connect the two sets of double vertical lines as shown.

Connect the middle two sets of double vertical lines with intersecting horizontal lines. Add two more horizontal lines to connect the tops of the remaining vertical lines. Draw a double set of horizontal lines on the rectangles as shown.

To draw the Taj Mahal, add ovals to the tops of the four posts.

Step 2: Add ovals to the tops of the four posts. Draw a horizontal line through the center of each oval. Sketch a slightly curved line connecting the two center ovals. Draw the center dome with a half-circle. Add a second curved line and a horizontal line underneath the center dome as shown.

Sketch a sideways V-shape on each side of the large dome. Add vertical lines underneath. Top each V-shape with a dome. Add arches with double curved lines and pointed tops. Use straight horizontal lines underneath some of the arches as shown. Detail the surface with vertical and horizontal straight lines and rectangles.

To draw the Taj Mahal, draw an arch for the doorway.

Step 3: Cap the domes with odd-shaped V-figures. Add a half-circle to the top of the center dome. External a short vertical line from the top of each dome. Detail the surface with straight vertical and horizontal lines. Draw an arch for the doorway. Add a curved line to the top of the arch. Use straight vertical and horizontal lines for the door.

Begin the grillwork on your Taj Mahal drawing with straight vertical and horizontal lines that intersect.

Step 4: Detail the center dome with curly and dashed lines. Begin the grillwork with straight vertical and horizontal lines that intersect. Draw a double arch over the doorway and two horizontal lines underneath it. Add an arched doorway with a curved line over the top of the arch. Detail the base with two squares in each rectangle.

Step 5: Shade the center dome with curved, straight and broken lines. Draw curly lines over all the arches. Shade the windows on the side domes with diagonal lines. Add a heavy black line to the bottom of each. Draw bars on all the arches that have grillwork with intersecting horizontal and vertical lines.

Shade these arches with crisscross lines. Use straight horizontal and vertical lines to finish the details on the doorway. Shade the upper left-hand half of the doorway with crisscross lines.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

Australia’s Sydney Opera House is a uniquely beautiful structure. Learn how to draw this building in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw the Sydney Opera House

Australia’s Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. You’ll have a great time learning how to draw this unique and beautiful building.

Learn how to draw the Sydney Opera House.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw the Sydney Opera House. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To start drawing the Sydney Opera House, sketch the shape of the building with horizontal lines, rectangles, and triangles.

Step 1: Sketch the basic shape of the building with two horizontal lines, rectangles, and triangles.

To draw the Sydney Opera House, form arches on the triangles and below using curved lines.

Step 2: Add different levels to the rectangles using straight lines. Form arches on the triangles and below using curved lines.

To draw the Sydney Opera House, detail the arches using curved lines that join at the top.

Step 3: Detail the arches using curved lines that join at the top. Draw a curved line under the lower left-hand arch. Add additional curved lines to the arches on the right-hand side as shown. Draw straight horizontal lines to two sections of the left-hand rectangle. Sketch an odd-shaped diamond. Add the door with an incomplete rectangle.

Step 4: Sketch ribs on the arches with curved lines. Draw squiggles for the water line. Detail the building with rectangles, a V-shaped figure, and horizontal lines.

Step 5: Finish the drawing by adding many straight vertical lines for the wood and arches. Draw diagonal lines inside the arches and windows to show depth.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

A classic diner is a great place to meet for food and fun. Learn how to draw a diner in just five steps in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw Diners

This diner promises good times and good food. Every detail of this building -- from the windows to the signage -- brings to mind the classic diners of the 1950s.

Learn how to draw this diner.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this diner. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

Use perspective and vanishing points to establish the basic shape of the diner.

Step 1: Use the exercise on perspective and vanishing points to establish the basic shape of the diner.

Step 2: Sketch the shape of the windows, door, and side details using the rules on drawing lines that are parallel to the basic structure found in the introductory exercise. Add curly details to the roof as shown.

To draw a diner, separate the windows with straight single and double lines.

Step 3: Establish the sign over the diner and the stairs using the rules on vanishing points. Draw the shape of the stairs using three lines that meet at the right-hand side. Add steps with straight lines. Separate the windows with straight single and double lines. Draw two rectangles for the glass in the door. Add odd-shaped figures for the pipes on the roof as shown.

Step 4: Print the name of the diner on the sign. Detail the roof with four curved lines and odd-shaped figures. Draw horizontal lines in the windows for the shades. Add a short vertical line ending in a blackened circle underneath. Detail the side and front with double lines.

Draw curves at the top and bottom of the door and two horizontal lines in the middle. Use straight vertical and horizontal lines for the banister. Add a line parallel with the bottom of the front of the building for the parking lot. Extend parallel straight lines for the parking spaces.

To finish your drawing of a diner, shade the pipes on the roof with diagonal lines.

Step 5: Shade the pipes on the roof with diagonal lines. Add grillwork to the windows with intersecting vertical and horizontal lines. Finish the banister with vertical lines. Add blackened lines to the sign and parking spots for shading.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

Every bustling metropolis boasts skyscapers of all sizes. Learn how to draw a skyscraper in only four steps in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw Skyscrapers

Towering over cities around the world, skyscrapers are impressive works of architecture. By using the principles of perspective and vanishing point, you can learn to draw skyscrapers of all sizes.

Learn how to draw this skyscraper.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this skyscraper. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To start drawing a skyscraper, use the rules on perspective and vanishing points.

Step 1: Use the rules on perspective and vanishing points to establish the basic structure of the building.

To draw a skyscraper, sketch a sidewalk with straight lines and a door with an incomplete rectangle.

Step 2: Keeping vanishing point in mind, draw many lines for the window bands. Draw a sidewalk with straight lines and a door with an incomplete rectangle.

To draw a skyscraper, add vertical lines to the structure and sketch two dots for doorknobs.

Step 3: Add vertical lines to the structure. Draw another line around the door for thickness. Sketch two dots for the doorknobs. Add trees as shown. Draw a squiggly line for the ground behind the building. Sketch another line to the curb.

Step 4: Shade the windows as shown. Add texture to the tree trunks with squiggles. Use straight lines to show the blocks in the sidewalk.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

Log cabins bring to mind a cozy evening in the woods. Learn how to draw a log cabin in only four steps in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw a Log Cabin

This warm and cozy log cabin would look right at home in the woods. By using the rules of perspective and vanishing point, you can easily learn how to draw this log cabin.

Learn how to draw this log cabin.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this log cabin. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To begin drawing a log cabin, use perspective to draw the basic structure.,

Step 1: Draw the basic structure of the log cabin using the rules on perspective and vanishing points. Sketch an X from corner to corner of the center and right-hand vertical lines. Draw a vertical line up through the center to show where the top of the roof will be.

Connect the top of this line with the left point to establish the roof. Draw two diagonal lines to connect the top of the roof with the sides of the cabin. Establish the other edge of the cabin with a vertical line on the left. Start forming the roof with a diagonal line as shown.

To draw a log cabin, sketch two windows on the side of the cabin.

Step 2: Establish the location of the chimney using the rules on vanishing points. Outline the windows and a door on the front side of the cabin using the rules on drawing lines that are parallel to the basic structure. Sketch two windows on the side of the cabin. Add diagonal lines to the roof.

Step 3: Using the rules on vanishing points, draw evenly spaced lines all along the front and side of the cabin for the logs. Round the edges. Add a doorknob and double lines on the top and bottom of the door.

Draw double vertical and horizontal lines for the window panes and a horizontal line for the shade. Add another vertical line on the front window for thickness. Use squiggly lines for the tree and shrubs. Add a zigzag line on the right-hand side for the horizon and an uneven line for the path leading to the door.

To finish your log cabin drawing, use diagonal lines to shade the windows, door, and chimney.

Step 4: Fill in every other log with zigzags to give them texture. Add vertical lines to the doors. Use diagonal lines to shade the windows, door, and chimney. Sketch the shrubs with curly lines. Add an uneven line to the left of the cabin for the horizon.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

A ranch house is a simple one-story home. Learn how to draw a ranch house in just five steps in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw a Ranch House

This simple and pretty ranch house is a classic American home. By using the rules of perspective and vanishing point, you can easily learn how to draw this ranch house.

Learn how to draw this ranch house.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw this ranch house. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To begin drawing a ranch house, use perspective to draw the basic structure.

Step 1: Draw the basic structure of the ranch house using the rules on perspective and vanishing points. Sketch an X from corner to corner of the middle and right-hand vertical lines. Draw a vertical line up through the center to show where the top of the roof will be. Connect the top of this line with the left point to establish the top of the roof.

Use two diagonal lines to connect the roof line with the side of the house. Draw a diagonal line to connect the top of the roof with the side of the house. Use the rules on drawing lines that are parallel to the base of the building for the foundation. Draw another set of lines around the bottom of the roof.

To draw a ranch house, sketch two windows on the front and two on the side

Step 2: Establish the location of the chimney using the rules on vanishing points. Outline the windows, garage door, and entrance door using the rules on drawing lines that are parallel to the basic structure. Sketch two windows on the front of the house and two on the side of the house.

Step 3: Use intersecting vertical and horizontal lines to detail the windows. Establish the garage door with vertical and horizontal lines. Detail the entrance door with five rectangles. Add the stairs with rectangles and straight lines. Form the bushes with curly lines. Add a front light to the house as shown.

To draw a ranch house, sketch a broken line under the shrubs to show the ground.

Step 4: Using the rules on vanishing points, draw evenly spaced lines all around the front and side of the house. Sketch a diagonal line on the underside of the roof on the right side. Add a dot and a short curved line for the garage openers and straight lines for the driveway. Draw a broken line under the shrubs to show the ground.

To finish your ranch house drawing, detail the roof with straight lines.

Step 5: Use vertical and horizontal lines to finish the chimney. Detail the roof with straight lines. Draw the shutters with horizontal lines. Add a doorknob to the entrance door. Finish the shrubs with squiggles.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

The two-story brick house in our next section boasts a detailed brick exterior. Learn how to draw a two-story brick house in just five steps in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw a Two-Story Brick House

This two-story brick house would look right at home in any neighborhood. Pay close attention to detail when drawing the intricate brick exterior of this building.

Learn how to draw a two-story brick house.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw a two-story brick house. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To begin your two-story brick house drawing, sketch the basic structure using the rules on perspective.

Step 1: Draw the basic structure of the house using the rules on perspective and vanishing points. Add a fourth vertical line at the left for the attached garage. Sketch an X from corner to corner of the two right-hand vertical lines.

Draw a vertical line through the center to show where the top of the roof will be. Connect this line with the left point to establish the roof. Finish the right-hand side of the house with two diagonal lines that connect the top of the roof with the side of the house. Form the end of the roof of the house with a diagonal line. Draw two more diagonal lines to form the roof of the garage.

To draw a two-story brick house, sketch the windows with double vertical lines.

Step 2: Outline the windows, garage door, and entrance door using the rules on drawing lines that are parallel to the basic structure. Sketch the windows as shown with double vertical lines. Establish the doors with single vertical lines. Draw a line under the bottom of the roof of the garage and the house. Add a double line from the peak of the roof to the end of the right-hand side corner.

To draw a two-story brick house, use intersecting vertical and horizontal lines to detail the windows.

Step 3: Use intersecting vertical and horizontal lines to detail the windows. Draw straight lines and rectangles to form the entrance door as shown. Detail the garage door with a double vertical line and single horizontal lines. Add curly figures for the shrubs. Draw the driveway with diagonal lines.

To draw a two-story brick house, sketch evenly spaced lines all along the front and side.

Step 4: Using the rules on vanishing points, draw evenly spaced lines all along the front and side of the house.

To finish your two-story brick house drawing, add lines along the front and side to detail the bricks.

Step 5: Add short vertical lines all along the front and side of the house to detail the bricks. Sketch slanted lines on the roof of the house and garage. Draw a doorknob for the entrance door. Detail the shrubs with squiggles. Blacken the roof line at the front of the building.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

The United States Capitol Building is one of the most popular sights in Washington, D.C. Learn how to draw this building in just five steps in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw the United States Capitol Building

The United States Capitol Building is a wonderful example of neo-classical architecture. Learning to draw this building is a great creative challenge.

Learn how to draw the United States Capitol Building.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw the United States Capitol Building. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To start your drawing of the United States Capitol building, draw two diagonal lines for the front of the building.

Step 1: Draw two diagonal lines for the front of the building as shown. Connect them with two vertical lines. In the bottom center, draw another diagonal line that intersects with the bottom line. Add two more intersecting lines as shown. Sketch four lines from the left side of the front of the building to show the side of the building.

Add an odd-shaped U figure to the top of the structure. Top that with another U-shaped figure. Draw another curved line over that, connecting it with short vertical lines to the figure below. Top the dome with a half-circle.

To draw the United States Capitol building, draw rectangles, triangles, and tube shapes to establish the front.

Step 2: Draw a series of rectangles, triangles, and tube shapes to establish the front of the building, keeping the rules on vanishing points in mind.

Step 3: Add a series of horizontal lines following the shape of the front of the building. Sketch a triangle and horizontal lines connected with bent lines for the stairs. Add two small ovals to the dome. Top them with a tube shape. Draw another oval on top of the dome and cover it with a half-circle.

Step 4: Add windows to the side of the building with rectangles and squares. Draw windows on the front of the building with blackened rectangles. Add curved lines to some of them as shown. Draw windows on the dome with blackened bullet-shaped figures and blackened rectangles. Sketch various types of curved lines to detail the dome.

Draw a statue on the top of the dome as shown. Add arches to the front of the building with sets of vertical lines connected at the top with curves and straight lines. Draw shrubs and the ground with curly lines. Sketch the flag with a straight vertical line topped with an odd-shaped oval.

Step 5: Shade the capitol with straight horizontal and diagonal lines. Add curved lines for detail as shown. Finish the bushes with squiggles. Darken all the windows and doors with intersecting diagonal lines.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

The Mediterranean-inspired Spanish villa in the next section is a beautiful, elegant building. Learn how to draw a Spanish villa in five simple steps in the next section.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See:

How to Draw a Spanish Villa

This Spanish-inspired home brings to mind all the charm and beauty of Spain. Don’t be afraid to use color when you’re done -- it can enhance the beauty of the finished drawing.

Learn how to draw a Spanish Villa.

In this section, we'll show you how to draw a Spanish Villa. You can draw it freehand while looking at your computer monitor, or you can print out this page to get a closer look at each step.

Here, we'll show you an illustration of each step and then give you a description of how to draw it. Follow the red lines in each illustration to learn exactly what to draw in that step. The lines drawn in previous steps are shown in gray.

To begin drawing a Spanish villa, use the rules on perspective to establish the basic structure of the building.

Step 1: Use the rules on perspective and vanishing point to establish the basic structure of the building. Keep in mind that this house has two front corners. Create the second front by extending one parallel line just above and below each top and bottom line.

On the right side, draw an X from corner to corner of the two vertical lines. Draw a vertical line through its center to determine the height of the roof. When you connect the top of this line with the left point, the roof will be established. To situate the second floor roof, extend a vertical line up from the first floor roof as shown.

To draw a Spanish villa, sketch a vertical line between the two faces of the house for the chimney.

Step 2: Draw a vertical line between the two faces of the house for the chimney. Connect the bottom of the line with the left point. Draw two vertical lines on each side of the first one. Use straight and bent lines to form the top of the chimney.

Detail the top ends with an odd-shaped triangle. Establish the windows using the rules of drawing lines that are parallel to the basic structure. Draw a triangle to form the second floor roof. Add a diagonal line to the side of the second floor.

To draw a Spanish villa, establish a wide U-shaped figure on the front plane for the entrance

Step 3: Use the rules on vanishing points to establish another window and the first floor roof line. Draw a curve on top of this window. Sketch rectangles inside the other three windows. Draw a curve on top of this window.

Establish a wide U-shaped figure on the front plane for the entrance. Draw a door with straight lines and a rectangle inside the entrance as shown, keeping in mind that the door is on the same plane as the side of the window.

To draw a Spanish villa, add bars to the windows with double intersecting lines.

Step 4: Use squiggles to add detail to the roof. Add bars to the windows with double intersecting lines. Draw the door as shown. Create the railing with double vertical lines. Add a plant with curved lines. Finish the patio tile with straight intersecting lines. Sketch a second line on the inside of the patio door, the right-hand side of the adjoining window, and around the outer roof.

Step 5: Shade the roof and chimney with diagonal lines. Add curved lines to the gutters. Draw diagonal lines by the door and crisscross lines by the arched window. Add texture to the plant with diagonal lines.

Your drawing is finished! Even if you don't get it right the first time, keep practicing until you're happy with your drawing.

Whether you’re a budding architect, a fan of national landmarks, or just love to draw, learning how to draw buildings is great challenge and a lot of fun. With the help of our simple instructions, an understanding of perspective, and plenty of practice, you can bring these amazing buildings to life.

Want to expand your artistic abilities? See: