So You Think You Can Draw a Subway? A Totally Not-Serious Guide for Serious Doodlers
Ah, the humble subway. It whisks you through the underbelly of the city, past rats in roller skates (probably) and mysterious businessmen clutching briefcases full of... who knows what? It's a metal tube of mystery and mild despair, but also a surprisingly dynamic subject for your artistic endeavors.
But hold on there, Picasso in the making! Before you grab your finest crayon and declare yourself the next Da Vinci of the downtown tunnel, let's break down how to draw a subway like a pro (or at least someone who can impress your coworkers during your next brainstorming session).
Step 1: Channel Your Inner Architect (or Just Fake It)
The Magic of Perspective: This is where things get fancy. We're talking about making your subway look like it's actually disappearing into the distance, not stuck on a flat piece of paper like a particularly confused fridge magnet.
Here's the gist: imagine you're standing on the platform, and the tracks stretch out before you, getting smaller and smaller. That's perspective, baby! To achieve this on paper, draw a light horizontal line across your page. This is your horizon line, the imaginary point where the sky meets the ground (or the subway tunnel, in this case).
Pro tip: Don't worry about making it perfect. Unless you're an architect (or a really enthusiastic ruler user), a slightly wonky horizon adds a certain, shall we say, "rustic charm" to your masterpiece.
Step 2: Let's Talk Tube
Now for the main event: the subway itself. Here's where your artistic license comes in. Are you feeling a classic, sleek, silver bullet train? Or maybe a graffiti-covered beast that's seen more rush hour commutes than you've had cups of coffee?
- Classic and Chic: Draw a long rectangle for the main body, with a slightly rounded top to represent the curved roof.
- Graffiti Galore: Let loose with your imagination! Squiggles, squiggles everywhere! Just remember, even the most chaotic masterpieces need a little structure. Maybe draw some faint rectangles or squares as a base before unleashing your inner Banksy.
Don't Forget the Doors! Unless you're drawing a ghost train (which would be pretty cool, by the way), subways need doors for people to, well, get in and out. Draw some rectangles along the side of your train for these crucial portals.
Step 3: It's All in the Details (or Not, Really)
Now that you have the basic structure, it's time to jazz it up (or leave it delightfully simple, no judgment here). Here are a few ideas:
- Windows: Little squares along the side will do the trick.
- Wheels: Circles at the bottom, because subways don't exactly hover (although that would be a game-changer for rush hour traffic).
- People: Tiny stick figures with briefcases for that extra touch of realism (or maybe a guy reading a giant newspaper obscuring his entire face, for a more relatable vibe).
Remember: This is your drawing, your subway adventure! Don't be afraid to add your own personal flair. Maybe your subway has a disco ball hanging from the ceiling, or maybe it runs on laughter instead of electricity (hey, it's a free world!).
Step 4: The Final Flourish
Take a step back and admire your creation! You've just drawn a subway, a testament to the wonders of public transportation (and your artistic prowess). Now all that's left to do is:
- Show it off to the world! Hang it on your fridge, post it online, or use it to impress your significant other on your next date (subway art is the new candlelit dinner, apparently).
- Practice makes perfect! The more subways you draw, the more comfortable you'll become. Who knows, you might even graduate to drawing entire subway stations, complete with grumpy ticket booth attendants and mysterious flickering lights.
So there you have it, folks! Your crash course in drawing subways. Now get out there and create some subterranean masterpieces!