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!

Realistic 3D drawing of a tree branch with swing, appearing to emerge from a sketchbook.

Created by Julia Barinova

Realistic 3D drawing of the Eiffel Tower on paper, creating a striking optical illusion.

Created by Muhammad Ejleh

Realistic 3D drawing of a snake emerging from paper with a pencil nearby.

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.

Realistic 3D drawing of a hand with claw fingers merging with a real hand on a dark surface.

Created by Alessandro Diddi

Realistic 3D drawing of a bridge and gondola, showcasing detailed architecture and reflective water effects.

Created by Muhammad Ejleh

Realistic 3D drawing featuring surreal staircases and abstract figures, creating an optical illusion on paper.

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.

Realistic 3D drawing of a ship on paper, with pencils and eraser nearby on a wooden surface.

Created by Ramon Bruin

Realistic 3D drawing of a roaring dinosaur emerging from a page, startling a small toy figure in front.

Created by Ramon Bruin

Realistic 3D drawing of a hand on paper with a ring placed on the palm, accompanied by a pencil.

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.

A hand drawing a realistic 3D crocodile on paper, creating an optical illusion.

Created by Vamos Art

Realistic 3D drawing of a hand lifting a page with tiny gnome figures beneath, pencil nearby.

Created by Ramon Bruin

Realistic 3D drawing of glasses on paper with a pencil nearby, showcasing detailed artistry.

Created by Carmenharada

Realistic 3D drawing of a character with claws, appearing to leap out of the page, showcasing artistic skills.

Created by Iza-nagi

Realistic 3D drawing of a LEGO figure holding a glass, showcased on a desk with art tools.

Created by Muhammad Ejleh

Realistic 3D drawing of an elephant emerging from the paper, surrounded by art materials on a desk.

Created by Fredo

Realistic 3D drawing of an animated panda appearing to leap off the page, showcasing detailed artistry and depth.

Created by Iza-nagi

Realistic 3D drawing of a cube illusion with a hand holding the edge and a pencil nearby.

Created by Alessandro Diddi

Realistic 3D drawing of a creature on graph paper, with a pencil, eraser, and crumpled paper nearby.

Created by Muhammad Ejleh

Realistic 3D drawing of a bird and feather, with pencils and eraser on a wooden surface.

Created by Ramon Bruin

Realistic 3D drawing of a mouth with a tongue extending onto a table, creating a striking optical illusion.

Created by Nagai Hideyuki

Realistic 3D drawing of a mannequin emerging from a sketchbook with a pencil and eraser nearby.

Created by Muhammad Ejleh

Realistic 3D drawing of a snake, appearing lifelike on paper with a pencil and eraser nearby.

Created by Alessandro Diddi

Realistic 3D drawing of a person emerging from the paper on a drawing board with art supplies under a bright light.

Created by Fredo

Realistic 3D drawing of a surfer riding a wave on a sheet of paper, with a pencil and eraser nearby.

Created by Alessandro Diddi

Realistic 3D drawing of a bearded figure appears next to a vintage camera on paper.

Created by Ramon Bruin

Realistic 3D drawing of a creature emerging from paper on a desk, creating an optical illusion.

Created by Saulius Art

Realistic 3D drawing of a creature breaking through paper with art supplies scattered on a desk.

Created by Nagai Hideyuki

Realistic 3D drawing of a hooded archer stepping out of the paper, blending art with optical illusion.

Created by Devil of my own

Realistic 3D drawing of cliffs on paper with pencils creating a stunning illusion.

Created by Ramon Bruin

Realistic 3D drawing of Spider-Man emerging from a sketchbook, surrounded by colored pencils on a desk.

Created by Nagai Hideyuki

Realistic 3D drawing of a zebra on paper, appearing to drink from a water ripple, with artist's hand shown sketching.

Image credits: Ramon Bruin

A hand reaching for a hyper-realistic 3D drawing of a wine glass with a pencil nearby.

Created by Gray Hood

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