How to Draw a Tank

Especially for fans of military technique and computer games, we created this lesson on how to draw a tank using two completely different methods.

Tanks appeared at the beginning of the 20th century and caused a true revolution in this type of military technology.

With each passing year, tanks became more advanced and complex, incorporating increasingly sophisticated systems and equipment. At the same time, their core structural components remained unchanged.

Both in the early years and today, tanks consist of a main hull, a turret with a gun barrel, and large, distinctive tracks.

In this lesson, we will show you how to draw a tank using a classic American model as an example, but the same methods can be applied to drawing virtually any other type or variant.

How to draw a tank step by step

Step 1: Sketch the hull and turret

To draw a tank as accurately and confidently as possible, the first step is to outline its main basic shapes and contours. Using very rough, loose lines, sketch the hull and the turret. At this stage, determine the overall composition and the placement of the tank drawing on the page.

Step 2: Establish the tank volume and perspective

For the tank to look three-dimensional and realistic, you need to establish its main forms. Using the same loose, rough lines, sketch the planes of the tank’s hull and indicate the tracks. Here it’s especially important to convey linear perspective accurately and convincingly.

Step 3: Detail the turret and draw the gun barrel

One of the most distinctive parts of any tank is the turret with its long gun barrel. Using basic, light lines, shape the top plane of the turret and outline the hatch. Then, with the same light and clean lines, sketch the tank’s gun barrel as a long, narrow cylinder.

Step 4: Draw the road wheels of the tank

Now return to the lower part and, using clearer but still light lines, continue shaping the volumes and contours. Then, using very light, almost transparent ovals, sketch the road wheels inside the tracks. Try to establish their correct size and proportions relative to each other.

Step 5

Now that the main basic shapes and contours are ready, it’s time to gradually refine the details and finalize the tank drawing. Try to use very clean, confident lines while carefully drawing the gun barrel. Add the transverse rings in the appropriate places, and keep linear symmetry in mind.

Step 6: Trace the turret and add details

Tank turrets can be either angular or rounded, depending on the model and the year of production. In our example, the turret has angular contours, so carefully trace all its planes, trying to convey volume and form using clean, straight lines. Add additional details to make the drawing more authentic.

Step 7: Draw the tank hatch and antenna

On the top of the tank, you previously outlined the basic shape of the hatch, and now it’s time to give this part a more finished look. Using clean, straight lines, carefully draw the hatch and add the necessary details. On the side of the turret, draw the tank’s long antenna.

Step 8: Detail the front and add the lamps

Move on to the central section and draw the transverse armor lines. This is one of the most heavily reinforced areas of the tank, so you can add extra seams or other details to give it a more rugged appearance. On the sides, draw two round headlights.

Step 9: Draw the tank track armor plates

Now draw the armor plates that cover the upper part of the tank’s tracks. Keep in mind that because of linear perspective, these elements should slightly decrease in size as they move farther away. Use clean, straight lines, just as you did for the other armored parts of the tank.

Step 10: Refine the road wheels shapes

Now move on to the tracks and, using smoother and cleaner lines, outline the wheels. Inside these wheels, draw the central hubs. Place these hubs slightly closer to the outer edges of the wheel outlines to better convey the volume of these details. Next, carefully draw the tracks themselves, giving them a cleaner, smoother, and more finished appearance.

Step 11: Clean up the entire tank drawing

Now go over your entire tank drawing and erase any remaining construction lines or unnecessary details, leaving only the essential elements. Check the whole sketch once again for mistakes or extra lines, gradually correcting and refining the shapes. Add any additional details if you want to make your drawing more authentic.

Step 12: Add shadows to the tank

You can leave your tank drawing as it is, but if you want to give it more volume, be sure to add shading. Keeping in mind the principles of light and shadow that we discussed in a separate article, carefully outline the borders of all shaded areas. Then, using even and smooth hatching, begin filling in these areas. For greater complexity and a stronger sense of depth, you can add more tonal transitions and midtones to increase the dynamic range of your tank drawing.

How to draw a tank for beginners

The main tank drawing lesson was aimed at those who already have some experience with drawing complex, detailed geometric shapes and creating sophisticated vehicles.

However, this approach may have felt too advanced.

To show a different, easier way, we’d like to present a more simplified tank drawing lesson. In this method, the tank is drawn from a side view, which makes the entire process much simpler.

There are also far fewer complex details and forms, and the overall shape is greatly simplified compared to the main method.

A tank is a very complex object not only from an engineering standpoint, but also from a drawing perspective. It consists of many small, intricate details that often face different directions, which naturally makes perspective and composition more challenging.

For this reason, drawing a detailed tank is an excellent exercise for any artist. As you add more details, the drawing becomes even more complex and engaging.

Tank drawing is also a great way to learn how to create convincing volume and handle complex shading in your artwork.