How to Draw the Empire State
We decided to dedicate this step-by-step drawing tutorial to a famous architectural landmark – now you will learn how to draw the Empire State Building.
It is a skyscraper located on the island of Manhattan in New York City. The Empire State Building is one of the tallest buildings in the world.
In this guide, you will draw individual parts of a building using smooth and straight lines. You can use tools you have at hand or draw all the lines freehand.
Step 1: Sketch the Empire State Building’s main shape
Draw a tall, narrow rectangle for the main section of the Empire State Building. Add a centered triangular shape above it to mark the tapering upper part of the skyscraper.
Step 2: Draw the Empire State Building spire
Build the top of the tower from several small stacked sections. Narrow each level as it rises, then extend a long straight antenna upward from the center of the New York skyscraper.
Step 3: Add the upper setbacks of the skyscraper
Beneath the spire, draw several narrow rectangular tiers. Center these stepped sections above the main tower so the upper silhouette gradually widens toward the lower part.
Step 4: Extend the Empire State Building tower
Add two wider rectangular sections below the upper tiers. Use straight vertical and horizontal lines to continue the stepped Art Deco structure toward the main part of the building.
Step 5: Detail the main skyscraper facade
Draw long vertical lines down the main tower to define its sides and central facade strip. Add several short horizontal marks near the bottom to divide the lower architectural sections.
Step 6: Draw the lower skyscraper sections
Use straight lines to outline several rectangular blocks along the lower part of the Empire State Building. Arrange these sections symmetrically around the narrow central tower.
Step 7: Complete the Empire State Building base
At the bottom, draw a broad rectangular base that extends beyond both sides of the main structure. Add the remaining vertical divisions to complete the landmark’s stepped outline.
Step 8: Refine the building outline
Erase any overlapping construction lines and straighten the edges of the tower, setbacks, and base. Clarify the antenna and redraw interrupted sections to produce a clean architectural outline.
Step 9: Color the Empire State Building drawing
Fill the skyscraper with several shades of gray. Use lighter tones on the front sections and darker gray on selected sides and recesses to separate the building’s stacked forms.
The Empire State Building drawing is complete. Thanks to our detailed instructions, you have learned how to sketch one of New York’s most famous skyscrapers. Continue with another famous landmark by drawing the Eiffel Tower.
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