Surface line

A roughly sketched ball with two surface lines.

In the context of the 3D Figure Drawing tutorials on this wiki, a surface line is a line that runs along the surface of a 3D object, such as a sphere or ellipsoid.

For example, on a planet, the equator is a surface line, and so is any circle of latitude, any meridian, etc.

The purpose of drawing surface lines on an object is threefold: First, it lets the artist see the shape as a 3D object, as opposed to a 2D shape. Second, surface lines establish direction in space — they define a front on an otherwise directionless sphere, for example. Third, they help the artist locate points on the surface that are correct in 3D — for example, the position of the eyes in a head at three-quarter view.

In any object that is symmetric, a surface line that runs along the line of symmetry helps in getting the 3D shape of the object right. It also helps in the correct placement of features on the object.

Examples in sketches

• Sketch examples
• 

  Head

• 

  Torso

• 

  Abdomen

Art techniques and tutorials
3D Figure Drawing Part 1 - from 2D to 3D, drawing a ball (sphere) 3D Figure Drawing Part 2 - connecting balls to build a figure 3D Figure Drawing Part 3 - drawing a head in three-quarter view 3D Figure Drawing Part 4 Human body proportions Human figure How to draw legs Light and shadow

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