Have you ever wondered how artists create those amazing backgrounds in their artwork? Well, there are actually countless ways to draw backgrounds that can add depth, texture, and atmosphere to your art.
From serene natural landscapes to futuristic cities, spooky haunted houses to bright, whimsical winter wonderlands, the possibilities are truly endless!
But let’s be real, drawing backgrounds can be pretty daunting, right?
Especially when you’re trying to create a scene that complements your main subject.
The good news is that the process can become much more manageable with some helpful tips and techniques.
Trust me, you don’t have to be a professional artist to create stunning backgrounds that’ll make your artwork stand out from the crowd. You can have a lot of fun drawing backgrounds.
So, in this blog post, I’ll cover 25 aesthetic drawing ideas to help inspire your creativity:
25 Aesthetic Background Ideas
One-Point Technique
Use basic one-point perspective techniques to create a sense of depth and space in your background.
Draw Natural Wonders
Draw natural landscapes such as forests, mountains, oceans, and deserts to add texture, shading and atmosphere to your artwork.
Cityscape
Create a cityscape with skyscrapers, buildings, and roads to add an urban feel to your artwork.
Magical Realms
Draw a fantasy world with castles, dragons, and magical creatures to create a whimsical atmosphere.
Real-Life Inspiration
Use photographs or real-life locations as inspiration for your background, such as a bustling market, a quiet park, or a beautiful garden.
Street Background
Draw a busy street scene with people, cars, and shops to add energy and excitement to your artwork.
Color Backgrounds
Use different color schemes to create different moods and emotions in your background, such as warm and bright colors for a cozy atmosphere or cool colors for a calming effect.
Texture Patterns
Add textures and patterns to your background, such as brick walls, cobblestone streets, or intricate floral designs.
Futuristic Sci-fi
Create a futuristic cityscape with sleek buildings and advanced technology to add a sci-fi feel to your artwork.
Haunted Hideouts
Draw a haunted house or creepy forest to add a spooky and mysterious atmosphere to your artwork.
Shapes Patterns
Use negative space to create interesting shapes and patterns in your illustration or background.
Beach Scene
Draw a beach scene with waves, sand, and palm trees to add a relaxing and tropical atmosphere to your artwork.
Winter Wonderland
Create a winter wonderland with snow, ice, and holiday decorations to add a festive feel to your artwork.
Light and Shadow
Use light and shadow to add depth and dimension to your background.
Space Scene
Draw a space scene with planets, stars, and galaxies to create a cosmic atmosphere.
Retro Background
Create a steampunk world with mechanical gadgets and Victorian-style buildings to add a retro-futuristic feel to your artwork.
Garden or Park
Draw a garden or park with flowers, trees, and wildlife to add a natural and peaceful atmosphere to your artwork.
Watercolor
Use watercolor or other painting techniques to create soft and dreamy subjects and background ideas. Using bright colors is also a way to draw in the eye.
Post-apocalyptic World
Draw a post-apocalyptic world with ruins and debris to add a dystopian feel to your artwork.
Symmetry
Use symmetry to create a visually striking and balanced background.
Farm or Countryside
Draw a farm or countryside with barns, animals, and fields to add a rustic and charming atmosphere to your artwork.
Underwater Kingdoms
Draw backgrounds of an underwater world with coral, fish, and sea creatures to add a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere to your artwork.
Geometric Shapes
Use geometric shapes to create a modern and minimalist background. If they come across as basic shapes, it lends itself to the overall geometric feel.
Celestial Scenes
Transform your collection of space-themed art with celestial scenes featuring starry nights and cosmic skies. Add a touch of wonder and awe to your artwork and let your imagination explore the vast expanse of the universe.
Sun-kissed
Use contrast to create a bold and dramatic background, such as a city skyline against a sunset or a dark alleyway illuminated by neon lights.
Historical Hues
Draw backgrounds with a vintage feel by using historical hues and textures.
Tips and Techniques for Drawing Backgrounds
Drawing backgrounds can be daunting, but fear not, for I have some tips and techniques to help you create stunning backgrounds for your artwork. I’ve been drawing for years now, and I’ve had my fair share of struggles with creating backgrounds. But through experience and experimentation, I’ve discovered some helpful tips that I’d love to share with you.
Basic 1 Point Perspective
First things first, let’s talk about perspective. Basic one-point perspective is a technique that can add depth and dimension to your background. By establishing a vanishing point, you can create the illusion of distance and space in your artwork.
Quick tip: Make sure that the three points form a triangle (light blue lines) that is outside of the picture plane. This will help you avoid any distortions in your perspective.
Avoid long straight or curved lines when drawing backgrounds Now, let’s talk about lines. When it comes to drawing backgrounds, it’s best to avoid long straight or curved lines. They can make your background look flat and uninteresting. Instead, try using short, broken lines to create texture and depth.
Parallel lines in the background should not conflict with one another Also, be careful with parallel lines in the background. If they conflict with one another, it can create a distracting effect. So, make sure to establish a clear and consistent direction for your lines.
Establish Your Perspective
To establish your perspective, start with a rough sketch of your background. Then, add and fill in your vanishing point and horizon line. Use these as a guide to create the structure and placement of your background elements.
Utilize Contrast to Craft Good Compositions
Another technique to create an interesting background is to utilize contrast. Use lighter colors and values in the background and bring attention to focus on your main subject.
Use elements in the foreground and background to create depth Additionally, try adding elements in the background to create depth. Use atmospheric perspective, overlapping shapes, and varying sizes to create the illusion of distance.
Adding in the Background Details
Once you have established your perspective and composition, it’s time to add in the background details. This is where you can really let your creativity shine. Add in texture, patterns, and details to make your background come alive.
Refinement of the Lines
Finally, refine your lines to create a clean and polished look. Use a fine-tip pen or a digital brush to go over your lines and make them crisp and clear.
Add shadows and highlights, and don’t forget to add different shades to highlight your background elements. This will help create depth and make your artwork pop.
Importance of Drawing Backgrounds
Hold on to your art supplies, because I’m about to tell you why drawing backgrounds is important!
As an artist, I used to think that drawing the main subject was all that mattered. But boy, I was wrong. Backgrounds can make or break a piece of art.
I was working on a portrait commission. I spent hours perfecting the subject’s features and clothing. But when it came time to add a background, I hit a wall.
I had no idea what to do. I tried adding a plain color, but it looked boring. I tried adding a simple pattern, but it looked out of place. I was not pleased with the result. That’s when I realized the importance of drawing backgrounds.
A good background can add context and depth to your artwork. It can tell a story, create a sharp aesthetic, and set the mood. It can also showcase your artistic skills and creativity. Think about your favorite artwork. Chances are, the background played a big role in making it memorable.
Now, I’m not saying that every background needs to be a masterpiece. But putting effort into your background can make a huge difference. It can elevate your artwork from good to great. It can also help you stand out from other artists.
So, don’t neglect your background. Take some time to plan and execute them. Use the tips and techniques I shared earlier to make them stand out.
Finding Inspiration for Background Drawings
Research Popular Backgrounds in Digital Art
As a digital artist myself, I’ve been through the struggle of staring at a blank canvas, wondering where to even begin.
But fear not, my fellow artists, because I’ve got some tried and tested methods for finding backgrounds that’ll blow your mind.
First, let’s talk about researching popular backgrounds and trends in digital art. One of the easiest ways to find inspiration is to look at what’s popular right now.
Maybe it’s a specific color scheme, a certain type of texture, or a particular composition that’s all the rage.
So many amazing artists are out there, and they’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with digital art. So why not take a page out of their book and see what they’re up to?
For example, one of my favorite artists on Instagram is @loish. She’s a master of creating stunning backgrounds that perfectly complement her characters. I love scrolling through her feed and getting lost in the magical worlds she creates. And while I would never outright copy her work, I often use her pieces as a jumping-off point for my own background drawing ideas and illustrations. It’s all about taking inspiration from what you love and making it your own.
Taking Inspiration from Real Life
Another way to find inspiration for background drawings is to take inspiration from real life. This might mean going for a walk in nature and taking photos of the scenery, or simply observing the way light falls on objects in your home. Sometimes the most beautiful backgrounds are the ones that are the most simple and organic, and they work wonders for being useful drawing prompts.
Personally, I love taking photos of cityscapes when I’m out and about. I live in a pretty bustling city, and there’s always something interesting to see. I’ll take photos of the way the buildings are arranged, the colors of the sky during sunset, and even the texture of the pavement. Then, when I’m back at my computer, I’ll use those photos as references for my background.
Experimenting with Different Techniques
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques when creating your backgrounds. Maybe you’ll try using a new brush or a different type of texture. Maybe you’ll use a gradient map to add depth and dimension to your piece. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and try new things.
For me, I love playing around with different blending modes to create unique color combinations. Sometimes I’ll even throw in a texture or two just to see what happens. It’s all about letting your creativity run wild and seeing where it takes you.
Tips for Great Background Drawings
- Never use a plain paper background for complex compositions
Plain paper backgrounds can be dull and uninteresting. Instead, draw a background that complements your main subject and brings the whole artwork together.
- Draw a background that unifies the artwork
Your background should not distract from the main subject but should be a cohesive element that ties everything together. Think of it as a supporting character in a movie. And adding a few subtle foreground objects also rounds out the piece.
- Consider Appropriate Color Schemes
Choosing the right colors is essential for creating a visually appealing background. Consider the subject matter of your artwork and choose a color scheme that complements it. For example, if you’re drawing a beach scene, you might want to use blues and yellows.
- Use light colors in the background to complement the main elements
Light colors in the background can help to make your main subject pop. Dark colors can sometimes overpower the main subject and make it difficult to see.
- Utilize Color and High-Contrast
Using high-contrast colors can add drama and interest to your artwork. Experiment with different colors to see what works best for your piece.
Conclusion
Remember, backgrounds are an essential part of your artwork that can set the mood and tell a story. Don’t overlook them! With countless possibilities, from natural landscapes to futuristic cities, the key is experimenting and trying different techniques.
Challenge yourself and see what you’re capable of creating.
So, what’s next on your background drawing list? Will you create a peaceful countryside landscape or a bustling, futuristic city?
I hope this blog post was helpful, and let your background drawing ideas run free!