how to draw mars

In this lesson, I will show you how to draw Mars using only a few basic shapes and colors. You will also learn how to add simple effects like shadows and reflections to create a more convincing version of this planet quickly and easily. Ready? Let's begin this journey into space now ... :)

drawing a simple sphere

This first step is quite simple. Just draw perfect circle using your vector application (or your pencil). Next, apply gradients inside the object to create some depth. The bottom of the object must be darker while the top can be brighter. You can use a red / orange color inside our cartoon Mars.

creating simple textures

In this step, draw irregular shapes inside the sphere as shown in the illustration below. You can use the same color inside all new shapes, only slightly darker. Most lines are pointed and sharp and the texture is covering half of the planet.

If you want to create a more realistic result, it's a good practice to use some transparency inside all new shapes. For this step, the top of both new shapes is partially visible while the bottom did not lose opacity.

adding small and subtle craters

Using the same color and the same opacity as the previous step, you can now draw a few craters on this version of cartoon Mars to make the image more believable. In this case, all new shapes are almost invisible near the bottom, but quite visible on top.

drawing bright shapes near the top of Mars

In this step, brighter shapes are added on top of the planet to create more contrast with the bottom of the subject. You can use a light red color and make these new shapes partially transparent too.

a few darker stripes can also be added

All around this cartoon version of Mars, you can sketch long pointed shapes as shown below. These new elements can be darker and also slightly transparent near the ends. Our work on the surface of this planet is finished. Let's add a few simple effects to complete this lesson.

drawing a dark shadow on the left

In this step, simply draw a long black shape on the left side of the planet. Make sure this new addition is almost invisible near the top, but very opaque near the bottom.

one last addition before moving into space

Duplicate the sphere used to form the planet and resize this one a little bit. Color the new shape in white and make the bottom of the circle transparent. This reflection will help create more volume inside the massive object.

Good job learning how to draw mars!

You can add a black color around the planet to complete this lesson on how to draw Mars. Of course, this version is pretty basic. You can always try more version with various colors, more textures, more details or even a more realistic surface. Just have fun creating!

Below you can see all steps required to learn how to draw this planet quickly and effectively. More fun planets and places can be found here. Enjoy! :)

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