From the archive
Let's draw a tea strainer
Treat this as one small practice round: build the subject lightly, notice the shapes, then darken only the lines that help the finished sketch.
-
01
Draw the infuser ball
Draw one slightly oval circle, tilted a little to the right. Close the contour cleanly.
Sketch tip: Keep this ball slightly taller than wide so it reads as a small metal infuser, not a flat coin.
-
02
Fit the two halves
Draw a shallow curved seam across the lower middle. Add a tiny hinge at its left end and a clasp at its right end.
Sketch tip: Meet the seam at the same two points on the outer contour; the hinge and clasp sit directly on those ends.
-
03
Pierce the upper shell
Place six small holes in two rows of three above the seam, spacing each so the metal remains visible between them.
Sketch tip: Leave clear paper around each hole; two rows of three are enough to suggest perforated metal.
-
04
Attach the hanging chain
Add a small ring at the top of the ball. From it draw three linked ovals curving up and right, then an open hook at the free end.
Sketch tip: Link each narrow oval through the previous one and let the chain rise gently to the right.
-
05
Shade the metal
Layer soft graphite beneath the seam and along the right edge of the ball. Keep a white highlight at upper left; darken the existing holes, chain and hook. Add a soft cast shadow immediately below the ball.
Sketch tip: Shade lightly in small curved strokes so the paper grain and six holes remain readable.
