Painting a fire is a fantastic way to add warmth, interest and drama to a drawing or painting.
While it may seem very difficult to draw or paint a realistic fire, it actually isn't at all once you understand what fire is and see how to capture the movement of the flames. This article describes a process that you can use either on a computer drawing program or if you are drawing on paper.
Steps
Step 1. Understand the movement of fire
While it may seem difficult at first, motion can be successfully drawn by observing how the object (in this case the fire) moves and observing the different shadows the motion creates. Changing where the movement is observed can also give you a better idea of the object's many movements. Gaze at a burning fire for some time before you start drawing; if you don't have fire, watch a video online or just light a match in a safe place.
A fire often includes shapes that resemble tears and curls for the flames, and an elliptical shape for the entire space occupied by the fire
Step 2. Paint or color the background black or another dark color
A dark color adds intensity to the fire and keeping the background plain to start is important to make sure you focus on the fire itself. You can embellish the background once you become more adept at drawing fire. For the flames, choose a dark orange or red. If you are working on paper instead of on a computer, you can directly paint the flames or draw them first and then paint them - however you like.
- Start drawing or painting the shape of the fire. It is a good idea to use a reference for the shape of the fire, such as drawing an ellipse within which the fire will remain, and you can push the flames to any point on the ellipse.
- Use "S" shapes to create each flame. Join the flames about a third or half height from the base of the fire and leave them separated by moving up from that point.
- Make sure you vary the height of the flames - no flame stays at the same height all the time, and the difference in height creates a sense of movement.
- Read how to draw flames to get clear tips and pictures with step-by-step instructions.
Step 3. Take a slightly darker color than the one you used for the fire base
With it you paint the edges of the fire. This will help shape the fire better and give it uniformity, as well as give an indication of warmth and movement. You can do this later if you prefer.
Step 4. Choose a light yellow or orange
Start coloring the inside of the fire base, following the shape of the flames. The lighter the color you choose, the more intense (and warm) the fire will appear to the observer.
Step 5. Take a very small brush or crayon and a very light, almost white color
Again, paint the inside of the fire following its shape to make it look even more intense and realistic.
Step 6. Make the changes and modifications you want and you're done
Step 7. Change the background or embellish the flames
When you feel more comfortable drawing flames and fire, consider working with a more detailed background. You could also decorate the flames more. The images below suggest different ideas you might try:
- More complex flames for a more abstract and quirky look
- Introduce a subject into the image.
- A bigger fire.
- Introduce a character with fire.
- A rainbow fire.
Step 8. Finished
Advice
- This is just one of the many ways to draw or paint fire. It is not necessarily a style that everyone has to follow and the final images show a wide range of styles for drawing flames.
- Don't be discouraged if you are not satisfied with the finished product. Few artists create something perfect the first time - it takes practice to make things look right when creating art.
