Drawing Fire


Drawing Fire
Drawing Fire

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In this new tutorial, I invite you to explore an element that is both fascinating and complex to draw: fire.

Indeed, representing flames, whether realistic or stylized, can seem intimidating. But with good technique and a keen sense of observation, it becomes a real pleasure.

Understanding how to draw fire will not only enrich your creations, but also help you better grasp the dynamics of shapes and movement.


Understanding Fire: An Element in Motion

Before moving on to drawing, it is essential to understand that fire is a living element. It does not have fixed boundaries: it dances, deforms, and varies in intensity and color. Fire is not rigid: it is light, fluid, and asymmetrical.

The main features to keep in mind are:

• The undulating shapes: the fire rises in peaks and waves.

• Transparency: the flames are partially translucent.

• Color variation: from intense blue at the base, through bright orange, to pale yellow at the top.

Observing these details will allow you to create credible and expressive flames.

photo of a fire

How to Draw Fire Digitally

1. Lay Out the Basic Structure

Start by sketching the outline of your fire using smooth and sinuous lines.

2. Draw interior lines

Draw some irregular lines inside the flames. They will serve as a guide to integrate the colors.

3. Integrate a first color

Once the lines are set, start coloring the lightest parts in yellow, following the basic structure. It should guide you.

4. Add a second color

Select a medium orange, and complete your structure by coloring areas close to yellow.

5. Enhance the contrasts

Choose a darker orange and fill in the remaining areas.

Finally, you can add outlines around your fire with the same color or leave the outlines yellow. It will depend on the style you want to achieve.

drawing of fire in a digital format


Drawing a fireplace with colored pencils

Below is an example of a fireplace drawn with colored pencils that you can replicate.

image of the materials needed to draw fire with colored pencils

The steps are roughly the same:

1. Sketch the overall shape

Start by sketching the overall shape of the wood fire with an HB pencil. There is no need to press too hard. Also, remember that fire is never static: add some distortion effects, such as little flames detaching or secondary waves to extend the movement.

rough sketch of fire

2. Add the first colors

Select a medium-tone orange pencil, and color the fire in the center and along the edges, without pressing too hard.

Vary the tips: some should be fine and light, others broader and rounded. This creates a visual rhythm.

colored drawing of fire

3. Color the base in red

Use a red pencil to gradually add color to the base of the fire.

colored drawing of fire

4. Increase the Tones

Continue with your yellow, medium orange, dark orange, and red colored pencils.

Do not hesitate to leave some blank areas to fill in later. The fire is starting to come to life.

drawing of the different tones of fire


Adding contrast to your drawing 

5. Add Contrast

Use darker-colored pencils: brown, black, and dark red to enrich your drawing.

Keep white spaces to give your drawing some breathing room and add contrast.

drawing of fire with contrast

6. Gradually fill in the empty face

Continue patiently using all your colors: yellow, orange, brown, red, dark blue, and black for the shadows.

Add fine and irregular lines to create a trembling effect.

Little by little, the drawing will darken and the elements will take shape.

draw the details of the fire

7. Finish with contrasts and blur

Enhance the contrasts. Then, add a slight blur on the outer edges to emphasize the intangible aspect of the fire. Do not seek perfection: fire lives by its irregularity.

And there you have it, your drawing is finished!

colored drawing of fire in a fireplace

To conclude, drawing fire is about capturing the energy of movement and the beauty of imperfection. It is not an exercise in geometric precision, but rather a work of observation, rhythm, and light.

With practice, you will be able to depict all kinds of flames: a candle, a large blaze, or a stylized fire for fantastical illustrations.

Experiment and above all, have fun!

Editor and illustrator: Sacha Fatticcioni


by Tristan de Dessindigo

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