How to Draw Fire
A small campfire rises above three crossed logs with a few glowing gaps beneath. Explore the contrast between solid wood shapes and the tapering curves of the flames in this contained outdoor fire.
Start the lessonStage 1: Build the Campfire
Sketch three long boxes crossing at the base, with two extending toward the lower corners. Above them, draw a tall central oval and two shorter, outward-leaning ovals for the flames.
Stage 2: Shapes
Round the boxes into logs with oval ends. Reshape the three ovals into curving flame tongues with pointed tips, keeping the middle flame tallest.
Stage 3: Define Flames and Wood
Remove the overlapping guide lines and extend the flame bases into tapering curves over the logs. Add flowing inner flame lines, long bark grooves, and rings inside the log ends. Draw a small cluster of irregular embers beneath the crossing logs.
Stage 4: Finish the Shaded Fire
Shade along the flame curves, leaving bright centers. Build rough bark texture with dark grooves, and add finer rings and cracks to the log ends. Darken the embers and log undersides, preserve the white gaps beneath the fire, and add soft ground shadows to complete the sketch.
Explore colour
Add colour
Make room for your drawing.
One page, 4 stages, and space to draw.
