When the temperature drops and winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like sitting by the fireside and learning the art of drawing snowflakes. Each snowflake is unique, just like us, and capturing their beauty on paper is a delightful activity that can be enjoyed by all.
Explore Different Types of Snowflakes
Simple Snowflakes
- Flat with blunt ends
- No columns
- Sturdy in structure
Simple snowflakes resemble tiny ice cubes and come in various prismatic shapes, showcasing their simplicity.
Plate Snowflakes
- Flat and thick
- No thin “limbs”
- Hexagonal patterns
Plate snowflakes feature distinctive etched patterns on their flat and thick surfaces, imparting a sense of elegance.
Stellar Dendrites
- Dainty and delicate
- Dimensional with visible crystals
- Branches and limbs in a tree-like formation
Stellar dendrites are intricate and fragile, with numerous branches sprouting from their limbs, creating a mesmerizing appearance.
Fern Dendrites
- Dainty and delicate
- Dimensional with a fuzzy appearance
Fern-like snowflakes exhibit a soft and fuzzy texture, with visible layers of snow crystals delicately stacked upon one another.
Hollow Columns
- Solid center
- Cylindrical in shape
- Hollow ends
Hollow columns may not resemble typical snowflakes, but they are classified as such. They appear like tiny vials with hollow ends, reminiscent of a cork.
Needles
- Thin and slender
- Hollow ends
Needle snowflakes are similar to hollow columns, but thinner in structure. When they land on a surface, they resemble tiny dog hairs.
Capped Columns
- Half-hollow column
- Flat ends
- Resemble a spool-like shape
Capped columns appear as if hollow columns have merged with plates, resulting in a unique and spool-shaped snowflake.
Bullet Rosette
- Three prongs
- Column-like structure
- Flat ends
Bullet rosettes are among the most distinctive types of snowflakes. They possess three prongs and can have caps on their ends or remain uncapped.
Irregular Snowflakes
- Mixture of textures
- Clumpy formation
Irregular snowflakes are the most common type. They showcase varying textures and lack symmetrical patterns, making each snowflake unique.
Tips for Drawing Snowflakes
To create stunning snowflake drawings, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a ruler: A ruler comes in handy for drawing straight lines and ensuring clean edges.
- Choose a type: While not mandatory, selecting a specific snowflake type as a reference can be a helpful guide.
- Incorporate shapes: Hexagons, in particular, can serve as a useful building block for your snowflake drawings.
- Embrace imperfections: Remember that snowflakes are not perfect, so allow for some natural irregularities when adding finishing touches.
- Add dimension: Create depth by adding details to the edges or surface of your snowflake drawing.
- Craft with glitter: Add a touch of magic to your snowflake by applying light blue, white, or silver glitter.
- Trace cutouts or use them as guides: Cutout snowflakes are easy to make and make fantastic guides for drawing snowflakes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Draw a Snowflake
Supplies
- Paper
- 2B pencils (or markers)
Step 1: Draw a Faint Hexagon
Begin by drawing a faint hexagon on your paper. Keep the lines light, as you will be erasing them later. This hexagon will serve as a guide for your snowflake.
Step 2: Draw Three Lines
Next, draw three lines across the hexagon, connecting the corners. You can draw these lines with a slightly heavier touch compared to the initial hexagon.
Step 3: Draw a Smaller Hexagon
Within the hexagon’s center, draw a smaller hexagon about a quarter of the way from the center point. The branches of your snowflake will originate from this smaller hexagon.
Step 4: Widen Lines
Now, thicken the lines you previously drew. You can either redraw them with a heavier touch or draw around them, as these lines will add depth to your snowflake.
Step 5: Add Branches
Add small pillars to each line. Feel free to draw two or more branches on each line, depending on the level of fluffiness you desire for your snowflake.
Step 6: Add Color
While optional, adding a touch of light blue color to your snowflake drawing can make it more festive and visually appealing.
Step 7: Finish with Details
Lastly, add more depth to your snowflake by incorporating lines that mimic the outlines. This is your opportunity to get creative and make your snowflake truly unique.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drawing Snowflakes
Are Snowflakes Difficult to Draw?
Drawing snowflakes is not a challenging task. While simple snowflakes are easy to recreate, you can always challenge yourself by attempting to draw realistic-looking snowflakes.
What Colors Should I Use for Snowflake Drawings?
The classic colors for snowflake drawings are white and light blue. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors to create a uniquely enchanting snowflake.
What Do Snowflakes Symbolize in Art?
In art, snowflakes symbolize delicacy, fragility, and individuality. Draw them to evoke the emotions they stir within you personally.
In Conclusion
Learning how to draw snowflakes is not only enjoyable during the holiday season. While it’s more common to draw snowflakes in winter, you can cool off your summer with a touch of festive flair by drawing these intricate ice crystals. With each snowflake you draw, you’ll enhance your artistic skills and nurture your creativity.
