Unleash Your Artistic Skills: Master the Art of Drawing Fire with Colored Pencils
A step-by-step tutorial on drawing flames with colored pencils is finally here! Many readers have been asking for guidance on how to draw fire, and today, I’m excited to share my approach with you. Inspired by my collection of campfire photographs, I decided to tackle this fiery subject head-on. Plus, I’ll be putting Brush & Pencil products to the test, specifically for capturing the mesmerizing glow and illumination. So, let’s dive into the process of creating a stunning flame drawing.
Round 1: Laying the Foundation
Step 1: Setting the Stage
To begin, I selected a reference photo as a visual guide. Keep in mind that we’re not aiming for an exact replica but rather an impressionistic representation of fire. I opted for Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils since they synergize well with Powder Blender compared to Prismacolor. Additionally, I chose Clairefontaine Pastelmat as the drawing surface to complement the Brush & Pencil products.
Step 2: Establishing the Base
Using minimal Powder Blender, I applied it to the paper with a sable round brush. Next, I sketched a loose outline of the fire using Cadmium Orange, an ideal mid-value base color. To enhance the background, I layered Dark Indigo and Black, with Mauve added as an overlay since purple complements orange. After multiple layers of each color, I blended them seamlessly with a sable round brush.
Round 2: Sculpting the Form
Step 1: Enhancing Depth
Similarly to the previous round, I started by layering Dark Indigo over the background, ensuring full coverage with medium-heavy pressure and diagonal strokes. For the flame itself, I used Cadmium Orange for the darkest areas, transitioning to Cadmium Yellow for the lighter areas, and finally, Cream for the brightest spots. In select areas, I introduced touches of White. To deepen the darker values, I applied Caput Mortuum Violet with light pressure and smooth strokes.
Step 2: Refining Details
To further define the shape of the fire and the wisps of hot gas, I added Black over the entire background with heavy pressure, filling the paper’s tooth as much as possible. By cutting into the orange with Black, the flame’s contour and the log at the bottom took shape. Within the flame, I refined the interior shapes using Caput Mortuum Violet, Cadmium Orange, Dark Cadmium Orange, and occasional touches of Cream.
Step 3: Seamless Blending
Achieving smooth transitions is essential for a lifelike flame drawing. I blended the colors using Powder Blender and a sponge applicator, starting with the lighter shades and gradually merging them into the darker flame tones. Additionally, I blended the background, being careful not to introduce excessive Black into the orange hues. Finally, I sealed the work with three light coats of ACP Textured Fixative, ensuring a durable finish.
Round 3: Bringing the Flame to Life
Step 1: Illuminating the Flame
In this detailing phase, I began by adding White to the brightest areas of the flame, strategically building additional colors around it. For a smooth transition, I overlapped colors and blended them meticulously. The color progression included White, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Orange, and Dark Cadmium Orange. However, to achieve the desired contrast, I intensified the background with a solid layer of Black using heavy pressure and cross-hatching strokes. Afterward, I sealed the drawing once again with three light applications of ACP Textured Fixative.
Step 2: Adding Extra Spark
Once the fixative was dry, I mixed Brush & Pencil Touch-up Texture and Titanium White to create a paintable liquid. Applying this mixture to the brightest highlights of the flame with a small round sable brush added a breathtaking luminosity. To further enhance the realism, I included a few details, such as the fire rings around the log, inspired by my observations of burning logs.
Step 3: Fine-Tuning the Flame
With the base colors in place, I intensified the flame’s vibrancy by layering Cadmium Yellow with medium-heavy to heavy pressure, overlapping it into the oranges. I then incorporated Cadmium Orange to create smooth transitions, using the same pressure range. To deepen the darker oranges, Dark Cadmium Orange made its appearance, followed by Terracotta for the darkest areas.
Step 4: Bringing it All Together
The final phase involved fine adjustments to the colors, values, and shape of the fire. While I aimed to capture the fervent energy of the reference photo, duplicating it exactly wasn’t my goal. The finished drawing exudes the same brightness, heat, and liveliness as the fire in the original photograph.
That’s How You Draw Flame in Colored Pencil!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this mini-tutorial on drawing flames with colored pencils. If you’re hungry for more in-depth guidance, I invite you to check out the comprehensive tutorial available at Colored Pencil Tutorials. Expand your artistic horizons and discover the full potential of your colored pencils. Let your creativity shine as you master the art of drawing fire.
