How to Paint Fire

Understand the movement of fire. Although it may seem difficult at first, movement can be successfully drawn by observing how the object (in this case the fire) moves and observing the different shadows that the movement creates.Changing where you observe the movement from can also give you a better idea of ​​the object's many movements.Stare into a burning fire for some time before you start drawing;If you don't have fire, watch a video online or simply light a match in a safe place.

• A fire often includes shapes resembling tears and curls for the flames, and an elliptical shape for the entire space occupied by the fire.

Paint or stain the background black or another dark color. A dark color adds intensity to the fire and keeping the background simple to start with is important to ensure you focus on the fire itself.You can embellish the background once you become more skilled at drawing fire.For the flames, choose a dark orange or red.If you're working on paper rather than on the computer, you can paint the flames directly or draw them first and then paint them – whatever you like.

• Start drawing or painting the shape of the fire.It's 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.Bring the flames together about a third or half the way up from the base of the fire and leave them separated as you work your way up from that point.
• Be sure to 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.

Take a slightly darker color than the one you used for the base of the fire. With it paint the edges of the fire.This will help to better shape the fire and give it uniformity, as well as give an indication of heat and movement.You can also do this later if you prefer.

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 hotter) the fire will appear to the observer.

Take a very small brush or crayon and a very light color, almost white. Again, paint the inside of the fire following its shape to make it look even more intense and realistic.

Make the changes and modifications you want and you're done!

Change the background or embellish the flames. As 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 could try:

• More complex flames for a more abstract and eccentric look
• Introduce a subject into the image.
• A bigger fire.
• Introduce a character with fire.
• A rainbow fire.