Nature · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a forest fire: tree groups and rising flame curves
Three sets of vertical trunks first separate the positions of the foreground trees.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 3 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Practice this visual check: Let the flames bend upward, first draw the big trees in the front row, and then fill in the small trees and flames from the gaps.
Shapes and proportions
Three sets of vertical trunks first separate the positions of the foreground trees. The top of the trunk is stacked with triangular leaves, and dwarf trees are placed behind it; the ground, the trees and the sky are successively added with sharp and curved flame outlines.
A common mistake
The flames are all drawn as right triangles, and the trees have no relationship with each other, so the scene is very flat.
How to fix it
Let the flames bend upward, first draw the big trees in the front row, and then fill in the small trees and flames from the gaps.
These three images are key-stage previews: the starting shape, the completed outline, and a new crayon color study. Follow the complete drawing sequence in LittlePaper. On paper, leave room around the first shape for the parts added later.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil or black drawing pen, eraser, and crayons or colored pencils for color matching for this lesson.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Position the basic shape first
Three sets of vertical trunks first separate the positions of the foreground trees. Observe the position of the starting shape on the paper, leaving space for subsequent outlines and additional components.
Position the basic shape first · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect profiles and arrange parts
The top of the trunk is stacked with triangular leaves, and dwarf trees are placed behind it; the ground, the trees and the sky are sequentially added with sharp and curved flame outlines. Let the flames bend upward, draw the big trees in the front row first, and then fill in the small trees and flames from the gaps.
Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft
Smoked trees are dark gray brown, flames are golden orange, and the ground is warm gray. Apply the color first with light pressure, leaving the black outline, and then compare pairs of parts using the same color.
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft · Preview image 3 of 3
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “How to Draw a Forest Fire” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
