Nature · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a rainbow: Nested Arcs and Cloud Overlaps
Explore rainbow through four selected drawing stages. Focus on nested arcs and cloud overlaps and a textured crayon finish.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 4 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 rainbow with attention to nested arcs and cloud overlaps.
Shapes and proportions
Keep the colored bands as nested arches and let the clouds cover their lower ends.
A common mistake
Bands with unrelated curves change width abruptly.
How to fix it
Mark the outer and inner arches first, then space the remaining bands between them.
This rainbow study focuses on nested arcs and cloud overlaps. Keep the colored bands as nested arches and let the clouds cover their lower ends. The exercise is about keeping these visible shapes readable before adding small marks or color.
These are four selected stages, not a complete stroke-by-stroke sequence. Blue guide lines mark additions in the source images. Compare the pictures for the overall shape changes; use the complete LittlePaper lesson for the smaller steps between them.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil and crayons matching the example. Leave room around the drawing for proportion checks before making the outlines darker.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 4
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
Selected stage 2: early shapes
This picture shows source stage 2 of 5 for rainbow, not the next single stroke. Keep the colored bands as nested arches and let the clouds cover their lower ends. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 2: early shapes · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Selected stage 3: building the outline
This picture shows source stage 3 of 5 for rainbow, not the next single stroke. Mark the outer and inner arches first, then space the remaining bands between them. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 3: building the outline · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Complete outline: nested arcs and cloud overlaps
Compare the finished rainbow outline with the earlier selected stages. Bands with unrelated curves change width abruptly. Mark the outer and inner arches first, then space the remaining bands between them.
Complete outline: nested arcs and cloud overlaps · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Crayon color: cream white, warm red, warm orange, warm yellow, green
Use the colored rainbow example to compare the palette after checking the outline. The visible palette includes cream white, warm red, warm orange, warm yellow, green. Keep repeated parts consistent and let small light flecks preserve the crayon texture.
Crayon color: cream white, warm red, warm orange, warm yellow, green · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
The example uses cream white, warm red, warm orange, warm yellow, green. Keep matching limbs and repeated parts in a consistent palette. Use light overlapping crayon strokes so the inner outlines stay visible. Mark the outer and inner arches first, then space the remaining bands between them.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “How to Draw a Rainbow” 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.
