How To Draw A Blizzard
Drawing a blizzard requires creating a snowstorm of swirling flakes and sheets of icy wind, to evoke the chaos of a raging winter storm. Whether you’re a beginner artist or a seasoned pro, you can capture the beauty and power of a blizzard on paper with a few simple steps.
Step 1: Outline the Scene
Use a light pencil to sketch out the setting of the blizzard you want to create. Include any details like houses, trees, people or animals, then fill in the spaces between them with the storm. A hint of snow-capped mountains or rolling hills in the background can add a dramatic affect.
Step 2: Start with the Snow
Using a light rubbing of white pastel or watercolor around the scene will help you create the sense of a blizzard. Add details of snowflakes and swirling wind with a thin brush for a realistic effect. Give your drawing contrast by using slightly darker shades, like silvers and greys, to paint the heavier snow.
Step 3: Add Color
Just like any other drawing, adding color can help you create more details, contrast and contrast. In your blizzard scene, a bold, bright sky will create a more turbulent and dangerous look, while subtle hues of blue can add a graceful and wintery touch. You might also want to add pastel nuances of yellows and oranges to capture the warmth of indoor lighting shining against the snow.
Step 4: Create Movement
The most important aspect of a blizzard is the motion of the snow and winds. Make sure your drawing captures that dynamic by adding peaks of snowflakes and waves of wind. Use various lines and strokes to draw the motion of the blizzard, from long, detailed swirls to short, whip-like lines.
Step 5: Capture the Atmosphere
Finally, use grey and white details to bring your drawing alive. Add soft shadows and shades to indicate the falling snow and the icy winter air, and use darker shades of blue and grey to capture the mood of the blizzard. Sprinkle some bright white around the scene and you’ll have a realistic representation of a winter storm.
Step 6: Perfect the Effects
Once you’ve outlined your blizzard, use a few finishing touches to make it perfect. Accentuate the ice and snow by adding bits of white to the details, and use a few strokes of blue around the scene to add more depth. Smooth out the lines and give your drawing some texture by adding short lines throughout.
Step 7: Refine the Details
At long last, refine your drawing with the details. Highlight your snowflakes with sharp, white lines and draw a few clumps of falling snow with dramatic lines. Finish the blizzard by adding a few shadows and highlights to your scenes and characters.
Step 8: Bring it to Life
The last step is to bring your blizzard to life. Use a bold color palette of blues and whites to fill in the background, then add strokes of white and grey to create the chaotic wind. For extra realism, make the snowflakes sparkle by adding a few lines of silver.
Extra Tips
When creating a blizzard, don’t forget to add a few extras to make your drawing stand out. Add a few birds flitting through the snow or small clusters of animals huddled together for warmth. A touch of fog in the distance can also help to create an atmospheric effect.
