How to Draw a Lighthouse
No matter the time of day or which way the wind blows, a lighthouse stands strong and towers above the shoreline. It’s a beacon of light, a pathway in the darkness and a sign of strength and steadiness. Painting a beautiful lighthouse is a great way to bring a piece of its power and tranquility into your home.
Tools
Drawing your own lighthouse is easy, just make sure you have the right tools. Of course, you’ll need paper and pencils, but depending on the look and feel you’re going for, you could also use paints, markers, crayons and more. And don’t forget your favorite eraser for wiping out any mistakes you might make along the way.
Determine the Look
When it comes to lighthouses, there’s no one-size-fits-all design – each is unique and inspiring. That’s why you should spend some time thinking about what kind of look you’d like yours to have before actually starting to draw. Are you going for a realistic take on a traditional, classic light house, or a more creative, modern design? Think about color, light, shape and more.
Start with a Sketch
Once you have an idea of what you’d like your lighthouse to look like, it’s time to get started. Begin by lightly sketching your lighthouse with a pencil. Start with the circle at the base, which should be the widest part, and then slowly shape it up to the top. Add details, like the stairs and windows, while you go. You can always make changes along the way, so don’t worry about getting it right the first time.
Finalize and Color
When you’re satisfied with your sketch it’s time to make it permanent. Go over your lines with either a pen or a paintbrush, and make sure everything looks just the way you want it. Finally, grab your favorite colors and start filling in the lighthouse with your desired shades. Add bright whites and calming blues to give your piece of art a complete look.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Now for the final touches, like shadows, shading and highlights. Create highlights of white throughout the lighthouse to make it look more three-dimensional, and don’t forget to give it a bit of texture with curls and lines, as if it really were standing right in front of you. Finally, to make your lighthouse glow, use yellow and white to simulate light coming from the windows. Wrap it up with a sky of your choosing, and you’ll have a beautiful lighthouse of your own.
