How to Draw the US Flag
Drawing the US flag doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, you can create a beautiful and accurate representation of the Stars and Stripes. With a few simple supplies, you can easily draw the United States flag with impressive attention to detail. Here is how to do it.
Gather the Right Supplies
To draw a convincing rendition of the US flag, you must start with the right supplies. A white piece of paper, a pencil with a sharp point, and several different colored drawing tools are essential. Red, white, and blue are the colors for the flag, and you can use anything from crayons and colored pencils to markers and oil pastels. You will also need a ruler and straight edge.
Start With the Basics
Begin by sketching out the flag’s shape. Use the ruler and straight edge to draw a rectangle on the paper. The standard dimensions of the US flag are 2:3, meaning there should be two units in height for every three in width. Make sure the rectangle stays within the margins of the paper.
Next, draw the horizon line at the center of the flag. This is the line that divides the stars from the stripes. It should be straight and run perpendicular to the sides of the rectangle. Try to keep the line symmetrical, in the middle of the rectangle.
Add the Stripes
After you have the basics sketched out, it is time to add the stripes. First, draw seven red stripes on the bottom half of the flag. Make sure that each stripe is the same length and width. The stripes can be a bit wavy or uneven, however, try to keep them as even as possible. Leave a small space between each stripe.
Then, draw six white stripes above the horizon line. Again, make sure the stripes are even in length and width. Leave a small space between each stripe.
Draw the Stars
The stars are the essential element of any US flag. To draw them, start by creating a five-pointed star. Draw a triangle with two points at the top, two points at the bottom, and one point in the very center. Each point of the star should be in the shape of an arc. Make sure the five arc points are symmetrical, so the star will look complete.
The US flag has 50 stars, so you will need to repeat the same process 50 times. Place the stars around the flag’s top half in an orderly fashion. The stars should be placed in rows, but their spacing and positioning should remain somewhat irregular. The most common pattern is five or six rows with each row containing 8 or 9 stars.
Finish and Enjoy
The last step is to add the finishing touches. Your drawing should look more realistic by now, so it is time to perfect the details — darken up the lines, add shadows and highlights, and redefine any areas that look a bit soft. When you are done, take a step back and admire your work. You have successfully captured the essence and beauty of the United States flag. Congratulations!
