Drawing thunder is a thrill of a lifetime. While it may seem like a daunting task, anyone can tackle it with patience and practice. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and techniques to get your thunderstorm drawing rolling!
1. Choose Your Media
Before you get started, you need to pick your medium. Thunderstorms are dramatic, so you don’t want to shy away from bold, vibrant materials. Consider watercolors, acrylics, oil paints, or crayons. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing mediums—even mix pastels and charcoal to let your creativity shine through. With an array of materials, you can create a feeling of emanating light and sound.
2. Gather Your Materials
Now that you’ve chosen your materials, it’s time to gather them. Make sure you’ve got plenty of paper, pens, paints, and anything else you need to bring your masterpiece to life. Also, pay attention to the type of paper you’re using—thick, durable paper should give your thunder drawing an extra punch.
3. Start With the Sky
If you’re going for a warm-weather thunderstorm, a light blue or orange sky is a great place to start. Alternatively, a deep blue background conveys the cooler months of the year. Experiment with different shades and hues to get the effect you’re looking for.
4. Create Your Thunder Clouds
Now, you’re ready to start creating the thunder clouds. It’s easy to go overboard; clouds should be imposing, but don’t be afraid to take it slow. Start with a few basic shapes and go from there. Add shadows and highlights to create depth and drama.
5. Craft the Lightning
Boy, oh boy! Here comes the thrilling part of your drawing—the lightning! To create the flash and zap of a lightning strike, use a fast, energetic pencil stroke. Make sure it stands out from your clouds, so it’s got that distinct look of lightning!
6. Invest in Details
Next, you can take your painting to the next level by adding details. Use thin lines and subtle patterns to create a heavenly spectacle. Do you want to capture the sound of thunder? Try adding some static-y sound effects to the sky. You can also take cues from nature and add flowers, raindrops, and more.
7. Create Your Final Touches
Now, it’s time to make it all come alive with your final touches. Experiment with different paints and materials to craft your own unique thunderstorm. With this, you’ll be able to make a unique statement about the beauty and mystery of nature.
8. Step Back and Reflect
Finally, take a step back and enjoy your hard work. Was it easy? No, but it was worth it—after all, thunderstorms have captivated humanity for centuries. Let your artwork reflect the everlasting wonder of thunder and prove you can draw thunder with the power of your imagination.
