How to draw northern lights
Northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that illuminate the night sky with vibrant colours. Capturing the magic of this celestial spectacle on paper can be a challenging yet rewarding experience.
In this guide, we will explore the steps to recreate the mesmerising beauty of the northern lights through drawing. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, these tips will help you create a picturesque representation of this wondrous natural phenomena.
Before starting, it is important to study reference images of the northern lights to familiarise yourself with their various forms and colours. Each aurora borealis display is unique and understanding its intricacies will assist you in recreating its dazzling beauty on paper.
Now, grab your favourite drawing supplies and let’s embark on a creative journey to unlock the secrets of creating a draw-dropping depiction of the northern lights!
Basic Steps to Draw Northern Lights
Step 1: Prepare your drawing materials
Before you start drawing the northern lights, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You will need a sheet of paper, a set of colored pencils or pastels, and an eraser. You may also want to have a reference photo or image of the northern lights to help guide your drawing.
Step 2: Create a background
Start by lightly sketching the shape of the background, such as a landscape or a night sky. You can use a light pencil for this step, as these lines will be erased later on. Next, use a dark-colored pencil or pastel to fill in the background with a deep blue or black color.
Step 3: Draw the stars
Using a white colored pencil or pastel, start adding small dots or star shapes to the sky. Vary the size and spacing of the stars to make them look more natural. You can also use a white gel pen for this step, as it will create more defined and bright stars.
Step 4: Add the light colors
Begin adding the colors of the northern lights to the sky. Use light pastel or colored pencils in shades of green, blue, purple, and pink. Apply the colors in long strokes or swirling patterns to create the flowing movement of the lights. Blend the colors together gently to achieve a smooth transition.
Step 5: Enhance the lights
Add brighter and more intense shades of colors to areas where the lights are strongest. You can use a white pencil or pastel to add highlights and make certain parts of the lights stand out. Blend the colors again to create a seamless and gradated effect.
Step 6: Final touches
Take a step back and evaluate your drawing. Make any necessary adjustments and add any additional details or elements, such as trees or mountains, to enhance the composition. Erase any remaining sketch lines from the background as needed. Finally, sign your artwork and enjoy your representation of the mesmerizing northern lights!
Gathering Art Supplies
When it comes to drawing northern lights, having the right art supplies can ensure that you achieve the desired effect. Here is a list of essential art supplies that you will need:
1. Drawing Paper
Start by selecting a high-quality drawing paper that is suitable for your drawing medium. Look for paper that has a smooth surface and can handle multiple layers of color.
2. Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are the primary tool for creating the vibrant colors of the northern lights. Invest in a good set of artist-grade colored pencils that have a wide range of colors and a soft, blendable texture.
3. Pastels
Pastels can add a soft and atmospheric effect to your northern lights drawing. Opt for soft pastels that offer a wide range of colors and blend easily. Keep in mind that pastels can be quite messy, so be sure to prepare your workspace accordingly.
4. Blending Tools
To achieve smooth transitions and seamless blending of colors in your northern lights drawing, you’ll need some blending tools. Consider using blending stumps, tortillons, or even cotton swabs to blend your colored pencils or pastels together.
5. Masking Fluid
If you want to include stars in your northern lights drawing, masking fluid can be a useful tool. Apply it before adding color to the sky to preserve the white of the paper and create crisp, white stars.
6. Masking Tape or Clips
To keep your paper in place and prevent it from moving while you draw, use masking tape or clips to secure it to your drawing surface.
7. Reference Photos
Having reference photos of the northern lights can help you understand the colors, shapes, and patterns that occur. Look for high-quality photos to inspire your drawing and guide your color choices.
| Art Supplies | Image |
|---|---|
| Drawing Paper |  |
| Colored Pencils |  |
| Pastels |  |
| Blending Tools |  |
| Masking Fluid |  |
| Masking Tape or Clips |  |
| Reference Photos |  |
Make sure you have all the necessary art supplies before you start drawing the northern lights. This will help you have a smooth and enjoyable drawing experience.
Setting the Background
In order to accurately depict the magical display of the northern lights, it is essential to create the right background. The transcendent shades of green, blue, pink, and purple will be the focal point of your drawing, so it is crucial to lay down a base that truly captures their ethereal beauty.
Here are a few steps to help you set the perfect background for your northern lights drawing:
- Choose your canvas: Start by selecting the size and material of your canvas or drawing paper. Consider using a larger canvas to fully showcase the vibrant colors of the aurora borealis.
- Prepare the surface: Whether you are working on canvas or paper, make sure the surface is clean, smooth, and free from any imperfections. Smooth out any wrinkles or bumps that could interfere with the final result.
- Prime the canvas (if necessary): If you are working with canvas, consider applying a layer of gesso or primer before starting. This will enhance the vibrancy of your colors and create a smoother surface.
- Select your color palette: Decide on the colors you want to use for your northern lights and gather the necessary paints or pastels. Typically, a combination of greens, blues, pinks, and purples is used to depict the characteristic hues of the aurora borealis.
- Create a gradient: Begin by creating a smooth gradient background that mimics the night sky. Start with a dark color at the top of the canvas and gradually transition to a lighter shade towards the bottom. Use a blending technique or create subtle brush strokes to achieve a natural-looking gradient effect.
- Add depth and texture: Once the base gradient is in place, you can add depth and texture to the background. Use various brushes or tools to create subtle clouds, stars, or other celestial elements that will enhance the overall atmosphere of your drawing.
By setting the right background for your northern lights drawing, you will create a strong foundation for the vibrant colors and mesmerizing display that will be the focal point of your artwork.
Creating the Aurora Effect
When drawing the Northern Lights, it’s essential to accurately capture the mesmerizing effect of the aurora borealis. Here are some tips to help you create a stunning representation:
1. Choose Colors: The Northern Lights are known for their vibrant colors, so it’s important to select a variety of hues. Typically, the lights appear in shades of green, pink, purple, and blue. Consider using watercolors or colored pencils to create the beautiful, ethereal effect.
2. Blend Colors: To achieve a smooth and seamless transition between colors, use a blending technique. This can be done by layering and softly blending different shades together with a brush or pencil. Experimentation with color blending is key to capturing the magical essence of the aurora borealis.
3. Create Movement: The aurora lights dance across the night sky, giving the impression of movement. To depict this motion in your drawing, use curved strokes in various directions to create a flowing, dynamic effect. This will help to recreate the graceful movement of the lights sweeping across the canvas.
4. Add Depth and Texture: To add depth to your Northern Lights drawing, use different brush or pencil strokes to create texture in the sky. Adding layers of light and dark colors will give the illusion of depth and make your artwork more realistic.
5. Experiment with Techniques: Have fun exploring various techniques and styles that work best with your artistic skills. You can try stippling, splattering, or even blending different mediums to create an interesting finish. Unleash your creativity and showcase the unique beauty of the Northern Lights.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts to capture the Aurora Effect aren’t exactly as you envisioned. Keep trying, experimenting, and refining your techniques, and soon you’ll be able to create breathtaking artworks inspired by the mesmerizing phenomenon that is the Northern Lights.
Adding Details and Definition
Once you have created the basic shapes and colors for your northern lights drawing, you can begin adding details to make it more realistic and vibrant.
1. Additional Colors
- Using different shades and tints of blues, greens, purples, and pinks, add more layers of color to enhance the depth and variation of the northern lights.
- Blend the colors together gently to create a seamless transition and avoid harsh lines.
- Remember to keep the colors more intense and saturated towards the center of the lights and gradually fade them towards the edges.
2. Light Rays
- Add streaks of light shooting out from the center of the northern lights to create a radiant effect.
- Use a lighter shade of the colors you have chosen, such as a pastel yellow or white, and paint or draw lines extending outward from the center in a slightly curved shape.
- Try to vary the length and thickness of the light rays to make them look natural.
3. Stars
- To complete the scene, you can add stars to the night sky.
- Use a small brush or a fine-tip pen to create tiny dots scattered throughout the sky.
- Consider varying the sizes and brightness of the stars to create depth and visual interest.
Once you feel satisfied with the level of details and definition, step back and assess your drawing. Make any necessary adjustments, such as adding highlights or intensifying certain areas, to achieve the desired effect.
Remember, creating a drawing of the northern lights allows for artistic interpretation, so feel free to add your own personal style and vision to the final result!
Final Touches and Finishing
After completing the main elements of your northern lights drawing, you can add some final touches and details to make it more realistic and visually appealing. Here are a few steps to consider:
Add Depth and Shadows
- Use a darker shade of blue or purple to create depth by adding shadows to the lower part of the sky where the lights meet the horizon.
- Blend the shadows softly using gentle strokes or a blending tool to create a seamless transition between the lighter and darker areas.
Enhance the Colors
- Add more layers of lighter and brighter colors such as yellow or green to make the lights appear more vibrant.
- Layer the colors with gentle strokes or a blending tool to create a soft and glowing effect.
- Experiment with different color combinations to achieve a unique and mesmerizing atmosphere.
Add Stars and Silhouettes
- Add tiny dots or small strokes of white paint or a gel pen to create stars in the sky.
- You can also add the silhouettes of trees, mountains, or other elements in the foreground to enhance the depth and perspective of your drawing.
Remember, the northern lights are quite dynamic and can have different shapes, colors, and patterns, so feel free to use your imagination and artistic interpretation to create a stunning final piece.
Harrison Clayton
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