Drawing Fire and Flames

Flames with a large fuel source area, such as a log fire or campfire, flicker and dance in long, linear shapes. The color varies depending on the heat of the fire and the fuel. Pastel on black paper works well, using shades of gray for the ashen timber, bright and dark orange, white and yellow for the flame. Use an eraser to 'crisp up' the edges, chamois or cotton Q-tips to blend and soften. Although the colors do often blend into one another, they are sometimes quite clearly defined - use these areas to add variation and texture - don't have it all uniformly blended.