How to Draw a Lightning Bolt

Start Out With a Few Basic Lines

When you're ready to draw a lightning bolt, start by sketching a few basic lines. Begin by drawing a line that starts at the top of your paper, curves down and then curves up again. You can make this line as long or as short as you like. Then draw a line that goes straight down from the middle of the curved line. This will be the main shape of your lightning bolt.

Add the Jagged Edges

Once you have the basic shape of the lightning bolt drawn, it's time to add the jagged edges. Start by drawing two or three short lines off the main curved line. These should be jagged and uneven. Continue to draw short jagged lines, alternating between the top of the curved line and the bottom. When you're done, your lightning bolt should look like a jagged bolt of electricity.

Draw the Lightning Bolt's Fork

Lightning bolts often have a forked shape at the end. To draw this, start by drawing a line that curves up from the end of the main curved line. This line should be jagged and uneven, like the other lines you have drawn. Then draw a line that curves back down from the top of the forked line. This line should also be jagged and uneven. Finally, draw a few short lines off the forked line to give it a more realistic shape.

Draw the Details

Next, it's time to draw the details. Start by drawing a few short lines around the main shape of the lightning bolt. These lines should be jagged and uneven, and should start and end at different points around the main shape. Then draw a few short lines off the forked line to give it a more realistic shape. Finally, draw some small circles around the points where the lines start and end. This will give your lightning bolt a more realistic look.

Erase the Sketch Lines

Once the details are finished, you can erase the sketch lines. Make sure to erase all the lines you used for the basic shape of the lightning bolt and the forked line. This will give your lightning bolt a clean, professional look.

Add Color and Shading

Now it's time to add the color and shading. Start by using a light gray or silver colored pencil to shade the lightning bolt. Follow the lines of the lightning bolt, and make sure to add some darker shading in the areas where the lines meet. This will give your lightning bolt a realistic look.

Draw the Background

Finally, it's time to draw the background. Start by using a light gray or silver colored pencil to draw a few clouds in the sky. Then use a darker pencil to draw some trees and other elements in the background. This will give your drawing a realistic look and complete the scene.

Finish Your Drawing

Now that your lightning bolt drawing is finished, you can add a few finishing touches. Add some shadows to the clouds or trees, or draw a few stars in the night sky. You can also add some texture to the lightning bolt by adding a few short lines in a random pattern. This will give your drawing a more realistic look and make it stand out.