Are you ready to unleash the electrifying power of creativity? Today, we’re going to show you how to draw a lightning bolt in just a few simple steps!

Drawing lightning might seem like a daunting task, but fear not, because we’ve got an easy-to-follow guide that will have you zapping through your artwork in no time.

Sketching is a fantastic skill to have in your artistic arsenal! And in this tutorial, we’ll break down the process into manageable steps.

Let’s start with a fun fact: Did you know that when you see lightning from far away and it’s too far to hear the thunder, it’s called heat lightning?

Fortunately, since we are just drawing one, we get to enjoy the safety of being inside. So grab your pencils, and let’s get started!

Drawing Supplies You’ll Need

Piece of paper
Pencil
Pencil sharpener
Eraser

Optional Materials

Black pen
Markers
Colored pencils

Before we jump in, if you’re looking for more drawing adventures, why not try drawing a crescent moon or a key after this?

Step-By-Step Guide For How To Draw A Lightning Bolt

all the steps for drawing a lightning bolt, marked by dotted lines for which line to draw per step.

Step 1. Create The Top Part Of Your Bolt

First, we’re drawing the top part of the lightning bolt. Imagine it leaning slightly to the right.

So, you’ll draw two lines going up at a small angle, making sure the line on the right is a bit longer than the one on the left.

Step 2. Draw A Zigzag Line

dotted horizontal lines connecting vertical lines.

Now, let’s make it look like natural lightning with some zigzags. Start by drawing a straight line across the top between the two lines you just created.

Then, add two more lines at the bottom, one extending past the shorter line and the other just a bit shorter than the first.

This keeps your bolt looking sharp and angled.

Step 3. Form the Second Stage Of The Bolt

Like before, draw two more lines slanting the opposite way on the bottom half of your bolt.

Remember to keep the right line a bit longer but less than the first set. This makes your lightning bolt look more dynamic.

Step 4. Draw The Next Zig Zag

Top half of lightning bolt with horizontal dotted lines drawn accorss bottom.

Add two horizontal lines to the bottom, stretching further than the bolt’s sides.

The bottom line should be a tad shorter than the one above, adding to the zigzag effect.

Step 5. Add A Pointy Tip

angled, pointed bottom of lightning bolt

Now, for the pointed tip of your lightning bolt. Draw a diagonal line from the top left, then another line to meet it at a sharp point at the bottom.

This gives your bolt that classic lightning shape.

Step 6. The Lightning Flash

flash line inside outline of bolt, marked by dotted lines

We will draw a zigzag line inside the bolt to represent the flash.

Start this line near the top on the right side and taper it in as you go down, making it meet the side towards the point.

Step 7. Color It In

Finally, it’s time to bring your this electrifying flash to life with some color! You can choose any colors you like.

Maybe add a bright white streak to show the flash, or use your favorite colors to make it pop.

Drawing a lightning is not just fun; it’s a cool way to learn about one of nature’s most powerful forces.

By following these steps, you’ve created your very own lightning bolt. Great job!

Don’t forget to Pin it for later!