How to Draw a Thunderstorm

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Learn how to draw a great looking Thunderstorm with easy, step-by-step drawing instructions, and video tutorial.

By following the simple steps, you too can easily draw a perfect Thunderstorm.

Jump to the step-by-step instructions.

Complete Thunderstorm drawing
Complete Thunderstorm drawing

A thunderstorm is a severe weather event with lighting, thunder, rain and high winds. Learn how to draw a thunderstorm so that you can safely observe these powerful forces.

You've probably experienced several thunderstorms in your lifetime. Some people think that thunderstorms are loud and scary while others think that the dark clouds, thunder and rain are relaxing. Maybe you've snuggled up in bed while rain and thunder sounded outside.

Scroll down for a downloadable PDF of this tutorial.

Some thunderstorms lead to severe weather, such as tornadoes. Others are harmless and don't do much except get you wet. Still, you don't want to stand outside when a thunderstorm hits because lighting might strike you.

This cartoon thunderstorm uses dark colors to set the mood. Since this is a summer thunderstorm, the trees and leaves are bright green. You can use autumn colors if you want to try something a little different.

For more easy and fun guides, see the How to Draw a Water Cycle or Tornado Drawing tutorials.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Drawing a Thunderstorm

How to Draw a Great Looking Thunderstorm for Kids, Beginners, and Adults - Step 1

Thunderstorm step-by-step drawing tutorial: step 1

1. Draw loose, uneven loops to make your thunderstorm cloud look fluffy. Sketch a few more loops underneath the first line. Don't know where to start? Learn how to draw clouds!

Easy Thunderstorm Drawing - Step 2

Thunderstorm step-by-step drawing tutorial: step 2

2. Use jagged diagonal lines for the lighting bolt. Draw one set of lines first, then add the other set to keep the lines parallel. Add a vertical line to complete the cloud.

Easy Thunderstorm Drawing - Step 3

Thunderstorm step-by-step drawing tutorial: step 3

3. Sketch more loops on the right to start the tree. Make the loops uneven and expressive. Draw two lines for the trunk, then use curves and vertical lines for the roots.

Easy Thunderstorm Drawing - Step 4

Thunderstorm step-by-step drawing tutorial: step 4

4. Outline the tree with more fluffy loops that look similar to the cloud you just drew. Sketch two curves inside the trunk.

Easy Thunderstorm Drawing - Step 5

Thunderstorm step-by-step drawing tutorial: step 5

5. Repeat the earlier steps to start the cartoon tree on the left. Make this tree smaller than the first one.

Easy Thunderstorm Drawing - Step 6

Thunderstorm step-by-step drawing tutorial: step 6

6. Complete the tree with more loops to make it look like the tree is blowing in the wind.

Easy Thunderstorm Drawing - Step 7

Thunderstorm step-by-step drawing tutorial: step 7

7. Sketch a wavy horizontal line for the horizon and curves on the ground. Draw more loops behind the first cloud that you drew earlier.

Add More Details to Your Thunderstorm Picture - Step 8

Thunderstorm step-by-step drawing tutorial: step 8

8. Use tiny loops to draw a row of trees in the background. Sketch more wavy lines in the sky.

Complete the Outline of Your Thunderstorm Drawing - Step 9

Thunderstorm step-by-step drawing tutorial: step 9

9. Add teardrop shapes with lines for the fallen leaves and straight vertical lines for the rain.

Color Your Thunderstorm Drawing

Thunderstorm step-by-step drawing tutorial: step 11

Finally, outline your cartoon thunderstorm with a black pencil, marker or pen. Color the outline with different shades of grey for the clouds and bluish-grey for the dark sky. Use brown for the tree trunks and different shades of green for the trees, leaves and ground.

Now that you're done, try drawing another powerful force of nature, such as this cartoon hurricane drawing.

For more great landscape drawing tutorials, see the collection of Simple Landscape Art Projects.

Easy, step by step Thunderstorm drawing tutorial
How to Draw a Thunderstorm Pinterest Image

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Thunderstorm Drawing Tutorial - Easy & Fun Printable Pages

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