How to draw magical fire

User: In this lesson from the Skills Up School team, we will learn how to draw magical fire. It's not just a flame, it's mood, emotions and magic in your drawing. Let's add a bit of magic, make it bright, lively and unforgettable! The secret of magic is this: confident work with shape + brush settings + a couple of blending modes — and magic will happen! Let's go.  

1. Quick sketch of the shape

Start by sketching the general outlines of the fire.

• Use a brush with a pen pressure effect to create smooth lines that resemble flames.
• Add a few "waves" and chaotic swirls for more effect.

Feature:Try to imagine how the fire "moves". This will help convey the dynamics and create natural shapes.  

2. Refining the lines

On a new layer, detail the lines.

• Draw thin curls and add sharp flames.
• Make sure the lines are of different thicknesses: thinner for details and thicker for the main flame.

   

3. Gradients and base

• Fill the main silhouette of the fire with a gradient: from bright yellow in the center to red-orange at the edges.
• Use a soft brush to create smooth transitions.

Tip:For a magical effect, add unexpected colors, such as blue or purple, to the edges of the flame.  

4. Blur and movement

• Apply motion blur ("Motion Blur") to a copy of the layer to add dynamics.
• Light blur will help create the illusion of vortices inside the flame.

Feature:Copy the layer with the blurred version of the fire, change the color to light blue and set the blending mode to "Screen". This will add a mystical glow to the fire.    

5. Highlights and brightness

• On a new layer in "Overlay" mode, add light highlights in the center of the flame.
• Work on the edges of the flame with brighter strokes to give it "sparkle".

 

6. Sparks and details

• Add small sparks around the fire using a brush with low opacity.
• For realism, make the sparks of different sizes, some slightly blurred.

Tip:Place the sparks as if they are "flying" in the direction of the wind. This will add a movement effect.    

7. Depth and textures

• Add texture to the fire to make it look more voluminous.
• For example, use a brush with noise or a "charcoal" texture to diversify the flame.

 

8. Final touches

• Check how the fire looks against the background. Adjust the contrast and saturation.
• Add a light glowing aura around the flame.

  The fire is ready! 

Tricks, tips and tricks for magical fire

1. Color experiments:Don't be afraid to use unusual color combinations: purple with pink, blue with gold. Magical fire can be any color!
2. Light and reflection:Add a reflection of the light from the fire onto nearby objects. This will make the scene more realistic.
3. Variety of shapes:Each flame is unique! Add swirls, "gaps" or even individual tongues that break away from the main fire.
4. Application of textures:Mix different textures to make the fire look alive. For example, use a "fog" brush to create haze around.
5. Smooth gradients:The more smooth transitions in the flame, the more realistic it will look.
6. Adding magical elements:Try to include sparks in the form of stars, symbols or even animal silhouettes in the fire — this will add индивидуальности.