How to draw Good Enough fireworks

Independence Day in San Diego is a festive affair, with fireworks displays going off throughout the county. However, this year we’re spending the holiday with friends… and as it’s an evening affair in a residential neighborhood, we may not get to see too many fireworks from the party’s location. So, if you think you’re not going to see enough fireworks, or want to create some of your own, today’s your lucky day!
 

Here’s how to draw Good Enough fireworks of your very own!

 

 
(Thanks go to Amy Kazor at @accomplishva for suggesting this week’s tutorial topic!)
 
Of course, fireworks look different when they are actually exploding, versus when they’re about to go off.
 

Here’s how to draw a Good Enough exploding firework

 

 
If you don’t color in the tail, it could double for a sparkler as well!
 

Three Tips

• In both fireworks, the tail (or stick) is the first piece I start with, as it helps me set the scale and the trajectory of the firework.
• I give a bit of texture to the firework’s fuse by drawing a series of small “c”s instead of a straight line. This makes the fuse look like it’s twisted or braided, which I like.
• When drawing an exploding firework, be sure to leave some space in the center and have the explosion lines radiating out in a way that falls with gravity. (Remember, once the firework explodes, the trail starts dropping back to earth.) When your center space is too tight, those explosion lines start to look like stars or twinkles. I think of drawing fireworks as drawing really loose, open and simple Chinese chrysanthemums.

… and that’s it! Put them all together and you get something like this:
 

 
What do YOUR fireworks look like? Draw yours up, Tweet it out to @jeannelking #goodenough, and have a blast this Independence Day!
 
 
 
Want to have fun drawing AND inspire others to pick up the pen at the same time?  Got something you wish you could draw, but you’re not sure how to approach it? Tweet your drawing or idea to @jeannelking and tag it with #goodenough: it could be featured in an upcoming “how to draw good enough” blog post!
 
Looking forward to seeing what you draw forth!