How to Draw a Fireplace

Drawing a proper fireplace is easy if you know the anatomy.

Fireplaces are one of the most commonly drawn parts of a home, appearing in countless cartoons and cartoon classics over the last century. Drawing a fireplace can be relatively simple as long as you take into consideration the anatomy of a fireplace when planning your drawing. The visible aspects of a fireplace typically consist of a sturdy foundation upon which the fire will occur, the fire pit, the fireplace mantle, the firewood in the pit, and occasionally protective grates.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Sheet of paper
• Markers
• Colored pencils or crayons
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Lightly sketch the fireplace mantel over where the fire is going to be. The shape of a fireplace mantel is similar to the monuments in Stonehenge or a square arc. The reason for sketching the mantel first, is that the mantel is literally the frame of the fireplace. Unlike the fire itself which has a grate in front and obstructing it, the mantel is unobstructed and serves as a great base for the picture, making it easier to adjust the rest of the picture in terms of proportion.

2. Sketch an overmantel -- an extra decorative mantel -- on top and around the fireplace mantel. Sketch a pattern within the overmantel or add ridges and indentations to make it look more interesting.

3. Sketch a brick wall around the overmantel. Use a ruler to create even, accurate brick patterns throughout.

4. Sketch part of a floor below the bottom edge of the fireplace mantels and bottom edge of where the fire pit is going to be between the mantels. The floor should fade as it expends down and away from the fireplace.

5. Sketch the fire pit in the middle of the original fireplace mantel. At the lower center of the pit, draw pieces of split logs and draw embers rising from the log pieces. Add a grate or fence-like, metal protective cover in front of that fire extending from and to the edges of the surrounding mantel.

6. Go over your fireplace sketch and outlines with a black marker, except for the fire itself.

7. Color in your fireplace. Color the surrounding brick wall interchanging variations of dark red and brown. Color the fireplace mantel and overmantel shades of brown or dark brown and use dashes of an even darker shade to create a rugged, wooden look. Color the firewood brown and the fire a mix of red, orange, and yellow throughout. Color the grate a dark gray or rusty silver. Color the floor according to your liking.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different mantel designs. Try making extravagant twirls, series of arches within, or even intricate designs or pictures within the mantels.

• Experiment with different styles of walls such as wooden or different styles of floors.

References

• Drago Art: How to Draw a Fireplace