How to Draw a Lighthouse

What's good, art crew? Today, I'm serving you a lesson on how to draw a lighthouse!
Grab your blank paper, drawing pencil, and your markers, crayons or colored pencils. If you've got a ruler nearby, it might get used in a few spots where a straight line is needed. Let's go create a coastal masterpiece together!
Get ready to sketch out the beacon of the sea in a fun and simplified style. Each pencil line is one step closer to your own original lighthouse scene. Progress through each step, and voilà, your very own lighthouse scene on paper!
Remember to infuse your drawing with some of your own ideas. I'll show you the basics, but you should get creative too. Expression is key in bringing your unique lighthouse to life. Enhance it with pops of color and some extra details, making it an extension of your own artistic expression. I mean that's what art is all about right?
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Materials
- Blank Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons or Colored Pencils
- Ruler (is helpful)
Lesson: How to Draw a Lighthouse
Alright, in today's lesson, we're drawing a lighthouse against a sea and sky backdrop. With 21 quick steps, I will break down the process from start to finish, focusing on the intricate details like the lighthouse outlines and colors. Get ready to bring that seascape vibe onto your paper. Let's sharpen those pencils and get started!
Draw the Foundation

Start by drawing the cylindrical foundation of the lighthouse near the bottom of your paper.
Add Texture to the Base

Form the block-like texture of the foundation by drawing rectangles with rounded corners.
Outline the Lighthouse Tower

Outline the tall shape of the lighthouse tower that tapers slightly towards the top.
Attach the Windows

Attach three rectangular windows to the lighthouse tower.
Add the Tower's Pattern

Add the striped pattern of the lighthouse tower by drawing evenly spaced diagonal lines.
Draw the Top of the Tower

Draw the topmost level of the lighthouse tower.
Outline the Balcony

Outline the thin base of the balcony of the lighthouse.
Add the Top Rail

Add the top rail by drawing a horizontal strip above the balcony.
Attach the Balusters

Attach the balusters of the railing on the balcony by drawing vertical lines.
Outline the Lantern Room

Draw a rectangle to outline the lantern room.
Form the Lantern

Form the circular outline of the lantern.
Add the Roof

Add the dome-shaped roof of the lantern room.
Attach the Lightning Rod

Attach the tall lightning rod on top of the roof.
Draw the Horizon Line

Draw a long horizontal line to form the horizon.
Outline the Island

Outline the small island beneath the lighthouse.
Add Waves

Draw curved lines around the island to form the ripples of water. Then, add wavy lines to emphasize the movement of water.
Draw Clouds

Form a few bumpy lines above the horizon to draw large, fluffy clouds.
Shade the Lighthouse Tower

Add shading to the lighthouse tower using white and red. Next, color the window frames with dark gray. Then, fill in the window panes with light blue.
Add Color to the Lantern Room

Fill in the light inside the lantern room with yellow. Next, color the walls of the lantern room and the base of the balcony with white. Now, shade the railings, roof and lightning rod with dark gray.
Fill in the Base of the Lighthouse

Color the foundation of the lighthouse with light shades of gray. Then, fill in the island with green.
Shade the Sea and Sky

Shade the sea with a vibrant blue color. Next, fill in the clouds with white. Then, color the sky with light blue.

Artist & Educator