How to Draw a Candle: Easy 10-Step Guide for Kids

This step-by-step tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 5 and up looking to master basic shapes like cylinders and teardrops. You only need a pencil, an eraser, and your favorite coloring tools to get started. Follow along to build confidence in your drawing skills while creating a cozy, glowing candle illustration.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, finished drawing of a lit candle with wax drips.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Top Oval

A light pencil sketch of a flat oval representing the top of a candle.

Start by drawing a flattened oval. This represents the top surface of your candle. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil strokes light so you can easily erase the inner lines later!

Step 2: Defining the Sides

Two vertical lines extending down from the oval to form the candle body.

Draw two long, straight vertical lines downward from the edges of your oval. These define the height of your candle. Tip: Use a ruler if you want perfectly straight sides, or go freehand for a more organic look.

Step 3: Closing the Cylinder

A curved line connecting the vertical lines to complete the cylinder shape.

Connect the bottom of your two vertical lines with a curved line. This creates the base of your candle. Tip: Make the curve match the angle of your top oval to give the drawing a 3D effect.

Step 4: Adding Melted Wax

Wavy lines added to the top of the candle to simulate melting wax.

Add irregular, wavy lines around the top edge of the oval. These represent wax dripping down the side. Tip: Don't worry about making them perfect—real wax drips are messy and unique!

Step 5: Cleaning Your Sketch

The candle drawing with internal guide lines erased.

Carefully erase the original guide lines from inside the oval. This makes your candle look clean and ready for the final details.

Step 6: Drawing the Wick

A small wick drawn in the center of the candle top.

Draw a small curved line in the center of the top, then extend a short line upward. This is your wick. Tip: Keep the wick small so it doesn't overpower the flame you'll add next.

Step 7: Sketching the Flame

A teardrop-shaped flame drawn around the candle wick.

Draw a teardrop shape around the wick to create the flame. Tip: Make the bottom of the teardrop wider and the top very pointy to show the flicker of the fire.

Step 8: Adding Texture

Additional wax drips added to the side of the candle.

Add a few more 'U' shaped lines down the side of the candle to represent more wax drips. Tip: Vary the size of these drips to make the candle look more realistic.

Step 9: Illustrating the Glow

Small lines drawn around the flame to represent a glowing effect.

Draw small, short lines radiating outward from the flame. This creates the effect of a warm, glowing light. Tip: Space them out evenly to make the light look soft.

Step 10: Adding Color

A fully colored candle drawing with a yellow flame and a colored body.

Time to bring your candle to life! Use yellow for the flame and your favorite color for the wax. Tip: If you have scented markers, use them to color your candle—it adds a fun sensory element to your art project!