How to Draw a Storm Cloud (Easy Step by Step)
A grumpy storm cloud is a fun first drawing because it is mostly bumps, curves and a zigzag. You build it from puffy bumps that join into a cloud shape, two dots, a few short lines, and teardrop shapes for the rain. Every part is simple, and the angry face gives it lots of character.
- Easy
- 12 minutes
- 6 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a storm cloud step by step
How to Draw a Storm Cloud · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Top cloud puffs
Draw a curved line that starts low on the left, bumps up into a small round puff, then rises into a taller round puff in the middle. Let the two puffs meet in a little dip.
Step 2: Sides and flat bottom
Add a round puff on the upper right that starts from the middle puff. Then curve big round bumps down each side, and close the cloud with a long, flat line across the bottom.
Step 3: The angry face
Draw two small filled circles for eyes in the middle of the cloud. Above each one, add a short slanted line for a grumpy eyebrow. Finish with an upside-down U below them for a frowning mouth.
Step 4: The lightning bolt
Start at the bottom of the cloud and draw a zigzag down: slant to the left, step to the right, then slant down to a sharp point. Draw the second side of the bolt next to the first so it makes a fat zigzag shape.
Step 5: Raindrops on the left
Draw three small raindrops to the left of the bolt at different heights. Each one is a little oval with a tiny point on top, like a teardrop.
Step 6: Raindrops on the right
Draw three more small teardrops to the right of the bolt, spaced out so the rain looks like it is falling all around the cloud.
All done!
Go over your lines with a marker, then color it in.
Finished your storm cloud? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a mushroom or how to draw a sunflower next.
Tips for drawing a storm cloud
- Start with the top bumps and let them overlap in small dips, so the puffs stay balanced on both sides.
- Draw the lightning bolt as a Z shape with slanted lines first, then trace a second line beside it to make it thick.
- Draw one teardrop carefully, then copy its shape for the others and spread them out so the rain looks natural.
Free storm cloud coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this storm cloud coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your storm cloud drawing
Color the cloud in dark gray and blue-purple, make the lightning bolt bright yellow, and color the raindrops light blue. For a creative twist, give the cloud a rainbow peeking out from behind it to show the storm is ending.
Storm cloud fun fact for kids
Lightning can be about five times hotter than the surface of the sun, and you usually see the flash before you hear the thunder because light travels much faster than sound.
Questions about drawing a storm cloud
What shapes do I need to draw a storm cloud?
You need curved bumps for the puffy cloud, a flat line for the bottom, two filled circles for eyes, and a zigzag for the lightning. The raindrops are just small ovals with a pointed top.
How do I make my storm cloud look angry?
Add short slanted eyebrows above the eyes and turn the mouth into an upside-down U. Small dark eyes tucked under the brows make it look even grumpier.
How do I draw a lightning bolt that looks right?
Start at the cloud and draw a zigzag with two sharp turns, ending in a point at the bottom. Then add a second zigzag line next to it so the bolt has some width.
