This easy drawing tutorial shows how to draw a cartoon volcano from simple shapes.
You will sketch smoke puffs, a crater, and drippy lava in a few calm steps.
Take your time, and keep your lines light until the end.
What You Will Need
- Pencil or black marker
- Eraser
- Paper
- Optional: colored pencils or markers (red, orange, gray, brown)
Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!
- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
17 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Sketch the Volcano Smoke Puff
Draw a puffy, cloud-like shape near the top to form the smoke.
Add two thin, curved lines dropping from the lower-right to show the rising plume.
Pro Tip: Alternate big and small curves around the puff for a cartoon look.
Step 2: Add a Second Smoke Puff
Draw another cloud-like puff to the right of the first, slightly larger.
Pull two curved plume lines downward from it, matching the flow of the left plume.
Pro Tip: Leave a small gap between the puffs so the drawing feels airy and clear.
Step 3: Draw the Crater Rim and Volcano Sides
Add a wide, flat oval under the smoke plumes to form the crater rim.
Pull a long slanted curve down from each side to outline the volcano’s shape.
Pro Tip: Keep the crater oval flatter so it looks like a top opening.
Step 4: Add Dripping Lava Flows
Draw a few big rounded “drips” hanging down from the crater rim.
Vary the drip lengths, and add one or two lava lines running along the sides.
Pro Tip: Make each drip end in a soft U-shape for a cartoon lava look.
Step 5: Add the Ground and Lava Puddles
Draw a gentle curved ground line under the volcano to anchor it.
Add a small puffy puddle on each side, then include a few flow lines and a tiny oval detail on the slope.
Pro Tip: Curve the ground line slightly upward so the volcano feels stable and cute.
Step 6: Draw a Bigger Lava Pool and Small Blobs
Add a large wavy lava pool shape on the lower right, with a rippled edge.
Draw a small lava mound and a tiny droplet near the center front for extra detail.
Pro Tip: Use smooth wave bumps on the pool edge, not sharp corners.
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Volcanoes can form new land when lava cools into solid rock.
- Some volcanoes erupt gently, while others explode with ash and gas.
- The opening at the top is called a crater, and it can change shape over time.
Pin it now, Draw later!
Trace your final lines with a darker pen, then erase extra sketch marks.
Color the lava bright red or orange, and make the volcano a warm brown or dark gray.
Now you know how to draw a cartoon volcano step by step—try adding rocks, stars, or more smoke!
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Cartoon Volcano Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How do I make my cartoon volcano look more 3D?
Add a few curved contour lines on the sides and keep the crater oval nice and flat.
2) What if my lava drips look uneven?
That is okay—varying the drip lengths makes the lava look more natural and fun.
3) Can I change the eruption style?
Yes, you can draw taller smoke plumes, add ash dots, or make the lava pool bigger.
