An explosion drawing is a fun way to show action and energy in cartoons.
We will build it using simple cloud bumps, sharp spikes, and motion lines.
Take your time, and keep your lines light until you are happy.

What You Will Need

• Pencil
• Eraser
• Black pen or marker
• Paper
• Optional: colored pencils or markers

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:

15 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Draw the Puffy Explosion Outline

Start with a big curved arch to form the top of the smoke cloud.

Add rounded, wavy bumps on both sides so it looks puffy and full.

Keep the shape open and soft for now.

Pro Tip: Vary the size of the bumps so the smoke feels natural.
[Alt Text: Step 1 of how to draw an explosion shows a simple puffy cloud outline with rounded bumps, forming the basic smoke shape.]

Step 2: Ink a Cleaner Inner Cloud Layer

Inside the first outline, draw a neater cloud shape as an inner layer.

Smooth the top arch and round the bumps to make the explosion clearer.

This cleaner line becomes the main cloud you will keep.

Pro Tip: Use smooth strokes and avoid making every bump the same size.
[Alt Text: Step 2 of how to draw an explosion adds a clean inner cloud outline inside the rough sketch, refining the smoke cloud.]

Step 3: Add the Downward Blast Flame Column

From the bottom center of the cloud, pull two curved lines downward.

Let them widen slightly as they go down to form a blast column.

Finish the bottom edge with sharp, jagged points like tearing flames.

Pro Tip: Keep the column mostly centered so the explosion looks balanced.
[Alt Text: Step 3 of how to draw an explosion adds a downward blast column beneath the smoke cloud with jagged flame points.]

Step 4: Add Energy Texture Lines Inside the Blast

Draw a few curved vertical lines inside the blast column.

Make the center lines longer and the side lines shorter for motion.

These lines help the explosion feel fast and powerful.

Pro Tip: Stop the texture lines before they touch the outline for a clean look.
[Alt Text: Step 4 of how to draw an explosion adds curved vertical energy lines inside the blast column to show movement.]

Step 5: Add Spiky Burst Rays Around the Cloud

In the gaps around the cloud, draw long triangle spikes pointing outward.

Change the angle and length of each spike so they feel dynamic.

Keep the spikes behind the cloud, not cutting through it.

Pro Tip: Use fewer spikes than you think and leave some empty spaces.
[Alt Text: Step 5 of how to draw an explosion adds outward triangle burst spikes behind the smoke cloud to increase impact.]

Step 6: Add Small Smoke Puffs and Debris Dots

Scatter small circles and tiny puff shapes around the explosion.

Mix different sizes and place them on both sides and above the cloud.

This makes the blast feel bigger and more energetic.

Pro Tip: Make the small puffs slightly uneven and vary the spacing.
[Alt Text: Step 6 of how to draw an explosion adds scattered small smoke puffs and debris dots around the cloud and burst spikes.]

Step 7: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

• Cartoon explosions often use rounded smoke plus sharp spikes to show contrast and power.
• Motion lines and scattered debris help your drawing feel louder and faster.
• Many comic styles simplify explosions into a cloud, spikes, and a few bold details.

Pin it now, Draw later!

Erase any remaining sketch lines and keep your final outlines bold and clear.
If you want color, try warm yellows and oranges in the blast, with gray smoke.
You just made a strong explosion drawing—try drawing two explosions with different sizes next!

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Explosion Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the explosion look bigger?

Make the cloud wider, add a few longer spikes, and scatter more debris farther out.

What if my cloud bumps look messy?

Redraw the main outline with slower, smoother curves and vary the bump sizes.

Can I draw a different explosion style?

Yes—try a star-shaped burst, add more flame points, or make the smoke darker and heavier.