fester

iTrader: (1)

Title says it all? not to sound silly , how do you draw flames?

mine are okish but there has to be a trick or something?

I dont wanna trace off a picture off the internet if i dont have to and i looked on youtube

what is the trick to it?like you start off with a "half of a heart" (example)...

please share?

thanks!
my "flames:

jonmills

iTrader: (2)

Look at various styles on the net if you are having trouble. Practice drawing them on paper. Just draw loosely with relaxed wrist and shoulder, try to use your whole arm. Get a feel for creating smooth flowing lines. Look at some filigree and calligraphy for your drawing practice too.
Once you want to draw a flame on a shell, if you are having trouble then trace a basic outline of the area on the shell like the hood or side for example and take the paper and draw your flames on that on a flat surface like a table as it will be easier that way than trying to draw directly on the shell. Then just transfer that back to the shell.

jonmills

iTrader: (2)

Sorry, not the best of answers, maybe someone else can literate a bit better

Same as everything though, just practice

Colors_By_Dave

iTrader: (84)

Google images is your friend.
Practice sketching various styles following(not tracing) the pictures.
Once you find a style you you are comfortable doing freehand, from memory, you have your style. Then keep doodling and tweaking your style.
Keep all your sketches and make templates so you can quickly layout your work onto bodies.
That's what I did/do.
I am also messing around with computer programs for drawing designs.

1967rs

iTrader: (56)

+1 on what both Dave and Jon said. I have done several flame paint jobs and I dont know of any trick for doing flames. I do know that the more you draw them the better you will get. When I first started doing flames on RC it would take me hours of drawing and wipping off untill I would get them they way I wanted.

cpt_RedBeard

iTrader: (22)

Ive done a few flame paint jobs recently. It takes me for ever to get the flames laid out how I want them. I start by picking a style of flame I like. I search google images. I gather a few of the same style and use them as a reference as I draw on tracing paper. After I get them how I want them I transfer them to the shell. They aren't perfect but thats how I do em'.

zeroack

iTrader: (10)

There are so many great flame patterns out there. Practice Practice Practice.

fester

iTrader: (1)

thanks gang!

ocalacustomtint

iTrader: (15)

I tint windows for a living and do signs. I still can't draw though. I can cut the straightest line you have ever seen free hand, but when it comes to flames, tribal, or just something cool, I can't do it.
Like everyone keeps saying, just keep practicing. I cheated and cut these with my plotter. They are not free hand. If you look close though, there is only a couple of different flames all looped over and over again. Maybe if you could draw a few really good ones, you could keep moving them over to repeat the pattern. Good luck, here are mine that I painted, with my plotter.

1967rs

iTrader: (56)

Here is a good link for styles and ideas:

http://www.signspecialist.com/stripes/flames/index.html

enjoy

BigRM

I start with the inside "U" shape then draw the outsides, always making sure to keep increasing the distance between the inside and outside lines while still following the contours of the "U".

This should give an idea, the overspray is still on and original drawings can stil be seen.