How to Draw a Cauldron

Time needed: 30 minutes

How to Draw a Cauldron

1. Draw the rounded base of the cauldron.

   Using very smooth and light lines sketch a large, rounded base, similar to the bottom of an oval or a wide “U” shape. This curve will form the belly of the pot, which is one of the most important and recognizable parts of the design. If you press lightly while you draw a cauldron shape, you’ll be able to adjust proportions later.

2. Add the thick rim on top.

   Once the base is complete, sketch a long, narrow oval across the upper edge to form the rim. Try to draw your oval evenly, keeping both ends symmetrical. You can make this part more complicated and give the cauldron hat a more voluminous look by drawing it at an angle and depicting the opening.

3. Sketch the first leg under the pot.

   With the rim in place, add support by sketching the first leg beneath the pot. Draw a trapezoid or angled rectangle below the base. Here you can also go a little further and draw the legs in the form of the paws of an animal or a bird.

4. Add the second leg.

   Continue by sketching the second leg at the opposite side beneath the cauldron. This detail should mirror the first leg. Check symmetry at this stage, if the legs are uneven, the cauldron feels wrong and not believable, even if the body is perfect.

5. Illustrate dripping liquid from the rim.

   Sketch a wavy, uneven line that runs downward, creating a thick substance dripping into the body of the cauldron. You can illustrate it like melted wax, goo, or bubbling stew, depending on how you want the potion drawing to feel. You can draw this part using a different shape.

6. Draw bubbles above the potion.

   Above the rim, draw several circles of different sizes to show bubbles rising from the liquid. Scatter them loosely, with smaller ones near the rim and a few larger ones floating higher. Bubbles are a quick way to hint at boiling, heat, or enchantment without having to show flames or steam.

7. Trace the final cauldron lines neatly.

   At this point, improve and polish the cauldron drawing by erasing construction lines and strengthening the main outline. Trace carefully using dark and smooth lines. You can additionally check the symmetry and correctness of the drawing before coloring.

8. Add tones to the pot and potion.

   Now give your cauldron drawing a finished look by shading the pot in dark gray, charcoal, or muted blue-gray tones, which match the look of cast iron. For the potion, green is a classic choice, but you can experiment with purple, glowing yellow, or even bright red.