How to Draw a Pot of Gold
Draw a pot of gold using simple shapes, color gradients, and shading. Practice proportions, perspective, and coloring techniques step by step carefully.
About this tutorial
Draw a pot of gold using simple shapes, color gradients, and shading. Practice proportions, perspective, and coloring techniques step by step carefully.
What you need
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Gather all materials and set up a clean flat workspace.
- 2
Step 2
Draw a light horizontal line near the bottom of the page to show the ground.
- 3
Step 3
Sketch a large horizontal oval near the center for the pot's top opening.
- 4
Step 4
Draw two curved lines down from the oval edges to form the pot's sides.
- 5
Step 5
Connect the sides with a smaller horizontal oval to make the pot's base.
- 6
Step 6
Add rim thickness by drawing a thinner inner oval just inside the top oval.
- 7
Step 7
Draw overlapping small ellipses inside and spilling over the rim to make coins.
- 8
Step 8
Draw a flat oval under the base to create the pot's shadow on the ground.
- 9
Step 9
Mark a small arrow showing where your light source is coming from on the page.
- 10
Step 10
Erase extra construction lines so the pot and coins look clean and tidy.
- 11
Step 11
Color the pot and the coins with their base colors using light even strokes.
- 12
Step 12
Add shading by darkening the side of the pot and coins opposite the light source to make smooth color gradients.
- 13
Step 13
Gently blend shaded areas with a tissue or cotton swab to soften the gradients.
- 14
Step 14
Trace the final outlines with a black fine liner or dark marker to make your drawing pop.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished pot of gold drawing on DIY.org.
Get inspired
Fun facts
How do I draw a pot of gold step by step?
To draw a pot of gold step-by-step, lightly sketch a wide oval for the rim, then draw two curved vertical lines that meet in a rounded bottom to form the pot. Inside the rim, draw overlapping small ovals for coins. Refine shapes, erase guidelines, and define a clear light source. Add gradients on the pot and coins, darker shading opposite the light, and blend colors for a metallic look. Optionally draw a rainbow arc behind the pot for context.
What materials do I need to draw a pot of gold?
Youâll need paper or sketchbook, HB and 2B pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener, and a kneaded eraser for smudging. For color and shading use colored pencils, markers, or watercolor plus a small brush. A blending stump or cotton swab helps soften gradients; a white gel pen or white gouache is great for highlights. Optional: ruler and compass for precise shapes and metallic paints for shiny coins.
What ages is drawing a pot of gold suitable for?
This activity suits children roughly ages 5 and up with adult help; ages 7â12 are ideal for practicing proportions, perspective, and shading independently. Younger kids can draw simplified shapes and color boldly, while older kids can work on gradients, subtle shading, and composition. Adapt difficulty by simplifying coin details, reducing steps, or offering tracing templates for early learners.
What are the benefits of drawing a pot of gold?
Drawing a pot of gold builds fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and observational practice with proportions and perspective. Working on gradients and shading teaches color blending and light-source thinking, while following steps improves focus and patience. It also encourages creativityâchoosing colors and texturesâand boosts confidence when kids finish a polished piece. Use non-toxic supplies and supervise scissors or sharpeners for safety.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a black fine liner or a tissue for blending?
For the final outlines in the tracing step you can use a sharpened pencil or a dark crayon instead of the black fine liner, and for blending the shaded areas in step 13 use your fingertip or a folded paper towel if you don't have a tissue or cotton swab.
My pot or coins look lopsidedâhow do I fix that while I'm drawing?
If the pot or overlapping ellipses for coins from steps 3â8 look uneven, lightly redraw the horizontal guide line and ovals, use gentle eraser strokes to remove the off-center construction lines in step 11, and check symmetry by folding the paper or holding it up to the light before inking.
How can I change this activity for younger children or older kids who want more challenge?
Have younger children use thick markers and skip the delicate blending and inner rim oval (steps 5 and 13), while older kids can add detailed shading gradients with colored pencils, practice rim thickness with a thinner inner oval in step 5, and refine highlights and shadows opposite the light source in steps 12â13.
What are simple ways to personalize or extend the pot of gold drawing?
Extend the scene by adding a rainbow leading to the pot before step 10, decorate the pot with patterns or initials before tracing in the final outline, and use metallic pens or glitter glue on the coins in step 12 to make the drawing unique before sharing on DIY.org.