How to Draw an Atom

With today's easy step-by-step drawing guide, you can learn how to draw an atom. An atom is a particle of matter that can be found everywhere. From trees to clouds and animals, they uniquely define chemical elements that are the building blocks of all matter. Use your atom illustration to make science art, stickers to add to your school schedule, or add to your collection of scientific clipart.

To make your atom drawing you will need to gather all your supplies together. Use any painting or drawing mediums like paint and crayons. You could also make your atom clipart with digital software such as Procreate or DesignScape.

Learn more on how you can use DesignScape by checking out our collection of DesignScape tutorials for new users and the best tips and tricks to speed up your creative process.

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Step 1 - Make a Rough Sketch of an Atom

Start drawing rough sketches of your atom using a pencil or light-colored medium. Your sketch medium can be removable or light enough to hide under your outlines and color.

Let's begin our science illustration by creating three electron orbits. In the center of your drawing area, draw a long vertical oval for your first electron orbit.

Sketch another two electron orbits the same size as the first, overlapping the center of the oval to make an “X” shape. See our orbit sketch angle in the below image.

In the center hexagon of your electron orbits, sketch a cluster of small circles to make the nucleus. A nucleus consists of protons and neutrons. For our nucleus, we sketched seven circles overlapping in the center. On each orbit, draw a single circle the same size as your center to make an electron.

Step 2 - Outline your Rough Atom Sketch

In our second step, swap to an outlining medium. This can be any defining or permanent medium to outline your atom sketch. Begin tracing over your circles to outline all the electrons, protons, and neutrons.

Now, trace over your electron orbit sketch lines, making sure not to go through the centers of the electron circles. For our orbits we made a double inner line, see our image below, to create some dimension.

Once you have traced over and created your atom outline, erase your rough sketches.

Step 3 - Color your Atom Outline

To apply color to your atom outline you will need three colors. For our illustration, we used blue, red, and yellow, but you can use any color you want. We colored four of the small circles in the center using red, and the rest we made blue, including the ones on the electron orbits. Using yellow, we colored between the double orbit lines.

Such a positively amazing illustration you just made! Apply your science drawing to humorous crafts or create science-themed bedroom décor. Great work, we hope you have been inspired to create more drawings for your digital clipart collection with our easy drawing tutorials.