So You Want to Draw the Evergreen State's Emblem? A Hilariously Unofficial Guide to Sketching the Washington State Flag
Ah, the Washington State Flag. A majestic dark green field emblazoned with... well, some stuff. Fear not, aspiring artist (or anyone who just needs to impress their significant other's Washingtonian family), this guide will have you wielding a pencil like a lumberjack with a chainsaw (metaphorically, of course. Please keep all sharp objects away from loved ones while attempting to draw).
Step 1: Embrace the Dark Side (of Green)
First things first, grab some drawing supplies. Paper? Check. Pencil? Check. A seriously dark shade of green? Absolutely essential. This isn't your average springtime meadow green, folks. This is the verdant fury of the Pacific Northwest rainforest after a triple espresso shot. Think "jolly green giant after a bad day at the office."
Pro Tip: If you're feeling fancy, grab some fancy emerald green paint for that extra "wow" factor. Just remember, glitter is strictly for birthday parties, not state flags.
Step 2: Let's Get Round (and Round, and Round...)
Now comes the fun part: the state seal! It's like a little emblem party in the center of the flag. Don't worry, it's not a complicated geometric nightmare. Imagine a circle. Now imagine another circle slightly bigger than the first. There you go! You've just drawn the basic outline of the seal. High five yourself, Michelangelo!
Step 3: Seal Team Six... I Mean, Draw!
Alright, inside the bigger circle, it's time to unleash your inner heraldic designer (that's a fancy way of saying "doodler"). Here's the breakdown:
- George Washington: Picture the man himself, but only the top half. Think bust, not full body. Unless you're secretly a sculpting prodigy, a full Washington might turn into a hilarious blob.
- Sun: Because everything needs a little sunshine, right? A simple circle with rays will do the trick. Bonus points for a smiley face in the center! (Just kidding... kind of.)
- Mountains: Washington has mountains, so your flag needs mountains! Jagged peaks or smooth slopes, it's your artistic call.
- Sailing Ship: A nod to the state's maritime history. A basic triangle with a mast and a couple of sails will do the trick. No need to get too fancy with the rigging, unless you're aiming for a career as a pirate map illustrator.
Remember: Keep it simple! This isn't the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Step 4: Channel Your Inner Letterer (or Not)
Surrounding the whole seal business should be some fancy writing. Don't panic! It just says "The Seal of the State of Washington 1889." You can:
- Write it neatly: For that "straight-A student" vibe.
- Fake calligraphy: Channel your inner medieval scribe. Just avoid crossing your eyes in the process.
- Print it clearly: Because sometimes, simplicity is key.
Step 5: Stand Back and Admire (or Hide in Shame, It's Okay)
Congratulations! You've just drawn the Washington State Flag (or at least a delightfully deranged version of it). Hold it up high and celebrate your artistic triumph (or hide it from public view, no judgment here).
FAQ: Washington State Flag Doodling Edition
How to make the green extra dark? Layer, layer, layer! Hatch those shadows like a champ.
How to draw a convincing George Washington? Focus on the hat! A tricorn hat is basically a fancy triangle party on his head.
How detailed should the mountains be? As detailed as your patience allows. Just remember, pointy equals mountain-y.
How important is the ship? Hey, it's there for a reason! But a basic triangle with a toothpick mast will suffice.
How do I know if my flag is terrible? If your family starts laughing hysterically, that might be a clue. But hey, at least you tried!