30 Best Rain Illustration Ideas You Should Check

Source: Xebelion, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/184410779/Crossing-Over

Rain illustration doesn’t have to be gloomy—it can be a splash of creativity! Whether you're crafting a cozy scene with puddles and umbrellas or painting a stormy sky that crackles with drama, this visual theme offers endless possibilities. Artists and designers alike love exploring rain illustration because it blends emotion, atmosphere, and storytelling in one beautifully drippy package.

In this article, we’re going to showcase some of the best rain illustration ideas that will spark your imagination and maybe even make you crave a rainy day. From charming cartoons of dancing raindrops to breathtaking digital paintings of storm-soaked cityscapes, there’s a rainy vibe for every style. We’ll explore how to use color, motion, and character to bring each drop to life, making your artwork feel as fresh as a sudden downpour.

So whether you’re into soft watercolor effects, bold vector graphics, or moody noir-style scenes, you’re in for a creative treat. Get ready to be inspired by a variety of imaginative takes that make rain illustration anything but boring. The ideas ahead are perfect for book covers, editorial art, animations, and more. Let’s jump into the splash zone of inspiration!

Rain Illustration Ideas

Source: Sara Tomate, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/193182205/Rain

Source: Silvia Brunetti, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/101215479/RAINY-DAY

Source: Olena Didylivska, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/152277391/Rain-in-autumn

Source: Thai Thanh Do, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/65803999/Saigon-co-mua

Source: Reniametallinou_illustration, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/CFUV0jNHr54/

Source: Andreacalisi68, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/CpLU959LTIU/

Source: Jeton Hetemaj, Bear in the Rain, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/196728541/Bear-in-the-rain

Source: Juleos.draws, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/DIyFfsJSArp/

Source: Anni_tett, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/CV2cEQ2slXj/

Source: Jumana Vp, The Smell of Rain, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/172060167/The-Smell-of-Rain-Digital-illustration

Source: Luana Chinaglia, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/189622945/Rain-rain-dont-go-away-Childrens-book

Source: Nutsa Avaliani, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/18041731-Girl-With-Umbrella

Source: Jenny Yu, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/54599031/Rain

Source: Gaya.k.k, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/CUUdOU4oFBF/

Source: Ateljelil, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/B7yXO_sirVl/

Source: Raven_avana, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ_1mzkCVgx/

Source: Lenny Wen, I'll Be There for You, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/93115697/Ill-Be-There-for-You

Source: Ha So, In the Spring Rain, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/194719799/In-the-spring-rain

Source: Carov_art, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCghpWunqW/

Source: Vipin Das, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/107859389/Rain-and-life-Collection-of-Illustrations

Source: Uran Duo, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/21735254-Rainy-Day

Source: Kris Howes, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/17267205-Rain

Source: Sisiliamayorita, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/CDwDHKIhhci/

Source: Est.gouw, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/C-GmJhaoh8j/

Source: Laura El, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/23088024-Between-Rain-Sun-Digital-Illustration

Source: Ferns_and_pen, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/CuuZKwINK6t/

Source: Olevusart, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/DBDl-VZtQcL/

Source: Chanel J Olives, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/16124091-Rain-rain-go-away

Source: Hayclaw, Dribbble, https://dribbble.com/shots/23218945-Some-people-walk-in-the-rain-others-just-get-wet

Source: Xebelion, Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/184410779/Crossing-Over

What Colors Work Best in Rain Illustration?

Rain illustration opens the door to a wonderfully emotional palette. Whether you want to create a cozy vibe or bring on the stormy drama, your color choices can make all the difference. From soft pastels to deep moody blues, the right hues can instantly set the tone. Here are five fun and effective color directions that work beautifully in rain illustration:

Cool Blues and Grays for a Classic Mood

When most people picture rain, they think of blue skies turned gray. That’s why shades of cool blue and soft gray are go-to choices in rain illustration. Light steel blue, slate gray, and misty tones help you capture that cold, drizzly feeling. These colors are perfect for setting a reflective, peaceful, or even melancholy tone. Want to make the rain feel gentle and poetic? Cool hues are your best bet.

Muted Neutrals for Storybook Charm

Rain doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom. If you're going for a sweet, whimsical aesthetic—especially in children’s book art—try warm taupes, mushroom browns, or washed-out greens. These earthy tones bring out the softness of the environment and create a dreamy atmosphere. Pair them with hand-drawn textures and a splash of pastel blue to complete the scene.

Bold Contrast for Urban Dramas

Rain falling on city streets offers a perfect opportunity to get bold. Think midnight black backgrounds with neon reflections bouncing off wet pavement. Colors like electric blue, crimson, and bright amber work beautifully against the dark to give your rain illustration an edgy, cinematic punch. This approach is fantastic for noir scenes, cyberpunk themes, or high-energy posters.

Soft Purples and Lavenders for a Magical Vibe

Want your rain illustration to feel a little more otherworldly? Enter soft purples. Lavender skies and violet-hued puddles create a magical, ethereal environment. These tones are great for fantasy settings or nighttime scenes with a hint of wonder. Add glowing raindrops or glistening plants, and you’ve got yourself a page straight out of a dream.

Pops of Color in a Monochrome Scene

A striking technique in rain illustration is to use a mostly desaturated or grayscale palette, then pop in a single bold color—like a red umbrella, a yellow raincoat, or green rain boots. This approach draws the eye instantly and creates a strong focal point in the composition. It’s a smart way to combine emotional storytelling with visual contrast.

In the end, the best colors for your rain illustration depend on the feeling you want to evoke. Is it somber and quiet, or joyful and playful? Color can tell that story without a single word. Mix, layer, and experiment until your rain scene speaks to your unique vision. Because even the gloomiest clouds can make room for artistic brilliance!

What Backgrounds Suit Rain Illustration the Most?

A great rain illustration isn’t just about the raindrops—it’s also about what’s behind them. The background can transform a simple drizzle into a poetic moment, a bustling street scene, or a fantasy forest. Choosing the right setting helps the rain feel more alive and tells a deeper story with every drop. Let’s dive into five background styles that pair perfectly with rain illustration:

City Streets and Neon Nights

Urban settings are a classic canvas for rain illustration, and for good reason. Wet pavement reflects colorful lights, umbrellas dot the sidewalks, and the mood can range from romantic to gritty. A city street at night, lit by neon signs and headlights, creates stunning contrast against the falling rain. It's an ideal backdrop for more dramatic, stylish illustrations. Add in blurred traffic, glowing windows, and distant silhouettes for a cinematic effect.

Cozy Window Views

Sometimes, the best way to showcase rain is from the comfort of indoors. A window scene featuring rain sliding down the glass, warm lights inside, and perhaps a figure sipping tea or reading a book creates an instant feeling of comfort and reflection. This background brings an emotional layer to your rain illustration, especially when paired with soft textures and muted colors. Bonus points for fuzzy socks or cats curled up nearby.

Forest Trails and Misty Trees

Nature is a beautiful setting for rain illustration, especially when you want a peaceful or mystical atmosphere. Forest paths, mossy rocks, and fog-drenched trees add an organic texture to your scene. Raindrops falling on leaves, puddles forming under roots, and gentle mist swirling through the background can turn your illustration into a tranquil escape. This backdrop is great for environmental themes or fantasy storytelling.

Rooftops and Skylines

Looking down or across rooftops during a rainstorm offers a fresh angle that feels open and dramatic. The viewer might see distant lightning over the skyline or birds flying through the drizzle. This background style gives your rain illustration a sense of scale and movement. Add puddles pooling on flat roofs, antenna silhouettes, or wisps of cloud brushing the tops of buildings for extra detail.

Open Fields and Lonely Roads

If you’re after emotional impact, nothing beats a solitary figure walking down a long, wet road or standing in a wide, open field. This kind of background focuses on the relationship between the subject and the environment. Rolling hills, muddy paths, and gray skies stretch out endlessly, enhancing the feeling of isolation, contemplation, or even peace. It’s a perfect setup for a minimalist yet powerful rain illustration.

The magic of rain illustration lies in its mood—and backgrounds play a huge role in setting that tone. Whether you go cozy, mysterious, dramatic, or serene, the right backdrop makes your raindrops come to life. Choose one that speaks to the story you want to tell, and let the rain pour down with purpose and personality.

What Characters Pair Well with Rain Illustration?

Rain illustration isn’t just about moody skies and shiny puddles—it’s about the characters who live, dance, walk, or wait in that rain. The right character can completely change the tone of your artwork, adding life, narrative, and even whimsy to the scene. Whether you’re aiming for something soulful or delightfully silly, here are five character types that pair perfectly with rain illustration:

Children in Raincoats and Boots

Few images are more heartwarming than a child splashing through puddles with a too-big raincoat and bright rubber boots. These characters bring instant joy and playfulness to any rain illustration. They represent curiosity and innocence, reminding us that rain isn’t just wet—it’s magical. Adding a colorful umbrella, a bouncing ball, or a stuffed toy peeking out of a backpack can make the scene even more charming.

Melancholic Wanderers

If you want your rain illustration to lean into the emotional and contemplative side, a lone figure walking under a black umbrella or hooded jacket sets the perfect tone. These characters often face away from the viewer or look down, letting the environment do most of the talking. Think poets, daydreamers, or travelers—characters who are letting the rain soak through while lost in thought. The rain becomes part of their inner world.

Animals with Personality

Anthropomorphic or real animals can turn your rain illustration into a playful or poignant storybook moment. A dog in a raincoat, a fox curled under a leaf, or a duck family waddling through puddles can make your artwork feel full of life. You can go realistic or completely whimsical—imagine a cat holding a tiny umbrella or a frog playing with a paper boat. These characters invite a smile and stir the imagination.

Romantic Pairs and Slow-Dancing Lovers

There’s something timelessly cinematic about a couple in the rain. Whether they’re sharing an umbrella, dancing under a streetlight, or caught mid-kiss in a storm, romantic characters thrive in a rain illustration. The setting intensifies the emotion—think of scenes that feel like the climax of a love story. You can stylize them dramatically with backlighting and flowing hair, or keep it simple with soft gazes and holding hands.

Fantasy Beings in Mystical Showers

Rain doesn’t have to be ordinary. In a fantasy or mythical setting, rain can fall from glowing clouds, shimmer like glitter, or take on magical shapes. Fairies fluttering through a misty drizzle, forest spirits walking among enchanted trees, or elemental beings born from the storm—all of these characters add an otherworldly dimension to your rain illustration. These pairings are perfect for experimenting with surreal or dreamlike visuals.

Characters are what give rain illustration heart. They make viewers feel something—whether it’s joy, wonder, sorrow, or magic. From energetic children to brooding loners, your subjects shape the emotion and energy of the scene. Add a splash of personality and let your characters step into the rain with flair!

What Are Some Fantasy Themes for Rain Illustration?

Rain illustration doesn’t have to be rooted in the real world. In fact, some of the most magical and imaginative ideas are born when you let your creativity drift into the realm of fantasy. Rain can be more than water—it can shimmer with enchantment, whisper ancient spells, or fall from a sky of stardust. If you're ready to turn a downpour into a dream, here are five fantasy themes that will make your rain illustration truly spellbinding:

Celestial Rain from Otherworldly Skies

Who says rain has to fall from clouds? In a fantasy rain illustration, it can descend from glowing portals, orbiting moons, or galaxies hovering just above the treetops. Imagine rain made of stardust or glowing teardrops from the sky god’s sorrow. Pair this with deep indigo skies, floating constellations, and planetary shadows to give your piece a cosmic feel. Perfect for a dreamlike or divine mood.

Enchanted Forests with Magical Showers

In the heart of a fantasy woodland, rain isn’t just wet—it’s alive. Picture showers that awaken glowing mushrooms, rainbows blooming from the ground, or droplets that shimmer with spell energy. Trees might lean in to drink the rain, and animals could speak in rhymes during storms. Use this theme to explore the relationship between nature and magic, with ethereal lighting and mystical color palettes to match.

Rain as a Portal Between Worlds

A truly imaginative concept in rain illustration is the idea of rain acting as a dimensional veil. As droplets fall, they briefly reveal glimpses of another world—reflections in puddles show a fantasy realm rather than the ground. Maybe rain opens time rifts, reveals ghosts of the past, or gives access to floating islands above the clouds. You can depict a character stepping through a storm curtain into an alternate reality, creating a strong narrative moment.

Elemental Spirits and Weather Beings

Rain can be more than just a background—it can be a character. Illustrate elemental spirits that control or embody the rain itself. Think water nymphs dancing in storm clouds, lightning beasts riding thunderclaps, or gentle rain fairies coaxing flowers to bloom. These beings can add personality to your rain illustration while expanding its magical lore. The raindrops become part of their movements—tools, weapons, or even companions.

Ancient Ruins and Cursed Showers

For a darker twist, rain illustration can explore curses and forgotten magic. Imagine an ancient ruin where it rains only over one crumbling temple, the storm never moving. Maybe the rain is acidic, or made of ash, or even red. Perhaps it holds a forgotten enchantment, keeping something trapped—or something fed. Add dramatic shadows, glowing runes, or towering statues soaked in endless storm for a haunting visual experience.

Fantasy-themed rain illustration is your chance to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Let the weather tell stories of magic, mystery, and wonder, and create a world where every drop is steeped in imagination.

How to Add Emotion to a Rain Illustration?

A rain illustration is already brimming with mood, but if you want your artwork to truly tug at the heart or spark joy, adding emotion is key. Raindrops can whisper secrets, storms can echo heartbreak, and even a single umbrella can speak volumes. Whether you’re drawing sorrow, serenity, or sweet nostalgia, here are five creative ways to infuse deep feeling into your rain illustration:

Play with Lighting and Shadows

Light is a powerful emotional tool in any illustration. In a rain illustration, the way you control light—through dim street lamps, the glow of a café window, or flashes of lightning—can instantly shift the emotional tone. Soft, diffused lighting creates a quiet, reflective mood, while sharp contrast or dramatic backlighting can intensify drama or loneliness. Shadows dancing in puddles, or light catching in falling raindrops, can evoke everything from melancholy to magic.

Use Color to Set the Mood

Color choices can make your audience feel the rain. For sorrowful or introspective vibes, lean into desaturated blues, cool grays, and gentle purples. For hopeful or romantic scenes, mix in warm yellows or soft pinks to hint at light breaking through. Vibrant, clashing colors can suggest tension or energy, while a muted palette brings calm and stillness. Each shade carries a mood, so let your rain be a symphony of feeling.

Choose Expressive Characters or Gestures

A figure with slumped shoulders under a leaky umbrella tells a very different story than a child jumping gleefully in puddles. The posture, facial expression, and body language of your characters help translate emotion to the viewer. Even if the character is small in the frame, a thoughtful pose—like someone standing still as rain pours down—can communicate volumes. Remember: it’s not just who is in the scene, but how they hold themselves.

Let the Environment Reflect the Emotion

The surroundings can echo or contrast the emotional core of your rain illustration. A bustling crowd ignoring the downpour can make one lonely character feel even more isolated. A rain-soaked bench, a forgotten bicycle, or a steaming mug by a rainy window—small background details build emotional atmosphere. You can also manipulate scale; a vast open field under heavy rain can make a character feel tiny and introspective, while a tight alley might feel comforting or claustrophobic.

Capture Movement and Stillness Thoughtfully

Rain can either rush or linger. Show rain blasting sideways in a storm to express chaos or urgency. Slow-falling drops with minimal motion create a sense of peace or sadness. Play with motion blur, splash effects, and ripples to bring your emotion to life. Stillness, too, is powerful—perhaps everything around your character is blurred with rain, but they are perfectly still, lost in their own moment.

Emotion in rain illustration isn’t just about weather—it’s about connection. It’s in the way raindrops fall, light flickers, and people respond to the world around them. Let the rain do the talking, and your illustration will resonate with heart.

Conclusion

Rain illustration is a powerful artistic tool that can evoke mood, emotion, and storytelling in a single scene. From dramatic lighting and expressive characters to enchanting fantasy themes and rich backgrounds, every detail contributes to the overall impact. Whether your artwork reflects sorrow, joy, or a sense of calm, rain illustration offers endless creative flexibility. By thoughtfully combining elements like color, motion, and setting, you can craft visuals that resonate with viewers on a deeper level. Let the rain become more than just a weather effect—it can be the soul of your illustration, filled with meaning and imagination.

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