How to Draw a Dolphin

A dolphin is relatively simple to draw. The clean lines of the dolphin are the combination of a few easily recognizable shapes that can be drawn together. The end result is a playful dolphin ready to swim in a cartoon sea.

Instructions

1. Start with a picture of a dolphin to give you an idea of the overall shape of the animal.

2. Draw the main body of the dolphin. It has a shape much like an elongated teardrop with a slight curve in the middle.

3. Use triangles to form the five dolphin fins. There is one fin on each side, a dorsal fin on the top and two located on the tail.

4. Concentrate on the dolphin's face. The snout of the animal is like an oval that connects to the head on one end. The oval should be long and thin. The mouth is drawn in the middle of the snout, and the eyes are above it. A dolphin has an eye on each side of its head rather than in the front.

5. Remember the blow hole if you are drawing the top of the dolphin and will have its back visible. The blowhole is located at the very top of the head. If preferred, you may draw a spray of water coming from the blowhole.

6. Blend the lines together to create one fluid line that forms the dolphin. Color in the dolphin picture with a medium gray on top and a lighter gray on the underside. Shade the picture to add depth and realism.