How to Draw Under the Sea

Drawing an underwater scene can seem like a challenge at first.

Drawing doesn't always come easily; certain environments are harder to reproduce on paper than others. The ocean is a particularly complex artist's model, and drawing an underwater scene can seem like an even greater challenge. Although it may seem like an insurmountable obstacle, drawing an underwater scene is really just a matter of understanding which sections go where. Recreating movement underwater takes a little finesse, but once you know the basics of expressing movement, you will be able to draw just about anything.

Things You'll Need

• Paper (white)
• Colored pencils/crayons
• Underwater images

Instructions

1. Look at some images for guidance. For inspiration, take a look at some underwater photographs. You will see that these are usually divided into three sections; the sandy bottom of the ocean, the watery surface and sky, and the ocean contents, such as fish, seaweed, divers and shells.

2. To begin your underwater scene, start by drawing a sandy seabed. The sand should be a golden yellow color and is best drawn as a slightly bumpy, uneven layer, rather than poker straight. The ocean bed moves often because of the tide, so make the area above the bed look a little cloudy or murky. Do this by adding a series of dots to represent swirling sand mists.

3. Continue your picture by adding the ocean surface, which should have a wavy, turmoiled appearance to signify rough seas or crashing waves. Make this scene more realistic by adding droplets of water and sea spray around the tips of the waves. Draw this my making light blue and gray teardrop shapes and dots.

4. The sea is teaming with wildlife. Add a few fish to your picture and describe their movements by adding several small curves around the outline of their fins. Add a diving team and make sure to add a trail of air bubbles leading from their breathing apparatus all the way up to the surface. Color the areas around your ocean life light blue and add depth by marking a few wavy lines here and there to indicate swooshes and ripples of water.

References

• Kinder Art.com: Under the Sea