How to Draw Marine Life

Draw marine life, such as a sea star, using a few easy-to-follow steps.

The sea is home to a wide variety of fascinating creatures. We see them in films, movies, books and when we visit the aquarium. To further appreciate marine life, sometimes we draw them. Doing so can be challenging or as simplified as the artist makes it.

Things You'll Need

• A photograph of marine life
• No. 2 pencil
• paper

Instructions

1. Sketch the general shape of the marine life in the center of the paper. Use gestural pencil strokes ("gestural" is an art term that refers to loose, lightly drawn and sometimes scribbly and imprecise lines). Don't worry if it's not perfect; it isn't supposed to be. Making a sketch in this way will help you to plan the proportion of your marine life and allows for adequate room on your paper.

2. Erase extraneous lines and re-draw as necessary. Doing this will darken the outline of the sea creature's body and define important parts.

3. Add details such as eyes, fins and antennae. Some marine life does not have fur or hair so look carefully at the drawing to make sure that you don't have any extra lines that might look like they do.

4. Add shading by turning your pencil tip on its side and rub gently on the areas of the paper that you want to darken, usually the body sides of the marine life, to show dimension.

Tips & Warnings

• Another more challenging way to draw marine life is to observe them live. Sit beside a lobster tank or bring your drawing supplies to the zoo, aquarium or pet store. Note the background, perhaps seaweed or rocks, and draw them in.

References

• Drawing Now: How To Draw A Dolphin
• Hello Kids: How To Draw Sea Animals
• Drawing Lab: Gesture Drawing