If you’re a beginner looking to learn how to draw a whale – fear not! With the right techniques and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to create an impressive piece of artwork. In this step-by-step guide, we will take you through each stage of the drawing process – from sketching to shading – so that by the end, you’ll have a beautiful piece of art that you can be proud of.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start drawing, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
- Blank sheet of paper
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black pen/marker (optional)
Sketching the Whale
The key to a great whale drawing is to start with simple shapes and gradually refine them. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Draw the Body
Begin by drawing a large oval that will serve as the whale’s body. This oval should be slightly wider towards the bottom.
Step 2: Add a Fin
Next, draw a triangle shape above the whale’s body to create the dorsal fin. This fin should start in the middle of the whale’s back and extend upwards.
Step 3: Create the Tail
Draw a large triangle shape at the bottom of the oval to create the tail. The tail should extend outward and upward, with a slightly curved edge.
Step 4: Add the Head
Sketch a small rectangle at the front end of the oval to create the head. The rectangle should be angled slightly upwards to give the impression that the whale is swimming upward.
Step 5: Draw the Mouth
Draw a horizontal line across the bottom of the head rectangle, creating the mouth. Add a small triangular shape to the bottom of this mouth to create the lower jaw.
Step 6: Add Eyes
Draw two small circles near the top of the head for the eyes. Add a small dot inside the eyes to create pupils.
Refining the Details
Now that you have the basic shape of your whale, it’s time to refine the details. Follow these steps to make your drawing more realistic:
Step 1: Refine the Body
Use your pencil to go over the whale’s body and smooth out any rough edges. You can also add small lines to create a texture on the skin.
Step 2: Add Details to the Fin
Add small lines to the dorsal fin to give the impression of texture. You can also add a smaller fin near the back of the whale’s body to create more depth.
Step 3: Refine the Tail
Draw small lines along the edge of the whale’s tail to create a texture. You can also add other small details to the tail, like a curve or ridges.
Step 4: Add Details to the Head
Draw lines along the front of the whale’s head to create the impression of a mouth line. Add small lines at the top of the head to create the impression of nostrils.
Shading Your Whale Drawing
The final step in your drawing is shading. Follow these steps to add depth and dimension to your artwork:
Step 1: Identify the Light Source
Choose the direction from which your light source is coming. This will help you decide how to shade your whale.
Step 2: Shade the Body
Start shading the whale’s body with a pencil using short strokes. Make sure to shade darker where shadows are cast.
Step 3: Add Shade to the Fin and Tail
Add shading to the dorsal fin and tail in the same way you shaded the body. Remember to take into consideration the direction of the light source.
Step 4: Finish with the Head
Add some shading and texture to the head, paying close attention to the mouth and nostrils.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to draw a full body in one piece for my whale?
A: No, you don’t have to. You can draw your whale in halves and mirror one side to the other.
Q: How do I make the whale look like it’s underwater?
A: Add shading to the whale to create the appearance of light and shadow in the water.
Q: Can I draw my whale in a different position?
A: Yes, you can! Play around with different angles and positions until you find one you like.
Q: How do I add a water background to my whale drawing?
A: You can add shading to create the appearance of waves or draw a simple underwater scene.
Q: Can I use a pen instead of a pencil to draw my whale?
A: Yes, you can use a pen/marker to create a bolder look in your drawing.
Q: Do I have to follow the steps in order?
A: No, you do not have to follow the steps in order. You can draw different parts of the whale before moving onto another section.
Conclusion
We hope this step-by-step guide has helped you learn how to draw a whale. Remember to take your time and practice as much as you can. With a bit of patience and effort, you can create a beautiful whale drawing that you can be proud of!