Table of Contents
Drawing can be a fun and therapeutic way to spend your free time, and one of the easiest subjects to start with is a fish.
Fish have simple shapes that make them perfect for beginners, and with a few basic steps, you can create a charming fish drawing in just a few minutes.
Whether you’re looking to improve your drawing skills or just want to relax with a creative activity, this guide will take you through the process of drawing a simple fish from start to finish. Here is to simple fish drawing
Why Start with a Fish Drawing?
Fish are an excellent subject for beginner artists because their basic shape is easy to understand and replicate. Unlike more complex animals, fish have a streamlined body that can be drawn with just a few simple lines.
Additionally, fish come in many different shapes and sizes, giving you the freedom to get creative with your drawing.
Another reason fish are a great starting point is that they allow you to practice drawing curves and understanding how different shapes work together. The simple lines of a fish’s body, fins, and tail help you focus on the fundamentals of drawing, such as proportion and symmetry.
This makes fish drawings not only easy but also a valuable exercise for developing your skills as an artist.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin drawing, make sure you have the right materials. For this simple fish drawing, you’ll need:
- Paper: Any kind of drawing paper will do. If you’re just practicing, regular printer paper is fine.
- Pencil: A standard HB pencil is perfect for sketching.
- Eraser: A soft eraser is ideal for cleaning up any mistakes.
- Colored Pencils or Markers: These are optional, but they can add a nice touch of color to your finished drawing.
With these materials on hand, you’re ready to start drawing.
Step 1: Draw the Fish’s Body
The first step in drawing your fish is to create the body. Start by lightly sketching an oval shape in the center of your paper. This oval will serve as the main body of the fish. The shape doesn’t need to be perfect; in fact, a slightly elongated or rounded oval can give your fish a more natural look.
Once you have your oval, refine the shape by smoothing out the lines and adjusting the proportions as needed. The body of the fish should be symmetrical, with both sides roughly equal in size. If you’re struggling with symmetry, try drawing a light guideline down the center of the oval to help keep your lines balanced.
Step 2: Add the Tail
Next, you’ll draw the fish’s tail. The tail is a simple triangle shape that extends from the back of the fish’s body. To create the tail, draw two straight lines that meet in a point behind the body. The size and angle of the tail can vary depending on the type of fish you’re drawing, but for this simple design, a small, symmetrical tail works best.
After you’ve sketched the basic shape of the tail, you can refine it by adding curves to the lines. Fish tails often have a slightly curved, flowing appearance, so adding a gentle curve to the tail’s edges can make your drawing look more realistic.
Step 3: Draw the Fins
With the body and tail in place, it’s time to add the fins. Start by drawing the dorsal fin, which is located on the top of the fish’s body. The dorsal fin is usually a triangle or semi-circle shape, depending on the species of fish. For this drawing, a simple triangular fin will work well.
Next, add the pectoral fins, which are located on the sides of the fish’s body. These fins are usually smaller and rounder than the dorsal fin. Draw two small, curved fins on either side of the fish’s body, just behind the head.
Finally, add the pelvic and anal fins. The pelvic fins are located on the underside of the fish, near the front, while the anal fin is located further back, near the tail. These fins can be drawn as small triangles or semi-circles, similar to the dorsal and pectoral fins.
Step 4: Add the Head and Mouth
Now that the body, tail, and fins are in place, it’s time to draw the fish’s head. Start by refining the front of the oval shape to create a more distinct head. You can do this by adding a slight curve or bump to indicate the forehead of the fish.
Next, draw the fish’s mouth. The mouth can be as simple as a small curved line at the front of the head. For a more detailed drawing, you can add a second line to indicate the lower jaw. The shape of the mouth can vary depending on the type of fish, but for this simple drawing, a small, smiling curve works well.
Step 5: Draw the Eye
To complete the head, add the fish’s eye. The eye is usually a simple circle or oval shape, located near the front of the head. For a more cartoonish look, you can make the eye larger and more expressive. If you’re going for a realistic style, keep the eye small and simple.
Once you’ve drawn the basic shape of the eye, you can add details like the pupil and a small highlight to give the eye some depth. The pupil can be a small, filled-in circle in the center of the eye, while the highlight is a tiny white circle or dot that gives the eye a shiny appearance.
Step 6: Add Scales (Optional)
If you want to add more detail to your fish drawing, you can include scales. Scales are small, overlapping shapes that cover the fish’s body. To draw scales, start by lightly sketching a grid pattern over the fish’s body. Then, fill in each section of the grid with a small, curved line to represent a scale.
Keep in mind that scales are optional and can be time-consuming to draw. If you’re aiming for a simpler design, you can skip this step or add just a few scales for texture.
Step 7: Outline and Erase
Once you’re satisfied with the overall shape and details of your fish, it’s time to outline your drawing. Use a darker pencil or pen to trace over your final lines, making them bold and clear. As you outline, you can refine any details or make small adjustments to improve the overall look of your drawing.
After you’ve outlined your drawing, use an eraser to remove any remaining sketch lines. This will clean up your drawing and give it a polished appearance. Be careful not to erase any of your final lines during this step.
Step 8: Add Color
The final step in your fish drawing is to add color. Fish come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so feel free to get creative with this step. You can use colored pencils, markers, or even watercolor paints to bring your fish to life.
When adding color, start with the lightest colors first and gradually build up to the darker shades. This will help you create smooth transitions and prevent the colors from becoming muddy. If you’re using colored pencils, consider layering different colors to create a more vibrant look.
For a simple design, you can stick to a single color for the body and use contrasting colors for the fins and tail. If you want to add more detail, try adding patterns like stripes or spots to make your fish more unique.
Conclusion
Drawing a simple fish is an excellent way to practice your drawing skills and enjoy a relaxing creative activity. With just a few basic steps, you can create a charming fish drawing in minutes, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist. By focusing on the simple shapes and taking your time with each step, you’ll be able to produce a drawing that you’re proud of.
Remember, the key to successful drawing is practice and patience. The more you draw, the better you’ll become at understanding shapes, proportions, and details.
So grab your sketchbook, follow these steps, and start drawing your own simple fish today. Whether you’re looking to create a quick sketch or a detailed illustration, this guide will help you achieve your artistic goals. Happy drawing!