How to Draw a Dolphin
Today, you get to learn how to draw a dolphin. If you've ever wanted to draw one of these playful sea creatures, you're in the right place. This lesson is perfect for beginners and will guide you step-by-step.
Grab your blank paper, pencil, and some colorful crayons or colored pencils. A ruler might help too, but it's not a must-have. We'll keep it simple and fun, so don't stress about making it perfect.
First off, we'll start with the basic outline of the dolphin's body. Then we'll add details like the fins and tail. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a cute dolphin ready to swim off your page!
Remember, it's all about enjoying the process and expressing yourself through art. Each stroke brings you closer to creating something amazing. So let's get started and make some waves with our pencils!
Ready? Let's do this! Follow my lead and you'll be drawing dolphins in no time.
Estimated Time: 50 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Materials
- Blank Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons or Colored Pencils
- Ruler (optional but helpful)
Lesson: How to Draw a Dolphin
In this lesson, we’ll learn how to draw a dolphin in 15 steps. Pay close attention to the shapes and lines to make sure your dolphin looks smooth and sleek. We'll start with basic outlines and work our way up to adding details like the fins and tail. Don't worry if it’s not perfect; practice makes perfect. Grab your pencils, and let’s get drawing!
Outline the Body
Start by drawing a large, tapering shape to outline the dolphin’s body.
Attach the Snout
Attach the dolphin’s snout and mouth on his head. Don’t forget to erase overlapping lines.
Draw the Eye
Draw a small circle for the eye.
Add the Dorsal Fin
Attach a pointy, triangular dorsal fin on the dolphin’s back.
Attach the Tail Flukes
Draw two curving pointy tail flukes attached to the end of the dolphin’s body.
Draw the Pectoral Fins
On each side of the dolphin’s body, draw two curved pectoral fins.
Outline the Underbelly
Draw a long line along the dolphin’s body to outline its underbelly.
Create the Horizon Line
Create a straight horizontal line in the background to draw the horizon. You can use a ruler as a guide!
Add Water Splashes
Add some water splashes around the base of the dolphin’s tail flukes.
Draw the Waves
Draw short, wavy lines to emphasize the waves in the water.
Outline the Clouds
Add the bumpy outline of the clouds in the sky.
Shade the Dolphin
Fill in the eyes with black and white. Next, apply a light shading along the mouth and underbelly using a light gray color. Then, color the body and fins with a darker shade of gray.
Fill in the Water Splashes
Fill in the water splashes with light blue.
Color the Ocean
Color the vast ocean with a vibrant shade of blue.
Add Shading to the Sky
Apply some white to the clouds and a light shade of blue to the sky.
Artist & Educator