How to Draw Sea Animals

The ocean is an infinite source of inspiration for artists. Depicting marine animals is an excellent exercise to work on organic shapes, fluid textures, transparency, and movement.

In this tutorial, we will explore a method to draw five iconic sea creatures: a seahorse, a jellyfish, an octopus, a fish, and a whale. For each, you will find a step-by-step, clear, and accessible method.

Why draw sea animals?

Drawing sea animals helps to work on several fundamental aspects of drawing:

- Organic shapes: soft, rounded, without sharp angles.

- Symmetry: especially in fish and jellyfish.

- Fluid movement: as if the bodies were floating in water.

- Textures and patterns: scales, tentacles, fins, etc.

- Imagination: sea creatures invite creativity and interpretation.

Even the simplest forms can appear alive with the right volumes, some shading, and a touch of expressiveness.

Some tips before getting started

Before you get started, keep these few tips in mind:

1. Observe the general shapes

Start by simplifying the animal into basic shapes: circles, ovals, triangles. Do not look for details right away.

2. Think about movement

Marine animals are rarely static. Suggest a swimming movement, a twist, or a current. This will make the drawing more dynamic.

3. Play with transparency

Some animals like jellyfish have an almost translucent body. Vary the intensity of your strokes to achieve this effect.

4. Have a light touch

Start your sketches with a light line. You can define the contours later.

5 Sea animals to draw

Seahorse

Step 1: Draw the general shape of the seahorse with an HB pencil. Start with the belly, head, tail (spiral), and then the fin. Ensure that the proportions are consistent.

Step 2: Add details like the eye with a 2B pencil, and start to lightly shade by crosshatching certain areas to suggest texture.

Step 3: Strengthen the contrasts with a 6B or 8B pencil. Go over the outlines for more sharpness.

Whale

Step 1: Draw the basic shapes with an HB pencil. Start with the body (rounded on the back, hollowed underneath), then add the fins.

Step 2: Place the eye toward the front, sketch the grooves under the chin and the curved mouth. Adjust the proportions if necessary.

Step 3: Using a 2B pencil, gradually add shaded areas: around the body, on the fins, tail, and in the grooves.

Step 4: Finalize the drawing using a 6B or 8B pencil. Reinforce the contrasts and textures. Intentionally leave white areas to create contrast and let your drawing breathe.

Jellyfish

Step 1: Start by drawing the umbrella shape with an HB pencil. Inside that shape, create some light shapes to suggest the volume of the tentacles. Then draw the rest of the body with soft and fine lines.

Step 2: With a 2B pencil, add details such as folds, veins, and small filaments. Start shading by varying the intensity while keeping some areas light.

Step 3: Enhance the contrasts on the umbrella, tentacles, and body with a 6B or 8B pencil to give your jellyfish more presence.

Fish

Step 1: Draw the body of the fish with an HB pencil. Add the tail and fins. You can vary the pressure of your stroke, especially on the tail, for more realism.

Step 2: Add details to the fins and tail.

Step 3: Refine the outlines and start shading with a 2B pencil.

Step 4: Intensify the shadows using a 6B or 8B pencil. Keep light areas for highlights, create soft gradients, and suggest scales with small textures.

Octopus

Step 1: Draw the overall shape with an HB pencil. Start with an oval head that is slightly tilted, with a small bump on top. Add the tentacles like waving arms.

Step 2: Draw the suckers while maintaining the perspective of the arms. Also detail the eye.

Step 3: Work on the shadows and grainy textures with a 2B pencil.

Step 4: Strengthen the dark areas with a 6B or 8B pencil, particularly around the tentacles, the eye, and the head. Leave light areas to create relief.

Further development

Once you've mastered the basics, have fun with different styles:

- Minimalist: a few strokes are enough to suggest a shape.

- Cartoon: big eyes, exaggerated expressions, bright colors.

- Realistic: neat textures, detailed shadows, precise proportions.

And to go further, you can add the following things: 

- Add some scenery: seaweed, corals, bubbles, rocks, etc. The environment enriches the scene.

- Create a story: a curious octopus discovers a treasure, a whale sings, a school of fish escapes...

- Play with light: water reflections create interesting shadow effects to replicate.

Now you know how to draw five sea animals! Try redrawing the same animal multiple times, experimenting with different expressions, poses, or styles.

Learning comes through repetition... and especially through enjoyment!

And remember: the goal is not perfection, but progress.

Every drawing brings you a little closer to your own style.

Writer and illustrator: Sacha Fatticcioni