How to Draw Coral

The sea is an endless source of inspiration. Who has never been mesmerized by the beauty of an underwater landscape?

If you are here today, it's surely because this magic has also touched you, and you want to transcribe it onto paper.

I encourage you to explore how to observe and understand different forms of corals in order to be able to draw them easily and integrate them into your marine landscapes.

Their appearance may seem complex at first, but don't worry: by proceeding step by step, you'll see that they become much more accessible than they appear.

Different forms of corals

Corals are undoubtedly fascinating creatures that are both complex and decorative.

For this exercise, we will focus on a few general forms in order to better understand their structure while keeping in mind that there are thousands of different species.

The first step is observation. So, take the time to analyze some illustrated examples: this will help you better understand the shapes you are going to draw.

There are corals of very varied shapes: some are branched, others have large protuberances, or conversely, very small fine branches.

Some are round and others extend in width or height. And then there are those with unique shapes, sometimes tubular, flat like mushrooms, or even resembling vegetables; the diversity is endless!

Understanding shape and structure

You now have an overview of the different forms that corals can take.

By observing the examples, you have probably noticed that even though many share a similar structure, they all remain very different from each other.

For this exercise, we will start with a few practical examples and simply sketch their silhouette.

This will help us to better visualize and understand the patterns formed by the branches.

Once this foundation is laid, it will be much easier to move from observation to creation and to transform your references into drawings.

Some examples of coral types

Here are some reference models that, I hope, will inspire you to create your own coral composition.

Staghorn coral (Acropora Cervicornis)

This specimen is characterized by elongated and slightly tapered branches. Its hues generally range from green to brown.

Elkhorn Coral (Acropora Palmata)

Its name is particularly evocative: like the antlers of a moose, it develops wide, flattened branches that spread irregularly.

Grooved brain coral (Diploria Labyrinthiformis)

With its unique appearance, it challenges what we imagine a classic coral to be. Almost round and devoid of branches, it stands out with a pattern of long, thin folds that resemble, as its name suggests, our vital organ.

Purple sea fan (Gorgonia ventalina)

This is undoubtedly one of the most visually complex species. Its branched structure pushes attention to detail to the extreme. Completely flat, it spreads out in a circle according to a pattern resembling an organic grid.

Drawing coral step by step 

In this section, I will show you how to draw coral step by step. For this exercise, let your intuition guide you and allow your creativity to flow, while respecting the basic elements.

Choose your model to understand how to draw the construction of shapes.

Then distinguish the different planes: some branches or shapes will occupy a central place and will require more details, while others will be relegated to the background and sketched in just a few strokes. It’s up to you to decide what you want to highlight.

Move on to the sketch: draw your shapes, taking the patterns of the coral into account. Don't try to achieve perfect lines, it's the small irregularities that will bring your drawing to life.

Apply color: feel free to use bright and contrasting shades.

Add secondary shadows: draw some light shadow areas using similar shades. It is not necessary to model them precisely; a simple suggested texture in the background is enough to enhance the depth.

Give volume to the main branches: imagine each branch as a cylinder illuminated from below. One side will capture the light, the other will remain in shadow. There’s no need to add too many details: play with contrasts to bring out the shape.

Analyze the texture of your reference model to determine if you need to add folds, roughness, or other surface effects. There is no need to overload everything: focus on the most visible areas of your drawing.

Add a few extra touches of color: to subtly enrich your drawing, add shades of blue, purple, red, or brown, applying them in a very light, diffuse, and transparent manner.

This will break the flat effect and add more depth to the overall drawing.

And there you have it, our drawing is now complete!

Remember to carefully observe your models, identify patterns, and keep a flexible and natural line. Dare to use bright colors, organize your drawing into planes, and add some texture to give it depth.

Writer and illustrator: Bryam