How to Draw a Big Fish: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you an aspiring artist who wants to learn how to draw a big fish step by step? Look no further! Drawing a big fish may seem overwhelming at first, but with a bit of guidance and practice, you can create a stunning piece of art. Whether you’re interested in capturing the intricate details of a fish’s scales or want to experiment with creating a unique and stylized design, this guide will help you get started.

First, you’ll need to gather your supplies. Some essential items you’ll need include paper, pencils, erasers, and color pencils or markers if you’re planning to add color to your drawing. Once you have all your materials on hand, it’s time to dive into the world of fish illustration. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to drawing a big fish that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Section 1: Tools and Materials Needed

1. Gather Your Materials

Before we jump straight into drawing a big fish, let’s first gather all the necessary materials you’ll need. Here’s a list of the most common supplies you’ll need to draw your big fish:

– Pencil: A regular pencil with an eraser is a must-have for sketching the initial outline of your fish drawing.
– Paper: You’ll need paper to draw on. Depending on your preference, you can use a white or colored paper, sketchbook, or any other paper type you have on hand.
– Eraser: An eraser is crucial for removing mistakes and unwanted lines. You may also need a kneaded eraser to clean up small areas of your drawing.
– Ruler: You’ll need a ruler to make straight lines and check the proportions of your fish drawing.
– Colored pencils or crayons: You may want to use colored pencils or crayons to add more details to your fish drawing.
– Reference image: It’s always a good idea to have a reference image of a big fish to help guide you through the drawing process.

Section 2: Sketching the Outline

2. Start with Basic Shapes

Once you have your materials ready, it’s time to start drawing! Begin by sketching the basic shapes of your big fish. Draw a small circle for the fish’s head and a larger oval shape for its body. Then, draw a long triangle shape for the tail.

3. Refine the Outline

Next, refine your outline by adding more details. Sketch the fins, eyes, and mouth. Pay attention to the placement of the fins to ensure they’re proportionate to the body.

4. Add Texture and Scales

To add texture and detail to your big fish drawing, start sketching out scales along the body. Use small, overlapping curved lines to create the effect of scale texture. Keep the scales smaller around the head and fins, and larger on the body.

Section 3: Adding More Details

5. Draw the Eyes

The eyes of your big fish drawing are an important feature to get right, as they’ll add personality to your artwork. Start by drawing two circles for the eyes, leaving a small highlight in each eye to give off a bright and lively expression.

6. Sketch the Fins

The fins are another essential feature of your big fish drawing. Start by drawing the dorsal fin on the back of the fish, followed by the pectoral (side) fins, and the anal fin near the tail.

7. Drawing the Tail

The tail plays a significant role in balancing the overall look of your big fish drawing. Be sure to draw it in proportion with the body. You can add extra texture to the tail by using small, overlapping lines in a V-shape.

8. Add More Texture and Depth

To make your big fish drawing look more realistic, use short pencil strokes to add texture and shadows along the body. This will give the effect of depth and dimension, making your fish drawing truly come alive.

Section 4: Finishing Touches

9. Erase Unwanted Lines

After you’ve finished adding all the necessary details and texture to your big fish drawing, go back and erase any unwanted lines or marks. This will give your drawing a clean and polished look.

10. Color Your Big Fish Drawing

Finally, it’s time to add some color to your drawing. You can keep it simple and use only one shade, or get creative and use multiple colors. Apply light pressure when coloring to prevent damaging the paper, and remember to color in the same direction as your pencil strokes for a smooth and even finish.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a beautiful big fish drawing that you can proudly display in your room. Happy drawing!

Materials Needed

Before diving into the steps needed to draw a big fish, let’s first talk about what you’ll need. Whether you’re using a pencil, charcoal, or colored pencils, the materials needed are relatively the same.

1. **Paper** – Choose a high-quality paper that can withstand erasing and smudging. I recommend using white or off-white paper.

2. **Drawing Tools** – You’ll need a pencil, eraser, ruler, and sharpener. If you’re using charcoal or colored pencils, make sure you have those on hand as well.

3. **Reference Photos** – It helps to have photographs of fish as a guide. You can find images online or take your own photos at a local aquarium.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing a Big Fish

Now that you have your materials ready, let’s start drawing! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a realistic-looking big fish:

1. **Sketch the Outline** – Draw a rough sketch of the fish’s outline. Use light and quick strokes to keep the sketch loose and flexible.

2. **Add the Details** – Add the details to your outline. This step involves filling in the details of the fish’s fins, tail, and body. Pay close attention to the lines and angles that create the fish’s shape.

3. **Shading** – Begin shading the fish’s body to create depth and definition. Use your pencil to create light strokes in areas where the light hits the fish, and darker strokes in areas where the shadows fall.

4. **Eyes and Mouth** – Draw the fish’s eyes and mouth. These features will bring the fish to life and give it personality.

5. **Add Texture** – Fish scales and skin have unique textures that need to be captured in order to make the drawing look realistic. Use short, quick strokes to create a scale-like texture.

6. **Finish the Finishing Touches** – Take a step back and look at your drawing. Do any parts need improvement or modification? Make the necessary changes and add any finishing touches you feel are necessary.

7. **Erase Guidelines** – Use your eraser to gently erase any visible guidelines. Be careful not to smudge or smear the pencil marks.

8. **Color** – If you’re using colored pencils, now’s the time to add color to your fish. Use a light touch and build up the color gradually.

9. **Shadows and Highlights** – Add shadows and highlights to bring your fish to life. Use a lighter pencil to create highlights and a darker pencil to create shadows.

10. **Sign Your Work** – Finally, sign your work! Add your name or initials in the bottom corner of the drawing to show off your creation.

With these steps, you’ll be able to draw a big fish like a pro! Remember, take your time and have fun with it. Drawing is a form of creative expression, so don’t get too caught up in perfection. Enjoy the process and let your imagination run wild.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Before you start drawing your big fish, it’s important to have the right equipment. This will help ensure that your drawing turns out nicely and that you enjoy the process of creating it. Here are a few things to consider when selecting your supplies:

Paper

The type of paper you use can have a big impact on the look and feel of your drawing. If you’re working with pencils or markers, choose paper that has a bit of texture to it, as this will help hold the medium in place and create a more interesting surface. If you’re planning to work with paint, choose a heavy-duty paper that can withstand the moisture without warping or becoming damaged.

Another thing to consider is the color of the paper. If you’re working with white paper, you’ll need to use white paint or pencils for highlights and lighter areas. If you choose a colored paper, you can create highlights and lowlights with the use of a white gel pen or white charcoal pencil.

Pencils

When choosing pencils, look for a set of varying hardness. Soft pencils will create a darker, smudgier line, while harder pencils create a light, sharp line. Pencil sets will typically come with a range of grades, such as 6H (hard) to 6B (soft). You may want to experiment with a few different pencil grades to see which ones you prefer.

Additionally, consider investing in a set of colored pencils to add depth and nuance to your drawing. Colored pencils can be used to create highlights and lowlights or to add pops of color to your finished work.

Eraser

A high-quality eraser will help you remove mistakes and refine your drawing as you go. Look for a soft, kneaded eraser that can be shaped to fit your needs. You may also want to have a harder eraser on hand to remove larger areas of graphite or paint.

Ruler

A ruler will be important if you’re planning to create straight lines or want to accurately measure proportions. Choose a ruler with clear markings and a non-slip grip to ensure accuracy.

Reference images

Having a few reference images on hand can be incredibly helpful when drawing a big fish. Look for high-quality images that show the fish from multiple angles and in different lighting conditions. You may want to print the images out or keep them open on your computer or tablet as you work.

When working with reference images, don’t be afraid to take creative liberties. Use the images as a starting point, but feel free to add your own personal style to the final drawing.

Catch you later!

Thanks for reading this step-by-step guide on how to draw a big fish. We hope that these tips and tricks have helped you feel more confident in your drawing skills. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep on trying and don’t be afraid to experiment. If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to check out our other drawing tutorials and come back for more. Happy drawing!