Demi Bucklow is an independent artist and photographer living in Cape Town, South Africa. Since graduating from the University of Cape Town in 2018 from Michaelis School of Fine Art with a degree specializing in fine art photography, she currently works as a freelance artist, content creator and writer. Demi’s particular interests explore a range of multimedia illustration, collage art, photography and videography, darkroom processing and stop-motion animation. Her work is an exploration of nature and its phenomenon – somewhere between art and space.
How to Draw a Shark – Create Your Own Realistic Shark Drawing
Artists often look towards the sea for inspiration, and you can only imagine why! The ocean is filled with wonder and excitement with shark species patrolling our waters worldwide. It is only natural that our interest in these fierce and fascinating creatures has grown over the years. In this easy shark tutorial, you will learn how to create a realistic shark drawing in 10 simple steps. Here, you will learn the basics of creating the initial sketches to adding pen and color to your shark drawing.
Table of Contents
- 1 An Easy Shark Drawing Tutorial in 10 Steps
- 1.1 Choosing a Shark Species
- 1.2 Materials Needed for Creating a Shark Sketch
- 1.2.1 List of Materials for a Shark Drawing
- 1.2.2 List of Materials for Adding Color to Your Shark Drawing (Optional)
- 2.1 Step 1: Draw the Initial Sketch
- 2.2 Step 2: Sketch in the Lateral Line
- 2.3 Step 3: Sketch in the Fins
- 2.4 Step 4: Add the Facial Features
- 2.5 Step 5: Draw an Accurate Outline of the Eye Shape
- 2.6 Step 6: Outline Planning With a Pen and Erase Any Pencil Lines
- 2.7 Step 7: Begin Adding Texture to the Skin, Working From One Side to the Next
- 2.8 Step 8: Add Shadows to the Darker Areas and Blend Them Into the Highlights
- 2.9 Step 9: Begin Adding Layers of Color With Chosen Materials (Optional Step)
- 2.10 Step 10: Use Darker Shades of Color to Create Depth (Optional)
- 3.1 How to Draw a Shark Step by Step?
- 3.2 Is It Difficult to Create a Shark Sketch?
An Easy Shark Drawing Tutorial in 10 Steps
This quick and exciting tutorial will show you how to draw a shark. You will also discover the results of adding color towards the end of your illustration to create a uniquely realistic shark drawing. With the basic materials gathered below, you can soon begin creating your easy shark drawing in 10 simple steps!
Choosing a Shark Species
Over 1000 years ago, sharks occupied our oceans. Throughout the years, shark species have grown to over 400 types. They are without a doubt the most fierce-looking animals of the waters. It is for this reason that this tutorial will cover the infamous Great White shark.
It is encouraged to observe many different types of sharks and decide which one appears to be what you are looking for – not only in fierceness – but in form, shape, and size.
Materials Needed for Creating a Shark Sketch
This tutorial will cover the basics of constructing a shark sketch to a higher degree of realism. It is recommended to use materials and tools that you would prefer to use to create drawings. If you are still learning the ropes, these are the basic materials you could use to create your easy shark drawing.
List of Materials for a Shark Drawing
List of Materials for Adding Color to Your Shark Drawing (Optional)
Steps for Learning How to Draw a Shark
Once you have selected your chosen species of shark and have gathered your materials, you can set up your workspace and begin creating your unique shark drawing. If you are looking to create a realistic shark drawing, you could work from a photograph or reference image. Do not be scared to dive into your planning!
Once you have established the animal’s basic form and have placed the fins in the right places, it becomes easy to learn how to draw a shark in no time.
Step 1: Draw the Initial Sketch
Begin by lightly drawing the initial sketch of the shark’s body with a pencil. Observe the body of the shark as segmented shapes. The first shape mapped should be a pointed teardrop-like outline that is set on its side. The head should be slightly wider at its end and narrower at the tail-end.
Step 2: Sketch in the Lateral Line
Sketch in the lateral line that runs along the gills to the tail-end. This line is often technically invisible on sharks, but it is an important element that forms the foundation of the body when creating your shark sketch. Including it in your drawing will assist when considering the shape and movement of your shark.
Step 3: Sketch in the Fins
Start by drawing the triangular shapes of all six visible fins. Take note that the fins are slightly different from one another with varying proportions. The dorsal fin is placed on top of the body, the pectoral fin is at its side, and the three smaller fins are towards the tailfin. Think of the fins as the shark’s way of steering through the water.
They should be sketched in crescent shapes to show how the shark can power through a body of water.
Step 4: Add the Facial Features
Draw the gills first. Take note of where the gills are situated on your species of shark. Next draw in the profile, the snout or nose, the mouth, and the teeth. Notice that most sharks have an incredibly large overbite, so do not hold back on mimicking this effect in your shark drawing.
The placement of these facial characteristics is really important to get right so that you can tell exactly which type of shark it is you are capturing.
Step 5: Draw an Accurate Outline of the Eye Shape
The eyes are the next important characteristic to place because sharks tend to communicate their fierceness through their eyes. Sketch in the widest visible circle that makes up the whole eye.
Then draw another smaller circle within the first one. Next, fill the second circle with a pencil and leave a small white dot to place a highlight and create dimension within the eye.
Step 6: Outline Planning With a Pen and Erase Any Pencil Lines
After observing your initial drawing and once you are happy with the foundations of your shark sketch, you can begin outlining your planning permanently with a pen. It is recommended to start from left to right if you are right-handed and vice-versa.
This will prevent your drawing from smudging as you work across the surface.
Step 7: Begin Adding Texture to the Skin, Working From One Side to the Next
Using your chosen technique of shading, begin adding texture to the shark’s skin with a pen. In the highlights where the light falls onto the shark’s skin, there will be fewer clusters of texture, whereas textures in the shadow areas will need more detail.
Step 8: Add Shadows to the Darker Areas and Blend Them Into the Highlights
Observe the areas of the skin where shadows are significantly darker. Look closely at how the light falls and meets the body of your shark. Begin adding more shading. Once your darker tones are in place, start blending them towards the highlighted areas of your shark until you are happy with the amount of detail rendered.
Step 9: Begin Adding Layers of Color With Chosen Materials (Optional Step)
Once you are pleased with your illustration, you can start adding color to your shark sketch! Adding color to your sketch creates a truly believable and realistic shark drawing. Watercolor works strikingly well with ink, so it is recommended to use watercolor pencils or paints if you have done your outline with pens.
Observe the skin tone of your shark and begin adding moderate, diluted layers of watercolor.
Step 10: Use Darker Shades of Color to Create Depth (Optional)
Add darker tones of color to the shadow areas of your shark. These sections should be defined in your existing sketch and easy to identify. Adding these final touches of color will create the illusion of realism through the shape and form. This will make your shark sketch incredibly dimensional and viciously believable!
Sharks are fantastic examples of the ocean. They are built to power through large quantities of water, and you can see this in the way their bodies are shaped and formed. This tutorial shows you just how easy it can be to create a realistic shark drawing by making sure your initial sketch is in proportion before adding your permanent outline. Now that you have completed your easy shark drawing in 10 simple steps, you can now start observing other sea creatures you might like to draw as a new challenge!
Shark Drawing – Create a Powerful and Captivating Shark Sketch
Sharks are one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean, captivating us with their sleek, powerful bodies and mysterious, predatory behavior. These apex predators have been around for more than 400 million years and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from the enormous whale shark to the small dwarf lantern shark. With razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast reflexes, sharks have earned a reputation as fearsome hunters, but there’s much more to these ancient creatures than meets the eye. Whether you’re an avid diver, a nature enthusiast, or just curious about the wonders of the sea, sharks are sure to capture your imagination and leave you in awe.
Table of Contents
- 1 A Guide on How to Draw a Shark Realistically
- 1.1 Step 1: Draw the Main Body of Your Shark Drawing
- 1.2 Step 2: Outline the Body
- 1.3 Step 3: Draw the Tail of Your Shark Sketch
- 1.4 Step 4: Add the Fins
- 1.5 Step 5: Draw the Facial Features of Your Easy Shark Drawing
- 1.6 Step 6: Add the Separation Lines
- 1.7 Step 7: Outline the Fins
- 1.8 Step 8: Add the First Color Coat
- 1.9 Step 9: Add the Second Coat of Color
- 1.10 Step 10: Shade Your Shark Sketch
- 1.11 Step 11: Color Blend the Shark
- 1.12 Step 12: Paint the Ocean’s Reflection on Your Shark Drawing
- 1.13 Step 13: Enhance the Highlights and Shading
- 1.14 Step 14: Highlight and Shade the Bottom Half
- 1.15 Step 15: Color the Eye and Teeth of Your Shark Sketch
- 1.16 Step 16: Add the Pattern to Finalize Your Realistic Shark Drawing
- 2.1 What Are Some Techniques for Drawing the Texture of Shark Skin?
- 2.2 How Do I Create the Illusion of Depth and Movement in a Shark Drawing?
A Guide on How to Draw a Shark Realistically
Get ready to dive into a thrilling and rewarding experience as you learn how to draw a shark! Not only will you have fun and gain new skills, but you’ll also deepen your knowledge of these magnificent creatures and their importance to our oceans. From the iconic great white to the colorful hammerhead, you’ll capture the dynamic movement and unique characteristics of various shark species. Through your art and education, you’ll raise awareness about the need for conservation efforts to protect these amazing animals in the wild.
So grab your pencils and get ready for a fun and engaging journey that will sharpen your skills and ignite your creativity! The below collage shows you each step taken to achieve your final result of a realistic shark drawing.
Step 1: Draw the Main Body of Your Shark Drawing
To begin your tutorial on how to draw a shark, start by drawing a wide oval shape to represent the main body of your shark drawing.
Step 2: Outline the Body
Using the previously drawn oval to guide you, outline a more realistic-looking main body by curving the nose into a cone-like shape that leads to the mouth area. The rear of the shark’s body should bend within the oval shape into a narrower end.
Step 3: Draw the Tail of Your Shark Sketch
Between the open space at the rear of the shark’s body, draw the sharp-ended tail also known as the caudal fin.
Step 4: Add the Fins
Begin by drawing the top dorsal fin, drawn between the open space at the top of the shark’s body. Continue by drawing the second large pectoral fin at the bottom of the body, and draw the second partially pectoral fin as a smaller triangle to the left end of the body.
Finally, complete the step by drawing the final smaller rear fins, one above and two below the tail.
Step 5: Draw the Facial Features of Your Easy Shark Drawing
Within the left end of the shark, continue the mouth line inwards and draw fine, sharp teeth all along the bottom jaw line. Continue the step by drawing a small circle within a larger circle to represent the eye. This should be located slightly above the mouthline. Once completed, you can erase any unnecessary construction lines.
Step 6: Add the Separation Lines
Draw a wavy freehand line leading from the nose of the shark to the end of the tail. This will be used as a two-tone color separation line once we begin the painting process.
Step 7: Outline the Fins
Use the construction lines drawn in steps three and four to aid you in outlining realistic-looking fins. T hese should be slightly more rounded and have fewer sharp edges.
Step 8: Add the First Color Coat
Select a fine, sharp brush and a shade of light teal paint, and evenly coat the entire shark.
Step 9: Add the Second Coat of Color
Use the same brush as previously and switch to gray paint, and evenly coat the lower half of your shark drawing.
Step 10: Shade Your Shark Sketch
In this step, begin by selecting a small, soft brush and black paint, and softly add shading along the edges of the fins and tail including along the separation line. Switch to a blending brush to soften and spread this shading.
Note! The first color coat should still be somewhat visible.
Continue using a fine, sharp brush and black paint, and add fine streak lines drawn horizontally and vertically along the front half of the body.
Step 11: Color Blend the Shark
Select a soft brush and turquoise paint, and add subtle brushstrokes within the fins and body of your easy shark drawing. Repeat using a blending brush to soften and spread the color coat.
Step 12: Paint the Ocean’s Reflection on Your Shark Drawing
On the skin of the shark, we will now add a realistic reflection of the water. S imply select a pattern brush or a sponge and white paint, and apply light dabs throughout the shark’s skin.
Step 13: Enhance the Highlights and Shading
With a soft brush and black paint, add shading along the shark’s body to enhance the structure. Continue onto the gills and separation line. Switch to a thin brush and white paint, and add highlights along the newly shaded areas.
Step 14: Highlight and Shade the Bottom Half
Begin to lighten the bottom half of your shark drawing, using a soft brush and white paint. Continue using a thin, sharp brush and black paint to shade the mouth and mouth line.
Complete the step using a small, soft brush and black paint, and add subtle shading between the fins.
Step 15: Color the Eye and Teeth of Your Shark Sketch
Use a thin brush and white paint to evenly color the teeth. Continue to fill the outer circle which represents the eye’s sclera. Repeat using black paint to coat the pupil of the eye. Switch to a soft brush and black paint, and add shading around the eye to create a groove-like area where the center of the eye would be.
Step 16: Add the Pattern to Finalize Your Realistic Shark Drawing
You are one step closer to finalizing your realistic shark drawing! To finish your drawing, erase any still visible harsh outline. If this is not possible, select a fine brush with the corresponding colors, and trace the entire outline of your shark drawing.
Well done on completing your easy shark drawing! You should be proud of your accomplishment, as you are growing your skills as an artist. By studying the anatomy and movement of these fascinating creatures, you’ve gained valuable drawing skills that can be applied to any subject matter. From shading and texture, to perspective and composition, you’ve honed your craft and expanded your artistic horizons. Whether you’re interested in drawing other sea creatures, animals, people, or landscapes, you now have the tools and confidence to tackle any challenge!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Techniques for Drawing the Texture of Shark Skin?
When drawing the texture of shark skin, there are several techniques to consider. Experimenting with different drawing materials such as pencils, charcoal, or pastels can achieve a realistic texture. A combination of shading techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, or scumbling can create the appearance of rough, scaly skin. Paying attention to the direction of the skin’s ridges and lines, as well as the contrast between darker and lighter areas, can add depth to the drawing. Adding highlights and shadows can also create the illusion of dimensionality.
How Do I Create the Illusion of Depth and Movement in a Shark Drawing?
To create the illusion of depth and movement in a realistic shark drawing, several techniques can be used. Overlapping lines and shapes can be employed to create the illusion of depth and adjusting the size and positioning of objects can give a sense of distance. Using perspective techniques, such as vanishing points and converging lines, can also create a sense of depth and dimension. Additionally, curved lines can be used to convey the shark’s movement, such as the curve of its tail or the arch of its body as it swims. By incorporating these techniques, a shark drawing can be brought to life with a sense of depth and movement.
IzzyBll ( Digital Artist )
IzzyBll is a digital artist and content creator from Israel and currently residing in South Africa. Originally coming from videography, Izzy then turned to digital graphic art. He specialized in using digital drawing software such as Photoshop and Procreate. Drawing and photo editing has always been a sort of second nature for Izzy. In doing so, he can now look back on 5 years of experience in the industry, completing commissions for various well-known brands such as Audi.
