Step 1: Decide On A Manatee To Draw
Creating your own manatee masterpiece can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. First, you’ll need to decide what kind of manatee you’d like to draw. Here are three popular choices: Amazonian manatee, West Indian manatee, Florida manatee. Each type has its own unique characteristics and behaviors, so it’s wise to do some research to choose the one that resonates with you most.
Step 2: Preparing To Draw
Unlike humans, animals of many species can move very quickly. To capture your manatee’s features accurately in your drawing, you’ll need to be fast! Here are 3 steps to take before drawing:
- Collect a variety of reference materials – like pictures, videos, magazine photos or books – featuring a manatee or manatees in motion and wildlife.
- Develop the habit of drawing quickly; life drawing and figure drawing classes online can help you acquire this skill.
- Practice drawing quick manatee sketches in the style you’ve chosen.
It’s important to remember that your drawing may not look like the manatee you end up drawing; it does not have to be perfect to be beautiful.
Step 3: Sketching The Manatee
As soon as you have your desired reference material and have practiced the skill of quick sketching, the real fun begins. Start by picking a pose for the manatee. Try to capture the spirit of the creature, not just its physical features. Then, use a light pencil and sketch out the basic outline of the manatee. Pay attention to the details and balance of the image.
Step 4: Coloring The Manatee
To bring your drawing to life and capture the beauty of your manatee, it’s time to add color. You can use paint, ink, pens, pastels, or a combination of all these media. Experiment with different colors and techniques to achieve the effect that you want.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once you’ve added color to your manatee, finish it off with details like realistic eyes and intricate nuances of the manatee’s nature. Adding highlights or a unique background can make your manatee come to life and give it a little extra charm.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Manatee Masterpiece
When you’re satisfied with your manatee drawing, take a step back and admire your beautiful work. You’ve created a unique piece of art that can bring joy for years to come.
Step 7: Share Your Work With Others
Drawing can be very personal, but it’s also an outlet to connect with other like-minded individuals. Consider submitting your work online or entering an art show! You never know who will be inspired by your manatee masterpiece.
Step 8: Keep Practicing and Have Fun!
No artist ever got better without practice. Regularly drawing manatees and other wildlife will help you improve your speed and accuracy, so have a go at it and have fun with it. Like most things in life, the more you practice, the better you get.
