One of the greatest joys in life is capturing the beauty of nature on paper. Nothing compares to the sight of an orca whale gliding through the water, their black and white hides dappling in the midday sun. If the majesty of these aquatic creatures has inspired you to create your own version, keep reading – here’s a guide on how to draw an orca whale!
First and foremost, you’ll need the right supplies to get started – pencils, erasers, sharpener, and paper are a must. You’ll also want to choose a reference picture that best suits your desired style. With a great source to work from, your masterpiece will be well on its way.
Choose a pose for your orca drawing. For beginners, a straight side view is best. It will allow for easy comparison to the reference picture and you’ll be able to easily make any necessary adjustments. Allow yourself to take breaks or switch up the media tools to keep your drawing session an enjoyable experience.
Begin by lightly sketching in the shape of your orca. Keep your pencil strokes soft and wavy as you draw. Focus on the details and make sure not to neglect any areas. Anything can be erased later – it’s simply a rough outline.
Now, it’s time to move onto their iconic markings. This will likely require a few eraser trips. Draw in the white patches, keel and saddle. Make sure to keep them as symmetrical as possible – this is the hallmark of an orca whale!
With these techniques mastered, draw in the details! Luscious curves, eye sockets and off-black markings will bring your orca to life. The more realistic you make your drawing, the more dynamic the final product will be.
More often than not, a drawing of an orca whale is never finished on the first try. Perfect it slowly, layer by layer. If all else fails, ask for someone who knows your art to give their opinion – that never hurts!
Once your pencil lines are crisp and the colors are vibrant, consider applying a medium of finalization. Acrylic paint and color pencils will really make your orca pop – adding an extra layer to its uniqueness.
Most importantly, have fun with it! Taking joy in the little things is the best way to complete a drawing of an orca whale.
If you’re familiar with perspective and shading, feel free to play around with the poses and textures of your orca drawing. As long as you keep these basics in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating an amazing, original piece!
After sketching a few simple lines, you’ll already start to get the hang of it. Break up the body into different sections and, as you go along, give each section its own twist and identity.
When it’s time to draw more detailed elements, start with the eyes and fins. Make sure to add the characteristic slope of the snout, too! These subtle nuances will really bring your orca drawing to life.
Once all the components are in place, grab your favorite highlighters and begin to color. Start with the base layers and layer lighter/darker shades to add contrast and depth. Give yourself a break and practice on longer, smoother lines to highlight the orca’s natural grace.
Lastly, take an honest appraisal of your project. Great artists know when the drawing is’s finished, so don’t be afraid to step away and come back to it later. With that in mind, you’ll be a step closer to your first orca drawing!
