You wanted to draw a realistic fish? It’s easier than it looks! Drawing realistic fish is all about knowing the anatomy and doing your research. Don’t let the time-consuming sketching process scare you away, as it’s nothing compared to the amazing final result. Here are a few handy tips on how to make your fish come alive.
Do Your Research
Before you even pick up a pencil, it’s important to understand what you’re trying to draw. Do some research, read up on different fish species, and take a close look at pictures. Get to know the anatomy: the scales, fins, eyes, gills, tail, and all the other details. Get a feel for the shape, color, and movements of the fish. Now you’re ready to start drawing.
Lightly Sketch Out The Fish
Use your pencil to lightly sketch out the fish. Don’t worry if it looks ‘sloppy’ – it’s a draft, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Since the fish will be swimming, their body should be curved, not straight. Pay attention to the placement of the fins, eyes, and tail. They should all work together to create an image of the fish swimming. Taking your time with this step is important – if you rush, the fish won’t look natural.
Fill In The Details With Pen
Once you’ve sketched out the fish, it’s time to switch to a pen. Start by tracing the sketch, slightly increasing the pressure to give the fish some depth. Now comes the fun part: fill in the scales, fins, eyes, and gills. Make sure that the features are evenly spaced, and the distances are correct. Now, add in some color!
Add In Life And Texture
Now it’s time to make the fish really look alive. Add in fin lines, color variations, and texture. You can also give the fish a sparkle in its eye, or movement in its fins. Once you’re done, you can erase the pencil lines, and you’ll have a realistic fish!
Include A Descriptive Background
Adding in a background can really bring the fish to life, and create an entire scene. Start by sketching out a coast, a bed of seaweed, rocks, or whatever you imagine the fish would naturally be living in. Don’t forget the shadows! This will create movement, texture, and often times more realistic water.
Practice Makes Perfect
If this is your first time drawing a realistic fish, don’t be discouraged if it does not come out as expected. You need practice to get the hand of this. There’s nothing wrong with going back to the same sketch. Add more details or erase a few, and see what works. Don’t give up until you’re happy with the result!
Make Corrections
Sometimes, you might find that you’ve made a mistake. It’s perfectly ok to make corrections. Don’t be afraid to go back and erase parts or redesign a fin or an eye. Cutting corners doesn’t always lead to the best results.
Enjoy What You Create
Lastly, remember to take some time and appreciate what you just created. Rejoice in the amazing artwork you just produced! Drawing a realistic fish is quite the accomplishment, and you should take a moment to bask in the joy of a job well done.
