Flower of the Sea: Letting Moana Inspire Your Art
The spirited Polynesian chief Moana is a beloved Disney character. Drawing her can bring into focus her bright and unshakable determination—and you too could channel the girl of the sea’s trademark energy. To help you capture Moana in pencil or paint, consider these tips for mastering the art of drawing her. In no time, you’ll be creating memorable works of art depicting this iconic figure.
Element 1: Experiment with Music
Have your Moana sketch pencil on hand and begin by indulging in the sounds of the South Pacific. While playing some uplifting, soothing music, let nature itself carry you away. Begin to visualize the character’s form and shape. Just think of the beautiful colours, lines and curves that help define the physical and emotional characteristics of Moana. Let go, get creative and let the music guide you.
Element 2: Incorporate Emotion
Next, consider how to represent Moana’s emotions. Maybe give her a far-off gaze, a mischievous smile, or a fearless stance. When she speaks, is she strong, calm, and wise? Or is she full of passion and exuberance? Whichever you choose, facial expressions should accurately depict her feelings––allowing you to shape the interpretation of your artwork.
Element 3: Build a Story
Now that you’ve captured the essence of your character, it’s time to construct a story. This will lead to a more compelling representation of the spirit and passion of Moana. Does she have a mission or is she fulfilling her destiny? How can her actions be shared in the artwork? You can use a variety of tools, such as facial expressions and body positions, to deliver a message that will make your drawing jump off the page.
Element 4: Enjoy the Journey
Before you start drawing, get yourself into the right headspace. Enjoy the process of capturing Moana in all of her glory. Have fun, trust your instincts and make your art your own. Relish the joy of taking in the sparkle in her eye and be conscious of the detail around her clothes, hairstyle and physical traits—all these can add to the quality of your work.
Element 5: Lose the Fear
Drawing art takes practice, and Moana is no exception. Let go of the fear of making mistakes and don’t be afraid to take risks. If your sketch is a little off, add some extra emphasis to the features or take a bolder brush stroke. Keep sketching and refining until you feel like each and every element of your masterpiece is just right.
Element 6: Get Inspired
Look around you and draw inspiration from the people, animals and surroundings. To get the most out of your drawing of Moana, look for reference images taken in the ocean. This will help you capture the atmosphere and emotion of the beautiful animated character.
Element 7: Don’t Overthink
It’s easy to overthink scenarios and risk stifling your creativity. Instead of getting stuck trying to make any single piece perfect, just get into the flow of drawing and go with your gut. Once you get into a rhythm, let the magic of Moana emerge and capture it for eternity.
Element 8: Try, Try Again
Sprinkle in a few seashells, a turtle or two, and perhaps Moana’s pet pig Pua to fill in the details. As you draw, you may need to keep starting over and refining the elements—this is perfectly normal and you’ll soon be pleased with the results. As you make progress experimenting, you may find yourself in tune with the art winds of the South Pacific.
Element 9: Spend Quality Time with Materials
Choose the materials carefully, as different types of media can create a unique feeling that infuses your art with fresh energy. Whether it is charcoal, oil, acrylics or just a pencil, these tools will allow you to bring the beauty of Moana alive.
Element 10: Infuse with Meaning
The most important way to capture Moana in your drawing is to get the feeling of her story. This can be portrayed through an infusion of messages that come from her values, beliefs, and life. Feel the strength, adventure and passion that comes with drawing this character and use this pressure to add meaning to your art.
