Step 1: Start with a Basic Shrimp Sketch
Drawing a shrimp doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start with a basic sketch, noting the lines that make up the body and the tail of the shrimp. Use a pencil so that you can easily smudge and erasethe lines as you go along.
Begin with the head of the shrimp. Draw two curved lines to make the eyes, and then draw a triangle to make the body. Immediately below the head, draw a sideways U shape to shape the tail. Remember to draw lightly, as you’ll want to be able to erase this and add more detail in the next step.
Step 2: Add Details to the Shrimp Drawing
Now, take your eraser and clean up the lines you created in step one. Once the sketch looks neat, start adding details all around the shrimp. Make the eyes appear more realistic by adding two circles each that are darker shades than the original. You can also add segments to the body and tiny details to the tail so that it looks curvy and three-dimensional.
Don’t forget to add the antennae. Start by drawing two curved lines almost parallel to each other, and then break them into smaller segments as if they were limp. Draw more circles using darker shades and a pencil to create the illusion of depth.
Step 3: Add Shadow, Highlights and Texture
Now that the shrimp is looking better, it’s time to add highlights, shadow and texture. Use light shading strokes and a darker pencil to create shading and shadow where the shrimp’s body curves. You can also use a pencil with a softer lead to add texture to the shrimp’s arms, legs, antennae or tail.
Now you can add highlights by dabbing a bit of white paint with a cotton swab or with a white colored pencil. These elements will make your drawing look more realistic and professional.
Step 4: Refine Your Shrimp Drawing
When you finish adding the details, shading and highlights to your shrimp drawing, it’s finally time to refine it. Start by erasing all the lines that you used to sketch the shrimp in the first step. This will give your drawing a cleaner look.
At this point, you can blur, smudge and blend the shading, highlights and textures to create a more cohesive look. Use a cotton swab or a finger to blend the colors. This process will also add depth to your drawing.
Step 5: Add Color
The last step is to add color. To stay true to the shrimp’s natural colorings, you can use mix tones of orange and pink with light shades of grey and white. Remember that the shrimp’s head and tail are usually brighter than the rest of the body.
If you prefer a more vibrant look, you can also combine other colors or opt for a black and white sketch. Either way, this is your chance to express your creativity and make the drawing your own.
Step 6: Appreciate Your Shrimp Drawing
The last step is to appreciate the artwork you’ve just created. Take a look at your drawing and admire all the details you have spent time and effort adding. Look at the curved lines, highlights, shadow and texture and be proud of the work you have done.
Showing appreciation for your work will help you become a better artist and motivate you to persevere. Congratulations, your shrimp drawing is now finished!
