People have always been captivated by the mythical allure of mermaids. These enchanting creatures, half-fish and half-woman, have been the subject of legends and tales for countless generations. In recent times, their popularity has surged with appearances in movies, TV shows, and various merchandise.
If you have a love for mermaids and have attempted to draw one, you may have found it to be more challenging than expected. If this sounds like you, fear not! We have put together a step-by-step guide that will make drawing a beautiful mermaid a breeze. Let’s dive in!
Step 1 – Let’s Begin with the Mermaid’s Face
Drawing a detailed mermaid picture can seem daunting. That’s why we’ll take it slowly and break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. To start, let’s focus on the face of the mermaid.
Begin by drawing a sharply curved line that tapers into a point, as shown in the reference image. Then, add two squat shapes on either side for the ears.
Step 2 – Adding Facial Details and Neck
While the facial details may appear intricate, they are actually composed of simple lines. Draw two small curved lines for the eyes and a more angular small line for the nose. Give her a gentle smile with a curved line below the nose. Don’t forget to include a neck for your mermaid drawing and add some details to the ears. For these fine details, it’s best to use a thin-tipped pen or a sharp pencil.
Step 3 – Let’s Give Your Mermaid Some Gorgeous Hair
Mermaids are renowned for their long, flowing hair, and our mermaid will be no exception. Start by drawing two lines over the top of the face to create the parting in her hair. Then, draw two lines extending down from above, heading towards where the shoulders will be. Once you have achieved the desired look, we can proceed to step 4.
Step 4 – Shaping the Arms and Body
In this step, we’ll focus on the arms and chest of your mermaid. To ensure accuracy, refer closely to the reference image. Draw the arms extending straight out from the end of the neck lines. Position them in a relaxed manner to convey a sense of lazily floating in water. Once you’ve sketched the curved lines for the arms, add in the shells for her bikini top.
Step 5 – Adding the Waist and More Hair
Using straight lines, connect the shell bikini to create the mermaid’s waist. Then, draw wavy lines flowing down from the arms to represent her cascading hair. Position these lines so that they naturally blend into the hair above the arms. Finally, draw a slightly curved line below the waist to mark the beginning of her fish tail.
Step 6 – Give Your Mermaid a Beautiful Tail
Every mermaid needs a graceful fishtail, and we’ll start adding it in this step. Use two curvy lines extending from the waist and curving towards the right, as shown in the image. Additionally, draw the end of her hair flowing to the right of her waist.
Step 7 – Drawing the Tail’s End
Now that you’ve outlined most of the fishtail, extend it a bit further and add the end of the fin with sharp lines, as illustrated in the image. To complete this step, draw a cute little flower in her hair for an added touch of beauty.
Step 8 – Adding Final Details
Your mermaid drawing is nearly finished! In this step, let’s focus on some small, final details. Add long, thin lines to the hair to give it texture. Use small, curved lines throughout the fishtail to create a scaly effect. Lastly, add lines to the tail for additional texture. Feel free to experiment with your own unique details to make the drawing truly yours!
Bonus: Adding Personalized Touches to Your Mermaid Drawing
This mermaid drawing guide is already beautiful, but there are numerous ways you can personalize it. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:
Use Real People as Inspiration: Select a person, whether it’s yourself, a friend, a family member, or a beloved celebrity, and modify the facial features and details of the mermaid accordingly. Experiment with different hairstyles and colors to create a unique representation.
Explore Different Art Styles: Challenge yourself by reimagining the mermaid drawing in various art styles, such as classic cartoon styles or realistic renderings. Each style will lend a distinct charm to your artwork.
Once you’re satisfied with the mermaid’s appearance, consider adding a background that complements the changes. For instance, if you chose yourself as inspiration, depict the mermaid lounging in an underwater version of your bedroom. Let your imagination run wild!
Step 9 – Bring Your Mermaid Drawing to Life with Color
With the final details complete, it’s time for the most enjoyable part: coloring your masterpiece! Take the opportunity to express yourself with your favorite colors. While we’ve provided one coloring suggestion, feel free to unleash your creativity and experiment with different art tools and mediums.
Watercolor paints are excellent for capturing the ocean’s serene beauty, but don’t hesitate to embrace bold and vibrant colors with crayons or colored pens and pencils.
5 Tips to Enhance Your Mermaid Drawing
Incorporate Ocean Details: Since mermaids reside in the ocean, consider adding waves crashing against rocks or an underwater scene with coral and marine life.
Explore Different Poses and Activities: Experiment with different arm positions and hair arrangements to depict your mermaid swimming, diving, or engaging in other activities.
Enjoy the Company of Other Merfolk: Create a gathering of mermaids and showcase your creativity by designing unique mermaid companions. Feel free to add as many as you like to transform your mermaid drawing into a lively party!
Add Personalized Touches: Customize your mermaid with accessories, alternative hairstyles, or unique swimsuits. The possibilities for personalization are endless!
Experiment with Colors and Mediums: Watercolor paints are ideal for ocean-themed images, but don’t be afraid to explore other art tools and crafts. Unleash your imagination with bold and vibrant colors to make your mermaid truly breathtaking.
Your Mermaid Drawing is a Masterpiece!
Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide on how to draw a mermaid! This intricate drawing may have seemed challenging at first, but by following the steps and taking your time, you have created a stunning mermaid representation.
Once you’ve finished, feel free to add a breathtaking ocean background or any other details that inspire you. There are no limits to what you can achieve with your artwork!
We have many more step-by-step drawing guides coming soon, so be sure to stay tuned to our website for more creative fun.
We can’t wait to admire your colorful artwork! Please feel free to share your finished mermaid drawing on our Facebook and Pinterest pages. We’re eager to see your brilliant creations!
