How To Draw A Seashell Step By Step

Alexia Young 01/09/2023

5 2 minutes read

Are you interested in learning how to draw a realistic seashell? This comprehensive tutorial will guide you through the process, step by step. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to create a stunning seashell drawing in no time.

Table of Contents

Drawing Tools You Will Need

Before we get started, let’s go over the materials you’ll need for this drawing project. Here are some of the essential tools I use in my studio:

Drawing Paper

Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Board Pads 9″ x 12″ Smooth
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Board Pads 9″ x 12″ Velum

Blending

Tortillons
Loew-Cornell Blending Stumps

Pencils

Tombow Mono Professional Drawing Pencil
Blick Studio Drawing Pencils
Pentel Graph Gear 500 Pencil

Value Finder

Gray Scale and Value Finder

Erasers

General’s Factis Magic Black Eraser
Tombow Mono Zero Refillable Eraser
Prismacolor Kneaded Rubber Erasers
Alvin Dry Cleaning Pad

Extras

General’s The Miser Pencil Extender
Sandpaper Block
Westcott Wooden Dusting Brush

Step 1: Drawing the Contour

Graph the reference image into one-inch blocks with a black ballpoint pen. Use eight one-inch blocks across and ten one-inch blocks high.
Draw the same grid on your Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper using your 2H pencil.

Drawing Tips:

Make sure your pencil is sharp.
Draw with light lines for the grid, as they will be easier to erase later.
Angle the pencil at a 45-degree angle and draw away from the tip, starting from the left (if you’re right-handed).

Step 2: Mapping Out the Darks

Erase the grid lines and darken the contour lines of the seashell.
Lightly shade in the darkest values of the shell with your 2H graphite pencil.
Use your kneaded eraser to tap gently on the contour lines to blend them with the graphite.

Drawing Tips:

Use a sharp 2H pencil.
Avoid pressing too hard on the paper.
Observe and replicate the curves of the shell.
Double-check your lines with the reference photo.
Consider using a Proportion Divider for better accuracy.

Step 3: Adding Values

Use an HB and a 2H graphite pencil to add values to the seashell.
Continue adding values from dark to light with your 2H and HB pencils.
Start using a 2B pencil to further develop the value range.

Drawing Tips:

Use a sharp pencil.
After sharpening your pencil, wipe off the graphite dust with a paper towel.
Let the weight of the pencil create your values.
Use an eraser for lighter circles on the shell.
Continually compare your drawing with the reference image.

Step 4: Final Touches

At this point, your seashell drawing should look nearly complete. Follow these final steps to add the finishing touches:

Hatch the entire drawing to make it darker if desired.
Ensure that the lines you draw connect with each other for a realistic look.
Remove any remaining grid lines that are not necessary.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your seashell drawing. You can now showcase your artwork or continue exploring other drawing tutorials to enhance your skills further.