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Uploaded:October 26, 2009
Artist:SwinS
Difficulty:Intermediate  Intermediate Skill Level
Steps:5
Updated:October 27, 2009
P.O.V:Multiple
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How to Draw Mermaids

There are many versions of mermaids in the world of fantasy, from Disney's Ariel to the frightening sea hags of ancient lore. I chose to use the style of a classic children's book, taking some inspiration from my favorite Hans Christian Andersen illustrations.

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how to draw mermaids step 1

STEP 1.

First you should sketch out proportions using loose lines. This will help you get a good idea of how your poses will work before you invest a lot of time in them. I use circles to mark joints, which helps later when I flesh out limbs. It's also a good idea to incorporate any parts of the environment the mermaids are interacting with, such as the large rock.
 
how to draw mermaids step 2

STEP 2.

Now is when I begin to add details such as faces and flesh out the arms over my guides. Using circles to mark joints before was a huge help, as I was able to use that to round out the shoulders nicely. I begin to add hair details over their heads, keeping in mind how it would drape and rest in the water.
 
how to draw mermaids step 3

STEP 3.

Now I flesh out the tails, using long, loose strokes to keep them looking smooth and fluid. I add more details to their hair as well as give them some ornaments. Anemones and starfish are pretty typical findings where they live.
 
how to draw mermaids step 4

STEP 4.

Last come all the little details that give them real character. I added some scales to their tails, but be careful not to add too many or it won't look sleek and shiny. I played up their faces a little more with little details, fixed their hands and added some interest to their environment with a crab.
 
how to draw mermaids step 5

STEP 5.

If you want to color it in, play around with underwater effects and ways to make their scales glisten. Use yellow like I did to reflect the sun or add in some white, pinks and blues as well to make them look opalescent. Have fun!
 

Comments: Post Comment

 
HopeRider's comment

 

HopeRider ~ Jan 12, 2012, 12:08:41 PM
wow this is awsome i want to draw this! yay
 
SwinS's comment

 

SwinS ~ Oct 28, 2009, 2:42:09 AM
wow its like... wow lol
@kellitiousx
Wauwwww, another awesome draw, super!! inlove omgomg wow
 
kellitiousx's comment

 

kellitiousx ~ Oct 28, 2009, 1:16:22 AM
Wauwwww, another awesome draw, super!! inlove omgomg wow
 
Dawn's comment

 

Dawn ~ Oct 27, 2009, 2:47:35 AM
add me plz and try to draw a mini gun plz your tutorials are awsome B) B) B) B)
 
:lol: confused :fear: X3 :x_x: :shakefist: :zzz: :shrug: :inlove: =D =( :bow: :boogie: :innocent: :omgomg: O_o :3
:rolling: :plotting: :ill: =$ :fart: :hai: :mature: ;p ^^; :drool: :stupid: :poke: :tomatoe: :threaten: T_T :snooty: :singing:
B) :yay: :yawn: :watermelon: :wtf: :wow: :jawdrop: :paranoid: :dumb: :evil: :angry: :speechless: :blank: :rock: :salute: =B ;)
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