Step-by-Step Guide: Easy Beginner Mermaid Drawings for Everyone

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 6 June 2023 9 min read

Have you always been fascinated by the enchanting world of mermaids and wanted to bring them to life on paper? Look no further! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of creating beginner mermaid drawings easy and fun for everyone. Let's dive in!

Supplies for Drawing Beginner Mermaid Drawings Easy

Before we start sketching our magical underwater friends, it's essential to gather the right supplies. Choosing the appropriate tools not only makes the drawing process more enjoyable, but also helps you achieve better results.

Choosing the Right Paper and Pencil

The foundation of your mermaid masterpiece begins with selecting the right paper and pencil. Consider the following when making your choice:

Paper: Opt for a sketchbook or drawing pad with medium-weight paper. This type of paper can handle multiple layers and erasing without tearing or smudging.
Pencil: A standard HB or 2B pencil is perfect for sketching. These pencils provide the right balance between hardness and darkness, allowing you to create both light and dark lines easily.

Erasers and Sharpeners: Essential Tools

Even the most experienced artists make mistakes, so having the right erasers and sharpeners on hand is crucial. Here are some suggestions:

Erasers: A white vinyl eraser is gentle on paper and removes pencil marks cleanly. Additionally, a kneaded eraser is excellent for lifting graphite and creating highlights.
Sharpeners: A manual or electric pencil sharpener helps maintain a sharp pencil tip for precise lines and details.

Coloring Materials: Bringing Your Mermaid to Life

Once you've sketched your mermaid, it's time to add some color. There are plenty of coloring options available, so choose one that best suits your style and preference:

Colored pencils: These offer excellent control and are perfect for adding subtle details and blending colors.
Markers: If you prefer bold, vibrant colors, markers are a great choice. Opt for alcohol-based markers for smooth, even coverage and blending capabilities.
Watercolors: For a soft, ethereal look, watercolor paints are the way to go. They allow you to create beautiful gradients and light effects in your beginner mermaid drawings easy.

Starting with Basic Shapes for Beginner Mermaid Drawings Easy

Now that you have your supplies ready, let's start drawing! Creating a mermaid is easier than you think, especially when you break it down into basic shapes. By focusing on simple forms, you'll be able to build a solid foundation for your mermaid drawing and ensure it looks proportional and balanced.

Drawing the Head and Face

Begin your mermaid drawing by sketching the head. Here's how:

Draw a circle for the head. This will help you establish the size and position of your mermaid.
Add a horizontal line across the middle of the circle—this is the eye line. Then, draw a vertical line down the center to help align the facial features.
Sketch the eyes on the eye line, using simple almond shapes. Add pupils, and don't forget the eyelashes for a touch of charm!
Create the nose by drawing a small, curved line below the eye line.
Finish the face by drawing a smiling mouth and a slightly pointy chin.

Congratulations! You've just drawn a mermaid face. Now let's move on to the body.

Creating the Body and Arms

When drawing the body and arms, think of them as a series of connected shapes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Draw an oval shape below the head for the torso. Make sure it's slightly tilted, giving your mermaid a graceful posture.
Add two lines on either side of the torso, extending outwards to form the shoulders and arms. Sketch ovals for the upper arms and forearms, connecting them with simple curves for the elbows.
For the hands, start with a small oval for the palm and add slender, tapered fingers. Remember, mermaids have elegant hands, so keep your lines smooth and fluid.

Now that your mermaid has a body and arms, it's time to create the most iconic part of a mermaid—the tail!

Designing the Tail and Fins

The tail and fins are essential for beginner mermaid drawings easy, as they truly bring the character to life. Follow these steps to create a beautiful tail:

Draw a long, curved line starting from the bottom of the torso, extending downward to form the top of the tail.
Sketch another curved line, starting from the same point but curving in the opposite direction, to create the tail's bottom edge. Connect the two lines with a gentle curve for the tail's tip.
Add the fins by drawing two large, fan-like shapes at the end of the tail. Be creative—mermaid fins come in various shapes and sizes!

Now your mermaid has a complete form! Let's move on to adding details and textures to make your drawing even more captivating.

Adding Details and Textures to Your Mermaid Drawing

With the basic shapes in place, it's time to make your beginner mermaid drawings easy even more enchanting by adding details and textures. These elements will not only give your mermaid personality but also make your drawing stand out from the crowd. Let's dive in and start adding those finishing touches!

Styling Hair and Accessories

Hair is an excellent way to express your mermaid's unique personality. To create the perfect hairstyle for your mermaid, follow these steps:

Choose a hairstyle that suits your mermaid's character. It can be long and flowing, sleek and straight, or even wild and untamed — the choice is yours!
Draw the hair starting from the top of the head, using sweeping lines to create volume and movement. Don't forget to add strands and waves for a natural look.
For added flair, consider including accessories like seashell crowns, starfish clips, or even a string of pearls. These small details can make a significant impact on your mermaid's overall appearance.

Now that your mermaid has fabulous hair and accessories, let's move on to adding some texture to her tail and fins.

Creating Scales and Patterns

Scales and patterns can transform your mermaid's tail from ordinary to extraordinary, bringing a touch of magic to your beginner mermaid drawings easy. To create stunning scales and patterns, follow these tips:

Start by drawing small, overlapping "U" shapes across the tail to create the illusion of scales. Keep the scales consistent in size and spacing for a polished look.
Feel free to experiment with different scale shapes and patterns. For example, you can try diamond-shaped scales or even a mix of different shapes for a unique design.
Consider adding additional patterns or details to the tail and fins, such as stripes, spots, or intricate designs, to make your mermaid truly one-of-a-kind.

With your mermaid's tail looking fantastic, it's time to create an underwater background to complete the scene.

Designing an Underwater Background

An underwater background can transport your mermaid into her natural habitat, giving your drawing a sense of depth and context. Here's how to create a simple yet effective underwater background:

Begin by sketching a wavy, horizontal line across the paper to represent the ocean floor. Make sure it's not too close to your mermaid so she has plenty of room to swim!
Add some underwater plants, such as seaweed or coral, to give the scene life and color. Vary their shapes and sizes for visual interest.
Finally, include some marine creatures like fish, turtles, or even an octopus to make your mermaid feel right at home in her underwater world.

Now that your mermaid is surrounded by a beautiful underwater background, it's time to ink and color your drawing to make it truly come alive!

Inking and Coloring Your Beginner Mermaid Drawings Easy

With the details and textures in place, you're ready to bring your mermaid to life with vibrant colors and clean lines. Inking and coloring are essential steps in making your beginner mermaid drawings easy, and they can transform your sketch into a finished masterpiece. Let's dive in and explore the world of inking and coloring!

Inking Techniques for a Clean Finish

Inking is the process of going over your pencil lines with a pen or marker, giving your drawing a clean, polished appearance. Follow these simple tips to ink your mermaid like a pro:

Choose the right pen or marker: Opt for a fine-tipped pen or marker that's suitable for drawing, such as a fine liner or brush pen. Make sure it's waterproof and smudge-proof to avoid any mishaps.
Take your time: Inking requires a steady hand and patience. Go slow and stay focused to avoid mistakes or shaky lines.
Vary your line weight: To give your drawing depth and dimension, use thicker lines for the outline and thinner lines for details, such as hair strands and scales.

With your mermaid inked and looking sharp, it's time to add a splash of color!

Coloring Tips for a Vibrant Look

Coloring your mermaid can be a fun and relaxing process, and it's a chance to get creative with shades and hues. Here are some tips to help you achieve a vibrant, eye-catching look in your beginner mermaid drawings easy:

Choose your coloring material: Select the coloring tools that work best for you, such as colored pencils, markers, or even watercolors. Each medium has its own unique qualities and techniques, so experiment to find your favorite.
Start with a color scheme: Decide on a color scheme for your mermaid before you begin coloring. This will help you create a harmonious, visually appealing design.
Layer and blend: Build up layers of color and blend them together to create smooth transitions and gradients. This technique can add depth and realism to your drawing.

Now that your mermaid is bursting with color, let's add the finishing touches with shading and highlights.

Adding Shading and Highlights for Depth

Shading and highlighting are essential techniques that can take your beginner mermaid drawings easy to the next level. They add depth and dimension, making your mermaid appear more three-dimensional and lifelike. Here's how to master shading and highlighting:

Identify the light source: Determine where the light is coming from in your drawing, as this will guide your shading and highlighting decisions.
Shade with care: Use darker shades or a softer touch on your coloring tool to create shadows in areas that are farther from the light source. Be mindful of the shape and form of your mermaid while shading to enhance her curves and contours.
Add highlights: Use lighter shades or a harder touch on your coloring tool to create highlights on areas that are closer to the light source. Highlights can give your mermaid a more luminous, magical appearance.

With shading and highlights in place, your beginner mermaid drawings easy are complete! But remember, practice makes perfect, so let's explore ways to improve your skills and keep the creativity flowing.

Practice and Improvement: Mastering Beginner Mermaid Drawings Easy

Great job on completing your mermaid drawing! But don't stop there—continual practice and improvement are the keys to mastering beginner mermaid drawings easy. In this section, we'll discuss effective drawing exercises, finding inspiration, and the benefits of sharing your work with others. Let's dive into the world of continuous growth and creativity!

Drawing Exercises for Skill Development

Regular drawing exercises can help you build your skills and become more confident in your art. Here are a few fun and effective exercises to try:

Gesture drawing: Practice capturing the essence of your mermaid's pose and movement in a short amount of time (30 seconds to 2 minutes). This will help you develop a better sense of motion and fluidity in your drawings.
Sketching from life: Look for real-life references, such as fish, seashells, or even people, to improve your understanding of anatomy and form. This will make your beginner mermaid drawings easy more realistic and engaging.
Repetition: Draw the same mermaid multiple times, focusing on different elements each time, like the face, hair, or tail. This will help you refine your technique and discover new ways to depict your mermaid.

Remember, consistency is key. Try to set aside time each day to practice and watch your skills improve over time.

Finding Inspiration and Ideas

Finding inspiration can be challenging, but it's an essential part of the creative process. Here are some tips to help you stay inspired and motivated in your beginner mermaid drawings easy journey:

Explore other art styles: Look at different types of art, such as cartoons, anime, or traditional paintings, to broaden your horizons and spark new ideas for your mermaid drawings.
Study mythology and folklore: Dive into the rich world of mermaid stories and legends to find unique ideas and themes to incorporate into your drawings.
Join online communities: Connect with fellow artists and mermaid enthusiasts through social media or online forums. Sharing your work and seeing what others create can be a fantastic source of inspiration.

Keep an open mind and let your curiosity guide you as you explore new sources of inspiration.

Sharing your beginner mermaid drawings easy with others can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, it's an important step in your artistic journey. Here's why:

Constructive criticism: Receiving feedback from others can help you identify areas for improvement and accelerate your progress. Just remember to take it with a grain of salt and stay open to different perspectives.
Building confidence: Sharing your work can be a major confidence booster. When you see that others appreciate your art, it's easier to believe in your abilities and push yourself to improve.
Connecting with others: Art is a powerful form of communication that can connect you with like-minded people who share your passion for mermaids and drawing. This sense of community can be incredibly motivating and inspiring.

So go ahead, share your beginner mermaid drawings easy with the world, and embrace the journey of continuous improvement and creativity!

If you enjoyed our step-by-step guide on easy beginner mermaid drawings and want to dive deeper into the world of mermaid art, be sure to check out the workshop 'Making a Mermaid' by Hope Christofferson. This workshop will help you further develop your skills and creativity in drawing enchanting mermaids, perfect for artists of all levels.