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How to Draw a Fish (Step by Step with Pictures)

How to Draw a Fish (Step by Step with Pictures)

Do you want to learn how to draw a simple fish?

Anybody can be amazing at drawing a fish in no time at all with these step by step pictures.

Let’s get started!

Other related topics to help you draw:

how to draw a fish

Drawing Supplies Needed

All you need is something to draw with and something to draw on.

Click on the following link if you want to know what are the best tools for drawing

Step 1: Draw the arc of fish body

how to draw a fish step 1 draw the arc of fish body

Let’s start by making a curved line.

Step 2: Create another arc to finish the fish body

how to draw a fish step 2 finish fish body

Now from one end of the top curved line, we’ll make a second curved line to make an oval leaving the other end disconnected.

Step 3: Draw the fish fin

how to draw a fish step 3 draw fish fin

A little past half way through the oval make a soft triangle shape as if you were starting to draw a banana.

Step 4: Draw the fish eye

how to draw a fish step 4 draw fish eye

Now at the connected end of the oval draw a large circle.

Step 5: Draw the fish tail

how to draw a fish step 5 draw fish tail

Back at the disconnected end we’re going to make the tail by creating a sideways mustache shape. 

Step 6: Draw the top dorsal fin

how to draw a fish step 6 draw dorsal fin

Now on top of the fish, we’ll create the dorsal fin!

Extending from above the eye, we’ll make a squiggly line that gets smaller towards the back where it connects with the body just in front of the tail.

Almost like a rooster crown!

Step 7: Erase overlapping lines

how to draw a fish step 7 erase overlapping lines

Erase the overlapping lines on the fin.

Step 8: Add details to the fish fin and tail

how to draw a fish step 8 add details to fin and fish tail

Add another curved line on the inside of the eye to map out where the iris is.

Add some lines to all the fins but make sure they’re not straight!

They should curve following the direction towards the body.

Step 9: Fill in the fish eye and add mouth

how to draw a fish step 9 fill in fish eye

Fill in that iris and give our fish some lips!

To do this add a small round line on the outside of the body shape’s front end. 

Step 10: Add highlights to eye

how to draw a fish step 10 add highlights to eye

Add some highlights to the eyes!

Step 11: Add shadows to fish

how to draw a fish step 11 add shadows to fish

Now take a lighter color and let’s make some shadows!

Add shadow to the belly of the fish, and in the areas of the tail that look to you like they’re folded inwards.

Finally, two small gills a bit behind the eye and we have our cute little fish!

This step by step process was shared by @ClazDesign

Please check out her social if you enjoyed her illustrations.

She also has some amazing prints and illustrations available in her shop.

Yield: How to Draw a Fish

How to Draw a Fish Printable Guide

how to draw a fish

Step-by-step instructions on how to draw a fish.

Active Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $0

Materials

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Or tablet and stylus

Tools

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Or tablet and stylus

Instructions

        1. Step 1: Draw the arc of the fish body. Let's start by making a curved line. how to draw a fish step 1 draw the arc of fish body
        2. Step 2: Create another arc to finish the fish body. Now from one end of the top curved line, we'll make a second curved line to make an oval leaving the other end disconnected. how to draw a fish step 2 finish fish body
        3. Step 3: Draw the fish fin. A little past halfway through the oval makes a soft triangle shape as if you were starting to draw a banana. how to draw a fish step 3 draw fish fin
        4. Step 4: Draw the fish eye. Now at the connected end of the oval draw a large circle. how to draw a fish step 4 draw fish eye
        5. Step 5: Draw the fish tail. Back at the disconnected end, we're going to make the tail by creating a sideways mustache shape.  how to draw a fish step 5 draw fish tail
        6. Step 6: Draw the top dorsal fin. Now on top of the fish we'll create the dorsal fin! Extending from above the eye, we'll make a squiggly line that gets smaller towards the back where it connects with the body just in front of the tail. Almost like a rooster crown! how to draw a fish step 6 draw dorsal fin
        7. Step 7: Erase overlapping lines. Erase the overlapping lines on the fin. how to draw a fish step 7 erase overlapping lines
        8. Step 8: Add details to the fish fin and tail. Add another curved line on the inside of the eye to map out where the iris is. Add some lines to all the fins but make sure they're not straight! They should curve following the direction towards the body. how to draw a fish step 8 add details to fin and fish tail 
        9. Step 9: Fill in the fish eye and add a mouth. Fill in that iris and give our fish some lips! To do this add a small round line on the outside of the body shape's front end. how to draw a fish step 9 fill in fish eye
        10. Step 10: Add highlights to eye. Add some highlights to the eyes! how to draw a fish step 10 add highlights to eye
        11. Step 11: Add shadows to fish Now take a lighter color and let's make some shadows! Add shadow to the belly of the fish, and in the areas of the tail that look to you like they're folded inwards. Finally, two small gills a bit behind the eye and we have our cute little fish! how to draw a fish step 11 add shadows to fish

How to Draw Fish FAQ

How do you draw a fish?

To draw a fish, start by sketching an elongated oval shape for the body, with one end slightly tapered for the mouth. Next, add a curved triangle on top for the dorsal fin and a larger, more rounded one underneath for the pectoral fin.

Finally, create a forked tail at the opposite end of the body by drawing two elongated, curved triangles. Remember to add details like scales, gills, and an eye to bring your fish to life. With practice and creativity, you’ll soon be an expert at drawing fish!

How do you draw a small fish?

To draw a small fish, start by sketching a simple, elongated oval shape for the body. Next, add a triangle on one end of the oval to form the tail, ensuring that the widest part of the triangle connects to the body.

Now, create the fins by drawing two small triangles on the top and bottom of the body, and a smaller one on the side for the pectoral fin. Finally, draw a dot or a small circle for the eye, and a simple curved line for the mouth. Voilà! You’ve created an adorable little fish in just a few steps.

How do you easily draw a fish?

Drawing a fish in an easy way is a breeze! Start by sketching a simple oval shape for the body, with a slightly pointed head and a narrow tail end. Next, add a small circle for the eye and a tiny, curved line for the mouth, giving your fish a friendly face.

Now, draw three triangles for the fins—one on top for the dorsal fin, and two on the sides for the pectoral fins. Finish off by adding a forked tail fin to complete your cheerful fish, a charming creation that brings the underwater world to life!

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