How To Draw A Mermaid For Adults

Techniques for drawing mermaids.

1

Sketch the wireframe a human figure from head to waist, then draw a line to represent the fishtail.
2

Sketch additional shapes to build the upper body then sketch the shape of the tail.
3

Sketch the mermaid's figure.
4

Add the hair, fins, and other details.
5

Add skin patterns or decorative features if needed.
6

Refine the artwork using a smaller tipped drawing tool.
7

Draw the outline over the sketch.
8

Erase and remove the sketch marks.
9

Add color to the artwork.

1

Sketch the wireframe and pose of the mermaid.
2

Add shapes and a tail to build the body.
3

Sketch the mermaid's figure based on Disney characters.
4

Refine the sketch.
5

Draw the outline over the sketch.
6

Erase and remove the sketch marks.
7

Add color to the artwork.

1

Sketch an irregular oval to form the head of the mermaid.
2

Hang a couple of lines from the bottom of the oval for the throat and a curved line with an upside down 'W' to for the hands and the chest.
3

Add an angular oval at the bottom of the sketch for the hip.
4

Draw a curved shape tapering downwards overlapping the bottom of the oval for the fish part of the body .
5

Create the tail-guides with straight geometrical lines.
6

Now start adding small ovals to the head for the eyes, a triangle for the mouth, overlapping ovals for the breasts, single lines for the fingers etc.
7

Draw a wavy irregular shape surrounding the head to show the flowing hair of the mermaid in water.
8

Use your sketchy guides to finally draw the mermaid adding details to the head such as eye-lashes, nostrils and teeth, fingers to each hand, a navel and the tail-fins.
9

Color and shade accordingly.

1

Draw an egg-shaped oval and bisect it with a perpendicular vertical line and a curved horizontal line as guides to the eyes and nose. Follow it with adding small lines to depict the nose and mouth.
2

Drop the perpendicular vertical line of bisecting the head and lay it as a thread on the floor with a modest bend.
3

Draw an angular rectangular box at the bottom of the head and join it with the head by the help of two mall lines to form the throat.
4

From the shoulders drop straight parallel sets of lines each on either side of the body for the limbs. Sketch hands' shapes too.
5

Add breasts by drawing circles attached to a string.
6

Draw an oval at the waist keeping the centre-line of the rectangular upper torso bottom line common with it.
7

Draw a leaf-like shape for the hip-portion.
8

Based on the path of the laid thread, create a cylinder.
9

Add another cone up to the tip of the string.
10

Draw two regular triangles at the tip of the cone as guides to the tail-fins.
11

Create a wavy cloud-like form behind the head and upper body for the hair.
12

It's time to add details to the drawing starting from the hair and head.
13

Carry on detailing the entire figure with necessary curves and lines.
14

Erase all guide-lines to bring out the real drawing.
15

Color the drawing with shades and highlights.

Add New Question

Question

How do I draw scales?

Sakira Davidson-cavendish

Community Answer

There are two types: soft and sharp. Soft scales are just half circles starting at the top working down. Place them like you would if you where laying bricks. Sharp scales are triangles, draw them the same way you draw the soft scales, but make them pointed.
Question

How do I draw a realistic mermaid?

Look at pictures of mermaids online and find ones that look realistic. Try to copy some pictures to build up your drawing skills. Eventually you can start introducing your own changes and alterations and draw an original realisitc-looking mermaid.
Question

How would I draw a mermaid without a bra?

Just follow all the steps, but skip the step about drawing the bra.
Question

How do I determine where the highlights and shadows should be in my drawings?

Decide where your light source is, and draw shadows on your drawing on the opposite sides of where the light source is, and highlights on the sides where the light source is.
Question

Why are mermaids always so naked?

CaTsArEsOcUtE

Community Answer

If this makes sense, it's so they can move easier. Mermaids can't wear pants (obviously) but for their tops, having a heavy wet shirt weighing you down would make it harder to swim, so it makes more sense for them to just wear a small top that isn't so flowing.
Question

Could I do this without the guidelines?

It would be much more difficult without any sort of guidelines but you could, yes.

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Things You'll Need

Paper
Pencil
Pencil sharpener
Eraser gum
Colored pencils, crayons, markers or watercolors

About this article

Article SummaryX

To draw a cartoon mermaid, start by drawing an irregular oval for the head and an upside down "W" underneath it for the arms and chest. Then, draw a large, angular oval at the bottom of the sketch to make the mermaid's hip. Next, sketch a curved tail coming off of the oval and add some fins to the end of it. When you're finished with the tail, go back in and draw the small details, like the face, hands, and hair. Finally, shade and color your mermaid so it looks more vibrant and realistic. To learn how to draw other kinds of mermaids, read on!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 191,828 times.