How to Draw Mermaids
Hello and welcome to Anatomy of a Sketch, where we learn how to draw together in a simple, easy-to-learn way that makes drawing more fun!
Today, we are learning about how to draw mermaids.
This year (2022) I participated in MerMay on Instagram and it was SO much fun!
You can find all of my mermaids on my profile, @leahharris.art
I couldn’t believe how many Mermaids I was able actually to come up with, and there were a few that I really loved.
During the month of May, I learned a lot about Mermaids and how to draw them,
and today I am going to share that with you!
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What is a Mermaid?
Mermaids and Mermen are legendary creatures that are half-human and half-fish.
These aquatic creatures are sometimes called Sirens and have been known to have mystical powers, often entrancing humans.
Aside from their sometimes wicked history, Mermaids have become well-loved and are more known for their charm, beauty, and mystery.
This is most likely due to the popularity of the much-loved mermaid and Disney Princess, Ariel.
But not all Mermaids look like Ariel.
Many have different kinds of fins (like the one I’ve drawn above), different ears, gills, and scales.
Anatomy of a Mermaid
From the waist up, mermaids typically (but not always) appear human.
They are also typically very beautiful and enchanting in appearance.
From the waist down, a Mermaid looks like a very long-tailed fish.
The fins are probably more like a dolphin or a shark because of the length and size, but with the coloration and patterns of different fish.
If you follow #MerMay on Instagram, there are a lot of brilliant artists that have come up with so many incredible designs for Mermaids over the last few years!
Anatomy of a Female Torse
If you are drawing mermaids, you will need to know how to draw a female torso.
Luckily, I have a full post on how to draw the female torso!
I will link that post at the end of this one, so be sure to scroll to the end after the lesson.
How to Draw Mermaids
Form and Fluidity are two valuable tools to remember when drawing mermaids!
Remember too that most of the time, mermaids are under the water.
Their hair and fins flow, and they have a lot of movement.
Try not to let the images look stiff!
Let’s go through some more basic steps for learning how to draw a mermaid:
Step One: Find your form
What I think is the most important step in drawing mermaids is motion, form, and fluidity.
The thing that will make your drawing most believable is your Mermaids movement.
What direction is your Mermaid going? Is she swimming? Sitting?
Know what pose you are going for first!
I have a great board on Pinterest with a ton of inspiration for Mermaids if you need some ideas.
I love drawing mermaids swimming!
Step Two: Know your Anatomy
The top half of your character is going to be human, so we need to know our anatomy.
You will need to know how to draw a female torso, but studying fish and sea life will help you a lot as well!
Step 3: Mix things up!
You can really do whatever you want when it comes to drawing fantasy characters.
Some of my favorite Mermaids from MerMay 2022 were the ones with strange ears and short hair!
This one below is one of my favorites. She has such a unique character and personality.
So get creative, do something different, and make your Mermaids yours!
Use ALL kinds of crazy beautiful colors, and decorate them with shells and pearls.
Give them weird hair or nails or colors, find inspiration in different kinds of tropical fish, or loosely base them on your favorite characters from movies or tv shows.
The possibilities are endless.
MerMay 2023 is happening soon! Watch this if you plan to participate.
MerMay 2023 is just a few short weeks away!
I am so ready for this years challenge, to see my best tips for prepping, be sure to watch this video below!
I am going to start posting to my YouTube channel regularly, so be sure to subscribe to see my new videos when they are posted!
What to Draw Next… How to Draw a Female Torso
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