Cut Out + Keep

Mermaid

50 Things to Draw

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/mermaid-5 • Posted by Creative Publishing international

Mermaids may be glamorous, but beware! In some folklore, they were thought to be unlucky omens.

You will need

Project Budget
Almost Nothing

Time

0 h 15

Difficulty

Nice & Simple
Medium 108217 2f2015 03 26 174536 dry2.mermaid.fin

Description

Mermaids may be glamorous, but beware! In some folklore, they were thought to be unlucky omens.

Instructions

  1. Small 108217 2f2015 03 26 174544 dry2.mermaid.1.hri

    A mermaid should look flowy, so I start this drawing with arcs and swoopy lines. You can already tell what some of the lines will become, like her hair and tail.

  2. Small 108217 2f2015 03 26 174606 dry2.mermaid.2.hri

    I start filling in the figure, finishing the tail with a crescent shape. Then I add the arms, torso and features.

  3. Small 108217 2f2015 03 26 174615 dry2.mermaid.3.hri

    I develop the face, tail and flowing hair; then I add the seashell bra and build up the arms.

  4. Small 108217 2f2015 03 26 174629 dry2.mermaid.4.hr

    I continue softening the forms and adding details, such as the gills around her hips.

  5. Small 108217 2f2015 03 26 174639 dry2.mermaid.5.hr

    I let my pencil wander around to create the hair, making it look organic and wild. Then I indicate more scales and clean up all my lines.

  6. Small 108217 2f2015 03 26 174649 dry2.mermaid.6.hr

    I draw bubbles around her gills and tailfin for interest. Then I thicken certain lines and start shading the few areas that need it, such as the scales and seashells.

  7. Small 108217 2f2015 03 26 174706 dry2.mermaid.fin

    With a B pencil, I complete the final shading, being careful to keep the contrast between her soft, smooth human half and her thick, textured fish half. Tip: With a B pencil, I complete the final shading, being careful to keep the contrast between her soft, smooth human half and her thick, textured fish half.