Drawing Ariel from The Little Mermaid is a fun and exciting project for beginners who want to learn how to draw Disney-style characters. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful portrait of this iconic Disney princess.
Materials Needed
Before starting your drawing, you will need the following materials:
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Sketch paper
- Coloring tools of your choice
Step 1: Drawing the Basic Shapes
Start by drawing a circle for the head and a rectangular shape for the body. Sketch lightly, and don’t worry about perfection at this stage. Draw a line for the neck, and connect it to the rectangular shape.
Step 2: Adding the Facial Features
Draw two small circles in the head’s lower half to mark the place for Ariel’s eyes. Add a horizontal line through the middle of the head to help you position the facial features. Draw a small triangle below the line for the nose and two lines curved downward for Ariel’s smile. Add two small circles for the ear.
Step 3: Sketching the Hair and Making the Body Proportional
Draw Ariel’s flowing, wavy hair. Sketch it lightly at first, and add more detail later. With light lines, add the arms, legs, and tail, making sure the proportions are correct.
Step 4: Adding Detail to the Face and Body
Add details such as Ariel’s eyebrows, eyelashes, and pupils. Finalize the shape of Ariel’s body by adding small details such as fingers, toes, and the tail’s fin.
Step 5: Adding Shadows and Highlights
Shade in the areas where the hair is darker and along the edges of Ariel’s body to give it more depth. Add highlights on Ariel’s hair and tail for a sparkling effect.
Step 6: Coloring Ariel
Using your chosen coloring tools, color in Ariel’s tail, top, hair, and all the small details, such as the seashells on her bra.
Tips and Techniques
- Use a reference image of Ariel to help you with proportions and details.
- Sketch lightly so that you can easily erase any mistakes.
- Add more detail with each step, building up to the final drawing.
- Use the same amount of pressure when shading to create a more natural effect.
FAQs
What if I Can’t Draw a Perfect Circle?
Don’t worry about it! A perfectly round circle is not essential for drawing Ariel. Even if your circle is slightly irregular, it won’t significantly affect the final drawing’s outcome.
Can I Add More Details to My Drawing?
Of course! You are free to add as many details as you like to make your drawing unique.
What if I Make a Mistake?
Mistakes are part of the drawing process! Use your eraser to fix any errors or sketch over it lightly. Remember, practice makes perfect, and each drawing you create will improve your skills.
Do I Need to Use Color?
No, you don’t have to use color. Your drawing will look beautiful in pencil, ink, or any other medium you choose.
What if I Don’t Have a Printer to Print the Reference Image?
You can find reference images of Ariel on your computer or phone. Set it beside your drawing to use it as a guide.
What if I Get Frustrated If My Drawing Doesn’t Look Perfect the First Time?
Drawing is a process, and it takes time and practice to develop your skills. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself! You can always start again. Take your time, enjoy the creative process, and keep practising.