Ocean · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a sea turtle: Shell Sections and Flipper Directions
Explore sea turtle through four selected drawing stages. Focus on shell sections and flipper directions and a textured crayon finish.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 4 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Practice sea turtle with attention to shell sections and flipper directions.
Shapes and proportions
Divide the rounded shell into broad sections and let the four flippers project at clear angles.
A common mistake
Shell lines drawn into the flippers confuse the body boundary.
How to fix it
Finish the shell border first and keep its pattern inside that border.
This sea turtle study focuses on shell sections and flipper directions. Divide the rounded shell into broad sections and let the four flippers project at clear angles. The exercise is about keeping these visible shapes readable before adding small marks or color.
These are four selected stages, not a complete stroke-by-stroke sequence. Blue guide lines mark additions in the source images. Compare the pictures for the overall shape changes; use the complete LittlePaper lesson for the smaller steps between them.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil and crayons matching the example. Leave room around the drawing for proportion checks before making the outlines darker.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 4
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Selected stage 2: early shapes
This picture shows source stage 2 of 5 for sea turtle, not the next single stroke. Divide the rounded shell into broad sections and let the four flippers project at clear angles. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 2: early shapes · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Selected stage 3: building the outline
This picture shows source stage 3 of 5 for sea turtle, not the next single stroke. Finish the shell border first and keep its pattern inside that border. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 3: building the outline · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Complete outline: shell sections and flipper directions
Compare the finished sea turtle outline with the earlier selected stages. Shell lines drawn into the flippers confuse the body boundary. Finish the shell border first and keep its pattern inside that border.
Complete outline: shell sections and flipper directions · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Crayon color: green, warm yellow, cream white
Use the colored sea turtle example to compare the palette after checking the outline. The visible palette includes green, warm yellow, cream white. Keep repeated parts consistent and let small light flecks preserve the crayon texture.
Crayon color: green, warm yellow, cream white · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
The example uses green, warm yellow, cream white. Keep matching limbs and repeated parts in a consistent palette. Use light overlapping crayon strokes so the inner outlines stay visible. Finish the shell border first and keep its pattern inside that border.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Easy Sea Turtle Drawing” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
