Ocean · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a simple shark: Side Gill Lines and a Pointed Tail
Explore simple shark through four selected drawing stages. Focus on side gill lines and a pointed tail 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 simple shark with attention to side gill lines and a pointed tail.
Shapes and proportions
Taper the body toward the split tail and keep the short gill marks behind the head.
A common mistake
Gill marks spread across the entire body can resemble stripes.
How to fix it
Reserve a small gill zone behind the head before adding the rear fins.
This simple shark study focuses on side gill lines and a pointed tail. Taper the body toward the split tail and keep the short gill marks behind the head. 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 simple shark, not the next single stroke. Taper the body toward the split tail and keep the short gill marks behind the head. 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 simple shark, not the next single stroke. Reserve a small gill zone behind the head before adding the rear fins. 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: side gill lines and a pointed tail
Compare the finished simple shark outline with the earlier selected stages. Gill marks spread across the entire body can resemble stripes. Reserve a small gill zone behind the head before adding the rear fins.
Complete outline: side gill lines and a pointed tail · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Crayon color: blue-gray, cream white
Use the colored simple shark example to compare the palette after checking the outline. The visible palette includes blue-gray, cream white. Keep repeated parts consistent and let small light flecks preserve the crayon texture.
Crayon color: blue-gray, cream white · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
The example uses blue-gray, cream white. Keep matching limbs and repeated parts in a consistent palette. Use light overlapping crayon strokes so the inner outlines stay visible. Reserve a small gill zone behind the head before adding the rear fins.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Easy Shark 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.
