Ocean · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a smiling narwhal: a spiral tusk, star marks and a rounded belly
Begin with a long back curve ending in a rounded muzzle. Add two lower curves to separate the belly boundary from the lower outline.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 3 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 this visual check: Taper both sides of the tusk toward its tip. Keep the tail stock narrow and separate the two outward tail lobes.
Shapes and proportions
Begin with a long back curve ending in a rounded muzzle. Add two lower curves to separate the belly boundary from the lower outline. Extend the slender tusk from the forehead and curve the bands around it. Place one visible flipper in front of the belly, narrow the tail stock and spread two tail lobes. Add a round eye, curved smile and cheek behind the muzzle, then two small stars on the back. A rounded silhouette and a small upward smile make the sea creature feel friendly.
A common mistake
An oversized tusk base or a tail squeezed into one point makes the narwhal shape difficult to recognize.
How to fix it
Taper both sides of the tusk toward its tip. Keep the tail stock narrow and separate the two outward tail lobes.
These three images are key-stage previews: the starting shape, the completed outline, and a new crayon color study. Follow the complete drawing sequence in LittlePaper. On paper, leave room around the first shape for the parts added later.
Taper both sides of the tusk toward its tip.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil or black drawing pen, eraser and crayons. Draw lightly while comparing the first shapes.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
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
Place the first shapes
Begin with a long back curve ending in a rounded muzzle. Add two lower curves to separate the belly boundary from the lower outline. Leave space for the parts that appear in the complete outline.
Place the first shapes · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect the parts and compare their positions
Extend the slender tusk from the forehead and curve the bands around it. Place one visible flipper in front of the belly, narrow the tail stock and spread two tail lobes. Add a round eye, curved smile and cheek behind the muzzle, then two small stars on the back. Taper both sides of the tusk toward its tip. Keep the tail stock narrow and separate the two outward tail lobes.
Connect the parts and compare their positions · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Choose a consistent crayon palette
Use soft blue for body, flipper and tail, pale cream for the belly, light gold for tusk and back stars, pink for the cheek and charcoal with a cream highlight for the eye. Apply light pressure so the contour stays readable.
Choose a consistent crayon palette · Preview image 3 of 3
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
Taper both sides of the tusk toward its tip.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Smiling Narwhal” 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.
