Ocean · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a stingray: Broad Fins and a Thin Tail
Explore stingray through four selected drawing stages. Focus on broad fins and a thin 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 stingray with attention to broad fins and a thin tail.
Shapes and proportions
Spread the two broad side fins around the face and taper the tail sharply behind them.
A common mistake
A thick tail competes with the wide body.
How to fix it
Compare the narrow tail base with the broad fin span before tracing.
This stingray study focuses on broad fins and a thin tail. Spread the two broad side fins around the face and taper the tail sharply behind them. 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 6 for stingray, not the next single stroke. Spread the two broad side fins around the face and taper the tail sharply behind them. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 2: early shapes · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Selected stage 4: building the outline
This picture shows source stage 4 of 6 for stingray, not the next single stroke. Compare the narrow tail base with the broad fin span before tracing. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 4: building the outline · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Complete outline: broad fins and a thin tail
Compare the finished stingray outline with the earlier selected stages. A thick tail competes with the wide body. Compare the narrow tail base with the broad fin span before tracing.
Complete outline: broad fins and a thin tail · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Crayon color: blue-gray, soft gray, cream white
Use the colored stingray example to compare the palette after checking the outline. The visible palette includes blue-gray, soft gray, cream white. Keep repeated parts consistent and let small light flecks preserve the crayon texture.
Crayon color: blue-gray, soft 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, soft gray, cream white. Keep matching limbs and repeated parts in a consistent palette. Use light overlapping crayon strokes so the inner outlines stay visible. Compare the narrow tail base with the broad fin span before tracing.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “How to Draw a Stingray Step by Step Drawing Tutorial” 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.
