Ocean · A drawing idea for little artists

How to draw an easy fish: a fish group built from curves

First draw two short arcs up and down to form the body of the first fish.

3 selected stagesSuggested ages 6–10Full lesson in LittlePaper

For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases

Colored drawing: easy fish
A little inspiration. Your colors next.Drawing preview from LittlePaper
A preview to try. A full lesson to draw along.

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: Leave enough space for the big fish first, and then stagger three small fish below.

Shapes and proportions

First draw two short arcs up and down to form the body of the first fish. Close the body and connect the tail fin; place the second, larger fish on the upper right, and arrange three smaller fish on the lower right, organizing the picture by size and gaps.

A common mistake

If the large and small fish are all drawn in the same row and close to each other, the hierarchy of fish schools will not be visible.

How to fix it

Leave enough space for the big fish first, and then stagger three small fish below.

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.

A few things to start with

Paper, pencil or black drawing pen, eraser, and crayons or colored pencils for color matching for this lesson.

A little peek at the drawing

1 / 3
Preview of the shape of large and small fish: first draw two short arcs up and down to form the body of the first fish.
Position the basic shape first

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.

  1. 01
    Selected stage

    Position the basic shape first

    First draw two short arcs up and down to form the body of the first fish. Observe the position of the starting shape on the paper, leaving space for subsequent outlines and additional components.

    Preview of the shape of large and small fish: first draw two short arcs up and down to form the body of the first fish.
    Position the basic shape first · Preview image 1 of 3
  2. 02
    Selected stage

    Connect profiles and arrange parts

    Close the body and connect the tail fin; place the second larger fish on the upper right, and arrange three smaller fish on the lower right, organizing the picture by size and gaps. First leave enough space for the big fish, and then stagger three small fish below.

    Complete line drawings of large and small fish: close the body and connect the tail fin; place a larger second fish on the upper right, and arrange three small fish on the lower…
    Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3
  3. 03
    Selected stage

    Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft

    The big fish is milky yellow, the medium fish is warm orange, and the three small fish are orange; the eyes are black. Apply the color first with light pressure, leaving the black outline, and then compare pairs of parts using the same color.

    Colored drawing: easy fish
    Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft · Preview image 3 of 3

The next little step is yours

Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.

Open the “Easy Fish 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.

Another little idea

What will you make next?

A little beginning. A big “I did it.”

What will you
make today?

A drawing, a splash of color, a story.
Let the next little idea begin.

Find LittlePaper on the App Store For iPad & iPhone. Apple Pencil supported on compatible iPads.