Ocean · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw an octopus: rounded head and curling arms
Use a large arc to define the slanted octopus head.
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: First arrange an arc that curls inwards, and then use another arc to connect the body, leaving the space between the wrists and feet.
Shapes and proportions
Use a large arc to define the slanted octopus head. Take out the rolled tentacles from the opening of the head and move around, repeat the spiral but change the direction, and finally add suction cups along the tentacles.
A common mistake
The arms and legs all extend in the same direction, looking more like radials.
How to fix it
First arrange an arc that curls inwards, and then use another arc to connect the body, leaving the space between the wrists and feet.
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
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
Position the basic shape first
Use a large arc to define the slanted octopus head. Observe the position of the starting shape on the paper, leaving space for subsequent outlines and additional components.
Position the basic shape first · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect profiles and arrange parts
Take out the rewinding tentacles from the head opening to all sides, repeat the spiral but change the direction, and finally add suction cups along the tentacles. First arrange an arc that curls inward, and then use another arc to connect the body to keep the space between the wrists and feet.
Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft
The head and all wrists are uniformly warm pottery brown, and the suckers are light peach. Apply the color first with light pressure, leaving the black outline, and then compare pairs of parts using the same color.
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 “Octopus 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.
