How to Easily Draw a Dolphin

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A step-by-step guide for illustrating theses marine mammals
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Dolphins are everyone's favorite swimming, squeaking, playful ocean animal, and drawing them is just as fun as admiring them in their natural habitat. It's easy to do, and all it takes is a pencil or pen, some paper, and a little practice! We'll show you how to draw a dolphin from start to finish two ways, both in a realistic and cartoon style.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Drawing a Realistic Dolphin

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    Erase unnecessary lines.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Drawing a Cartoon Dolphin

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Draw a Dolphin
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Draw a Dolphin
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Draw a Dolphin
    Then mimic the shape just below to create the stomach of the dolphin.
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  5. Watermark wikiHow to Draw a Dolphin
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Draw a Dolphin
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  • Question
    How do I get the correct shape at the beginning?
    Community Answer
    Simply practice until you feel you get it right. Drawing, like anything else, needs practice to get better.
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  • Question
    Why do you draw dolphins like that?
    Community Answer
    You can draw your dolphin however you want. These are just tips and guidelines. Be creative, it's your drawing!
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  • Question
    How do I add detail precisely enough?
    Community Answer
    Use a sharpened pencil, and take your time.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Paper
      • Pencil
      • Eraser

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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To draw a dolphin, start by drawing a curved line that looks like a cursive lowercase R for the dolphin’s back. Starting off the hook in the top right of the original line, draw a U shape that will be the face. Next, join the top right edge of the U to the bottom of the first line to create the stomach of the dolphin. Then, add a triangular dorsal fin on the back and a boomerang shape at the bottom to create a tail fin. Finally, draw another U shape inside the dolphin’s body to make a flipper and an eye and mouth for the face. For tips on how to get the body shape of the dolphin just right, keep reading!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Debolina Gupta

        Dec 4, 2016

        "I needed to draw two types of dolphin for my project work. After seeing this, I copied the drawing, and my teacher ..." more
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