How to Draw a Stingray
Let’s learn how to draw a stingray, one of the most unusually looking creatures living underwater, using two simple methods.
How to Draw a Stingray: Introduction
The stingray is truly one of the most unusually looking creatures, even among aquatic animals, where you can find a wide variety of unique creatures, including fish and marine mammals. Its body shape is quite unusual – while it is relatively easy to replicate, there are still certain nuances that I will explain to you in detail today.
Of course, when drawing a stingray, the most important thing to keep in mind is its distinctive body shape in order to depict it as accurately as possible. The most recognizable features of this creature are its broad main body with rounded fins that seamlessly blend into the overall structure, as well as its long, sharp tail.
On my website, it has long been a tradition to show how to draw various subjects using multiple methods. This allows young artists to choose the approach that suits them best or try all of them to find the most effective technique.
This lesson will be no exception. At the end of the main tutorial, you will also find an additional lesson on how to draw a stingray, where I’ll demonstrate a different method and style.
Stingray Drawing Tutorial
Materials
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
- Coloring supplies
Time needed: 30 minutes
How to Draw a Stingray
- Draw the front curve of the stingray’s body.
Start this stingray drawing tutorial by sketching the front curve of the body. The shape should be a smooth, slightly curved line that extends from one side to the other. This curved line represents the front outline of the stingray’s flattened body.
- Complete the basic body outline.
Now, extend the previous curve to form the full outline of the stingray’s body. This is the back outline of the stingray’s body, this part should have more wavy shape. In general, the stingray’s body should have a broad, slightly rounded shape, with a wavy contour. Pay attention to symmetry.
- Draw the stingray’s folded edge.
Now, refine the body by drawing a curved line near one of the edges to create the folded flap of the stingray’s wing-like body. This small detail adds a more natural look to the stingray drawing. The stingray’s body isn’t completely flat – it has subtle curves that allow it to glide smoothly through the water.
- Draw the stingray’s mouth.
In this step of the stingray drawing lesson, we will add small but important details to the body of the creature. Sketch the tiny mouth using a couple of small curved lines. The mouth of the stingray should be placed at the center of the front edge of the body.
- Add the eyes of the creature.
The eyes are usually positioned slightly above the mouth. Since stingrays have small, rounded eyes, keep the shapes simple – two small oval or circular shapes will work well. If you want to give your stingray drawing a different look, you can slightly adjust the size and position of the eyes.
- Add the tail at the back.
The next step in this stingray drawing lesson is adding its long, thin tail. Stingrays are known for their whip-like tails, which often have venomous barbs used for defense. To draw stingray’s tail, sketch two smooth, curved lines from the back of the stingray’s body, ensuring they taper as they move outward.
- Add the tail’s stinger tip.
Now, refine the tail by adding the stingray’s distinctive stinger tip at the end. This is a really important detail in this stingray drawing tutorial, as it differentiates a stingray from other similar marine creatures. The stinger should be slightly pointed. You can add a small curve at the end of the tail to make it appear more flexible.
- Erase the guidelines and finalize the sketch.
Go over the entire stingray drawing, darkening the final outlines and making any necessary adjustments. Smooth out any rough or uneven lines to create a finished appearance. If any areas need correction, now is the time to make those changes.
- Color your stingray drawing.
Stingrays are typically gray or bluish in tone, but you can use different shades to make your drawing unique. You can lightly shade the body, keeping the edges slightly darker for a more dimensional look. If you prefer a simple and clean drawing, you can leave it black and white. Adding color is an optional step.
Additional Content
This PDF file contains a step-by-step drawing tutorial on how to draw a stingray using a simple style. Inside the PDF, you will find a series of illustrated steps. Also, you will find a coloring page, tracing worksheet, and a grid drawing worksheet. These additional materials will help you to improve your overall drawing and coloring skills.
Simple Stingray Drawing Tutorial
This drawing tutorial presents a simplified approach to drawing a stingray, demonstrating basic shapes and minimal details. Unlike the first drawing lesson, this version starts with a simple oval base, making it easier for beginners. The stingray in this drawing tutorial has a more cartoon-like appearance with larger eyes, a rounded body, and exaggerated wing-like fins.
Start by drawing a simple oval to form the base of the stingray’s body. Add two small circular eyes and a curved mouth to finish its facial features. Extend a large, rounded fin on one side of the oval and then add a second symmetrical fin on the other side. Draw a smooth, curved tail extending from the back of the body.
Add the tail’s stinger by sketching a pointed end. Refine the outlines of the stingray drawing. Once the structure is complete, erase unnecessary guidelines to create a clean stingray drawing. Color the stingray in shades of gray or blue, keeping the eyes dark to highlight contrast. The drawing lesson ends with a smooth, polished stingray drawing.
To make your stingray drawing more unique, you can draw a fish next to the stingray. Also, you can illustrate waves above the stingrays and draw a boat for a more complex composition.
Conclusion
So, the basic stingray drawing lesson is complete, as well as the additional lesson where we drew a stingray that differs slightly from the main one. Write which of the two versions you liked the most. Also, let me know if you tried drawing both stingrays or if you chose the one that suited you best and focused only on that.
Don’t forget to mention which drawing lessons you would like to see on my website and which section interests you the most.
