Are you looking to add a touch of underwater magic to your art? Drawing Ariel, the beloved mermaid from Disney's "The Little Mermaid," can be a fun and rewarding project. In this guide, we'll walk you through an easy Ariel mermaid drawing step by step, ensuring you capture her enchanting beauty. Let's dive in!
Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials:
- Pencil (HB or 2B)
- Eraser
- Drawing paper or sketchbook
- Optional: Colored pencils or markers for added color
Understand Ariel's Anatomy
To draw Ariel accurately, it's essential to understand her basic anatomy. She's a mermaid, so she has a human upper body and a fish tail. Her hair is long and red, often depicted with a seashell as a hairpiece. Her tail is usually green with purple scales. Keep these details in mind as we begin our drawing.

Proportions and Reference
Using a reference image can help you maintain accurate proportions. You can find many Ariel reference images online. For this tutorial, we'll use a simple side view of Ariel, focusing on her upper body and tail.
Step 1: Sketch the Basic Shapes
Start by sketching the basic shapes that make up Ariel's body. For her upper body, use a circle for her head and an oval for her torso. For her tail, use a large, curved shape. Remember, these are just guidelines, so don't worry about making them perfect.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Draw a circle for Ariel's head and an oval for her torso. |
| 2 | Add a large, curved shape for her tail. |
Step 2: Refine the Shapes
Now, refine these basic shapes to better match Ariel's form. Add details like her long hair, the seashell in her hair, and her tail fins. Also, start to define her arms and legs, which are visible above the water.

Step 3: Add Details
Next, add more details to your drawing. Draw Ariel's face, focusing on her large, expressive eyes and her sweet smile. Add her clothing, which typically consists of a purple top and green shorts. Don't forget her mermaid tail, with its distinctive green and purple scales.
Step 4: Refine and Clean Up
Using a kneaded eraser, remove any unwanted lines and refine your drawing. You can also use this step to add shading and highlights to give your drawing depth and dimension. If you'd like to add color, now is the time to bring your Ariel drawing to life with vibrant hues.
Tips for Improving Your Ariel Drawing
Here are some tips to help you improve your Ariel drawing skills:
- Practice regularly. The more you draw, the better you'll become.
- Study Ariel's anatomy. Understanding how she's built will help you draw her more accurately.
- Use references. Having a reference image to look at can help you maintain accurate proportions.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. Try drawing Ariel in different poses or styles to challenge yourself.
Drawing Ariel can be a fun and rewarding experience. With practice and patience, you'll be able to capture her enchanting beauty in your art. Happy drawing!