Big shapes first, small details last. Every step adds just one thing, so even your most hesitant artists finish with a submarine they are proud of.
Before you start: a pencil, an eraser, a sheet of paper and something to colour with.
Draw lightly at first. Dark lines come at the end, once the shapes look right.
Step-by-step: how to draw a submarine
Step 1. Hull
Draw the big submarine body.
Step 2. Cockpit
Add the rounded top cockpit.
Step 3. Windows
Draw the three round windows.
Step 4. Periscope
Add the periscope and bend.
Step 5. Tail and propeller
Add the back fin and propeller.
Step 6. Bottom fins
Draw the two bottom fins.
Step 7. Bubbles
Add floating bubbles.
Step 8. Sea floor
Add a wavy sea floor and seaweed.
Step 9. Create
Make the mission yours.
The pink line is the new part in each step.
Make it theirs
- Add a background that tells a story. Where is it?
- Give it a name and write it underneath.
- Try it again tomorrow from memory.
- Colour last. There is no wrong colour for a submarine.
Teaching it with the projector
The projector version draws each step slowly on the board, pauses while students copy it, then checks in before the next step. Nobody has to talk, so you are free to walk around and help.
Quick Fix: 6 steps, about 3 minutes. Good for a brain break or the last few minutes before recess. Full Focus: all 9 steps, about 5 minutes, with the extra detail.
Open Bubble Submarine on the projector → It works on any classroom screen. No accounts, no student names, no ads.
Curriculum connections
Visual arts: the elements of design (line and shape) and creating art for a purpose. Language: listening to and following multi-step directions. Directed drawing also builds fine motor control and focus.