Big shapes first, small details last. Every step adds just one thing, so even your most hesitant artists finish with a whale 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 whale
Step 1. Body
Draw the whale body with a curved tail.
Step 2. Eye
Add one big friendly eye.
Step 3. Smile
Draw the long curved smile.
Step 4. Belly lines
Add three curved belly lines.
Step 5. Fin
Draw the side fin.
Step 6. Blowhole spout
Add the water spout on top.
Step 7. Water drops
Add three drops by the spout.
Step 8. Waves
Draw three waves under the whale.
Step 9. Bubbles
Add a few bubbles near the mouth.
Step 10. Create
Make one part completely 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 whale.
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 10 steps, about 5 minutes, with the extra detail.
Open Happy Whale 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.
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