Use the super easy step-by-step instructions below to learn how to draw Ariel in her blue dress. Follow along with the video, or use the images in this article. By the end of this tutorial, even beginners will have a completed drawing of Ariel!

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Materials You’ll Need

Before starting, gather these basic drawing supplies:

• Pencil (an HB lead pencil is best for light sketches)
• Eraser
• Black ink pen or marker
• Drawing paper
• Colored pencils or markers

Sketch Guidelines

Building a solid initial sketch is key to getting your character's proportions right. Draw these simple shapes first before adding the details on Ariel.

Step 1: Head and Body Framework

• Draw the Head Circle: Lightly sketch a circle near the top of your page. To make this easier, make two small marks to indicate the height and two marks for the width. Then connect them with curved lines. If you struggle with freehand circles, trace the outer edge of a cup or a lid.
• Add Facial Guides: Draw a horizontal construction line close to the bottom of the circle to help place her facial features later. Next, draw a curved vertical construction line down the center that extends below the circle to help create the jaw.
• Form the Jaw and Chin: Make a small mark at the bottom for the pointy chin. Connect this mark to the sides of the circle using curved lines, connecting the right side slightly higher than the horizontal guide to form the cheek.
• Structure the Neck and Shoulders: Below the jaw, sketch two vertical, slightly curved lines for the neck. Extend the left and right lines down to establish the shoulders and the upper body.

Step 2: Drawing the Facial Features

• Create the Eyes: Draw two small circular shapes between the construction guides. Create a short horizontal line for the bottom of each eye, and an arc-like shape for the top. Darken the top lines and add a couple of short lines on the sides for individual eyelashes.
• Add Irises, Pupils, and Highlights: Inside each eye, draw a small circle for the iris close to the right edge. Put a tiny circle inside for a light reflection highlight, and a larger circle in the center for the pupil. Shade the pupils completely without overlapping the highlights.
• Sketch the Nose: Draw a line next to the right eye close to the vertical guide, and extend it downward. Curve it to the right and then back to the left to form the tip of the nose. Then add a short line for the nostril and a tiny vertical line for the outer edge.
• Define the Mouth: Below the nose, draw a curved horizontal line for the top of the upper lip and another line below it for the bottom part of the upper lip. Add a short smile line on the left side. Sketch a U-shaped line very close to the chin for the lower lip, and add a curved line inside for its top edge.

Step 3: Defining the Head Shape and Eyebrows

• Refine the Face Profile: Go over your initial lines to make them darker. Extend the line on the right farther out to create the cheek, curve it inward for the chin, and carry it back up to form the forehead following the path of the initial circle.
• Add the Ear: On the right side, draw a short curved line for the visible part of the ear. Add a short curved line inside to give it structure.
• Sketch the Eyebrows: Above the right eye, draw a thin curved line high up (almost an entire eye-length above) to capture her surprised expression. Draw a shorter curved line on the right side for the other eyebrow.

Step 4: Shaping the Hair and Bow

• Draw the Bangs: Sketch a long sloping line right above the left eye, curving up above the right eyebrow down to the edge of the circle. Curve it out and downward, adding an inner curved line to complete the shape of her bangs. Add an extra line for hair and a couple of sloping lines on the left side for the tips.
• Outline the Head and Back Hair: Follow the path of the initial circle to draw a flat line at the top, curve it down behind the head, and bring it toward the ear. Use a W-shaped line next to the ear to indicate hair ends, and draw another curved line on the left side.
• Add the Bow: Draw a large triangular shape on top of the head for the left side of the bow, and a longer, sloping triangular shape for the right side. Place a short curved line in the middle for the knot, and draw two downward-extending lines for the ribbon tails.
• Detail the Flowing Length: Draw a long, curved vertical line on the left side flowing down behind the body. Draw another long curved line on the right side for more hair, adding a few interior lines for texture.

The Finishing Touches

Now it's time to add the final costume details and bring Ariel to life with color!

• Detail the Dress: Darken the guidelines below the head for the neck and shoulders. Draw a wide, U-shaped curved line across the chest for the collar of the dress, and add a small curved strap on each side. Finish the top of the bodice with a horizontal line and a sharp V-shaped line on the right.
• Ink the Drawing: Go over your final lines slowly and carefully with permanent black ink to avoid accidents. Let the ink dry completely, then erase all underlying pencil construction guidelines.
• Coloring: Grab your favorite markers, pens, or colored pencils to color in your completed sketch!

Final Tips for Drawing Cartoon Characters

Improving your drawing skills takes practice and patience. Keep these techniques in mind:

• Sketch lightly before committing to final lines so mistakes are easy to erase.
• Use construction shapes to maintain correct proportions across the head and body.

With consistent practice, drawing characters like Ariel becomes much easier and enjoyable!

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