Learning how to draw a humpback whale is a fun way to practice smooth curves, rounded shapes, and ocean animal details. This easy drawing tutorial is designed for beginners, with each step building gently on the last.
Take your time with the large body shape first, then add the fins, face, grooves, and water spout. By the end, you will have a friendly humpback whale that looks like it is swimming happily through the sea.
What You Will Need
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black marker or pen
- Red pencil or colored pencil for new guide lines
- Paper
- Optional coloring tools
Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!
- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
26 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Draw the Back Curve
Start on the left and draw one long arch, like a gentle hill. Let the line slowly dip downward to the right, then curl slightly upward to begin the humpback whale’s back and tail direction.
Pro Tip: Keep the highest point closer to the left so the whale feels naturally in motion.
[Alt Text: A beginner sketch of a humpback whale begins with one long curved red line forming the back and tail direction.]
Step 2: Add the Tail Flukes
At the right end, add two open tail flukes, shaped like soft leaves spreading upward and to the right. Then draw a short curved line below the flukes to begin the underside of the humpback whale’s tail stock.
Pro Tip: The two flukes do not need to match perfectly, which makes the tail look like it is moving.
[Alt Text: A beginner sketch of a humpback whale adds two red tail flukes to the curved back line, starting to refine the tail shape.]
Step 3: Draw the Belly and Pectoral Fin
From below the head, draw a long curved line to form the humpback whale’s rounded belly. Then add one wide pectoral fin hanging naturally underneath, and connect the lower tail stock near the flukes.
Pro Tip: Make the belly lower and rounder than the back so the body feels full and gentle.
[Alt Text: A beginner sketch of a humpback whale refines the body by adding a rounded belly, a large pectoral fin, and the lower tail connection.]
Step 4: Add Body Details
Draw a gentle mouth curve under the head to make the humpback whale’s face clearer. Then add the smaller far pectoral fin, a small dorsal fin on the back, and a body line from the belly toward the tail.
Pro Tip: Keep the small dorsal fin low and short so it does not overpower the whale’s rounded body.
[Alt Text: A beginner sketch of a humpback whale adds facial, fin, dorsal, and body details to refine the whale’s full shape.]
Step 5: Add the Eye and Belly Grooves
Draw a round eye in the middle of the head, leaving a small highlight to make the humpback whale look friendly. Then add several long curved lines under the chin and belly to show the whale’s special throat grooves.
Pro Tip: Follow the curve of the belly with each groove, keeping the spaces even for a cleaner look.
[Alt Text: A beginner sketch of a humpback whale adds a round eye and long belly grooves, refining the face and underside details.]
Step 6: Draw the Water Spout
Above the humpback whale’s head, draw several water streams spreading outward, then add small droplets. Let the spray open like a little fountain to give the drawing a lively sense of action.
Pro Tip: Keep the spray light and place it above the highest part of the head for a natural look.
[Alt Text: A beginner sketch of a humpback whale adds a playful water spout above the head, completing the action detail.]
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Humpback whales are famous for their long songs, which can travel through the ocean.
- Their long pectoral fins can be about one-third of their body length.
- Humpback whales often leap out of the water in a movement called breaching.
Pin it now, Draw later!
Trace your final lines with a black marker, then gently erase any extra pencil marks. You can color the top of the whale gray or blue-gray, leaving the belly lighter to show its shape.
Now you know how to draw a humpback whale step by step. Try drawing it again with waves, bubbles, or other ocean animals to create a complete sea scene.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Humpback Whale Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this humpback whale drawing good for beginners?
Yes. This drawing for beginners uses simple curves, rounded shapes, and small details that are easy to follow.
How can I make my whale look more realistic?
Make the body large and rounded, keep the dorsal fin small, and add neat belly grooves under the chin.
Can I color the humpback whale?
Yes. Use soft gray, blue-gray, or dark blue on the top, and leave the underside white or pale gray.
