7 Ways To Draw A Koi Fish - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Draw a Koi Fish PDF download Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Start by sketching the head. 2 Draw a long, slim oval. 3 Draw a big M-like shape at the end of the oval. 4 Draw two semicircles on each side of the body. 5 Outline the shapes. 6 Erase the sketch lines. 7 Color your drawing. + Show 4 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Related Articles Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: November 28, 2022

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This article was reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces. This article has been viewed 187,939 times.

Koi is an ornamental variety of the Carp fish species. Because the Japanese pronunciation of the kanji “love” is the same as “Carp”, the Koi fish has become a symbol of love and friendship in Japan., as well as a popular tattoo motif. Want to draw a koi fish of your very own? We've got you covered with a quick, easy-to-follow tutorial. Grab your pencil and get ready to make a splash on your sketch paper!

Steps

1

Start by sketching the head.

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  1. To do so, draw a rounded triangle. To do so, draw a rounded triangle. Inside this shape, draw a circle.
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2

Draw a long, slim oval.

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  1. This oval will be coming off the upper right of the rounded triangle. This oval will be coming off the upper right of the rounded triangle. Narrow the oval towards the end. This will be the body of the fish.
3

Draw a big M-like shape at the end of the oval.

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  1. This M-like shape will be the tail. This M-like shape will be the tail.
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4

Draw two semicircles on each side of the body.

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  1. Draw another smaller one on the exterior right side of the head. Draw another smaller one on the exterior right side of the head. These will become the fins.
5

Outline the shapes.

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  1. Add details (such as whiskers) as you go. Add details (such as whiskers) as you go. Also, add details on the fins.
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6

Erase the sketch lines.

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  1. Add the scales on the body. Add the scales on the body.
7

Color your drawing.

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  1. This is the finishing touch! This is the finishing touch!
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Community Q&A

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  • Question How do I draw the tail right? It's so hard! Community Answer Community Answer If you look at a picture of one and follow that, it might help. If you really need to draw the tail, and you can't make it where the fish is swimming off the page, then you can print a picture and then trace the outline, and then personalize it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 29
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About This Article

Jeanine Hattas Wilson Reviewed by: Jeanine Hattas Wilson Artist This article was reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces. This article has been viewed 187,939 times. 293 votes - 77% Co-authors: 13 Updated: November 28, 2022 Views: 187,939 Categories: Drawing Sea Creatures In other languages Spanish Russian German Chinese French
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Reader Success Stories

  • Millie U.

    Millie U.

    Dec 9, 2016

    "It really helped me draw a koi fish, and I enjoyed the step by step instructions."
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jeanine Hattas Wilson Reviewed by: Jeanine Hattas Wilson Artist 293 votes - 77% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 13 Updated: November 28, 2022 Views: 187,939 Millie U.

Millie U.

Dec 9, 2016

"It really helped me draw a koi fish, and I enjoyed the step by step instructions." Share yours!

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