A whale drifting by

An elegant whale with sweeping fins. Follow the length of its body with your pencil to keep the whole shape flowing.

A way into the drawing

1. Follow the body curve

   Lay down one long flowing line from the head toward the tail. Add the rounded belly below.

2. Attach fins and flukes

   Build a long pectoral fin and two tail flukes. Keep their edges softly curved.

3. Suggest the surface

   Add a small eye, a few throat grooves, and light shading along the underside.

A small thing to tryUse fewer, longer strokes for the outside edge. The whale will feel more fluid than with lots of short marks.