How to Draw a Clownfish

Last Updated: January 27, 2023

Clownfish are a colorful and instantly recognizable tropical fish, which makes them an excellent option for a little artistic project. These orange fish are a fun and relatively easy animal to draw, so break out your art supplies and get ready to flex your creative muscles. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you’ll need to draw an elegant clownfish.

1

Draw the body and tail.

It should resemble a bowling pin that has been knocked down. Give the tail a little bit of an angle around the top and bottom.

2

Add the eye.

Draw a circular eye for your fish. This will help you get a better idea of the overall look of your fish.

3

Craft the fins.

There should be one fin on top, and one fin on the body. If it helps, add a few lines to show where the gill would be (you can’t really see it in a finished picture), and where the tail begins.

4

Sketch out the pattern.

There are a few different options here, so get creative. Decide what type of pattern your clownfish will have, and draw it in.

5

Add the mouth.

This should be a very minor addition, since clownfish have tiny mouths. It is close to the “chin” on the fish’s head.

6

Give the fish some detail.

Refine the fins and pattern to really make it pop. Use different wrist movements and strokes to give your drawing some variation.

7

Color your clownfish.

Orange and white are the iconic colors, but feel free to mix it up. While the orange and white pattern is probably the first thing you think of, clownfish come in a wide variety of colors, from bright yellow to almost black.

8

Add some shading (optional).

For a more realistic fish, add some dark and light highlights. This will give your fish a more dynamic look.

9

Flesh out the background and details (optional).

For a more complete illustration, add some background details. Bubbles, aquatic plants, and even other fish can all work well.

Community Q&A

Question

What tool do you use to make the clownfish so shiny and realistic?

Community Answer

Shading. Just have a look at how to shade and practice it. Shading gives drawing a realistic edge.
Question

How do I do all the defined details?

Community Answer

Be patient with yourself and make sure you have plenty of time prepared so you have time to add all the details. Search the internet for a reference picture and make sure to sharpen your pencils and colored pencils.
Question

I can't seem to get a nice look after I refine the lines. Any advice?

Community Answer

Try using a smaller eraser. If you have a small one, it's easier to get in between lines that are closer to each other.