How to draw water | Drawing Projects for kids
Profile Icon

How to draw water - a free water drawing guide.

Learn how to draw water easily with DIY.org's step-by-step guide!

Start Drawing Course

See Instructions

How to draw water

Learn how to draw a water

In this engaging drawing activity, you will immerse yourself in the world of creativity as you explore how to depict water. The process will involve observing the unique characteristics of water, such as its fluidity and reflective qualities, while employing various drawing techniques. You’ll consider different artistic styles that can represent water, whether it’s the gentle ripples of a calm lake or the dynamic splashes of a waterfall. By focusing on these aspects, you will learn to convey motion and emotion through your artwork, making the representation of water not just a visual experience but a storytelling one.

As you embark on this artistic journey, you will gather your materials, including pencils, markers, or paints, and prepare your canvas. Throughout the activity, you may experiment with texture, shading, and color to capture the essence of water, bringing your drawing to life. With an emphasis on observation and creativity, this task provides a fantastic opportunity to express your unique perspective, making each piece of artwork truly one-of-a-kind. Allow your imagination to flow as you discover the beauty and intricacies of water through your drawings!

Get inspired with example water drawings

Drawing example 1
Drawing example 2
Drawing example 3
Drawing example 4
Drawing example 5
Drawing example 6

Instructions

Step 1

Draw a Wavy Line for Water Surface 🌊: Start by drawing a long, wavy line across the middle of your paper. This is the surface of your water! Imagine the gentle ripples of a lake or ocean. Tip: Keep your hand relaxed—let the waves flow freely!

Step 2

Create Some Water Drops 💦: Above the wavy line, draw a few teardrop shapes—these are water drops! Make them different sizes to show some are bigger and some are smaller. Tip: Add a little circle at the top of each drop for a shiny effect, making them look extra splashy!

Step 3

Add a Splash Effect! 💧✨: Now, let's add a big splash! Draw a series of curved lines bursting up from the water. Think of it like when you throw a pebble in! Make it look energetic and fun! Tip: Small, sharp lines around the splash can make it look even more exciting.

Step 4

Draw a Water Wave 🌀: On one side of your wavy water line, draw a big, swooping curve that looks like a wave coming to shore. Make it nice and big—waves can be powerful! Tip: At the top of the wave, add a fluffy, curly line to show the foam!

Step 5

One More Wave? 🌊: On the opposite side, you can add another smaller wave! Use a similar swooping curve, but this one can be less tall. Don't worry—waves come in all sizes! Tip: You can give waves a little personality with playful curves.

Step 6

Add Reflections on the Water 💧: Draw soft, vertical lines in your water below each wave. These will be the reflections! They can be as skinny or wide as you like. Tip: Make some lines short and others longer for extra realism!

Step 7

Decorate the Water with Fun Elements 🌟: Let's add some floating items! Draw simple things like a lily pad, a little fish, or even a rubber duck! Your choice! Tip: Make sure they're smaller than the waves to show they're sitting on the water.

Step 8

Color Your Water Scene 🎨: Grab some blue crayons or markers and color the waves! You can use different shades of blue to give it depth, using lighter blues for the top and darker for the shadows. Don't forget to color your floating friends!

Step 9

Add Splashy Details ✍️: With a white crayon or gel pen, add highlights to your water drops and the edges of your waves. This will make them sparkle! Tip: A few extra details can really make your water look lively!

Step 10

🎉 Ta-Da! Your Water Scene is Complete! 🎉: You did it! Your drawing is a beautiful water wonderland! Show it off to everyone and inspire your friends to create their own bubbly masterpieces. Keep splashing around with your creativity!

Download Activity Sheet

Join our drawing course for kids age 7 to 12.

  • Step by Step Drawing guides
  • Expert video tutorials
  • Hands-on drawing course
  • Trusted by 100k+ families
  • Try it free for 7 days
Course banner

How to draw a water step by step.

Drawing water can seem challenging at first, but breaking the process down into manageable steps makes it both fun and achievable. Start by envisioning the overall shape you want to create—whether it's a flowing river, a calm lake, or splashes in motion. Focus on capturing the smooth curves and flowing lines that water naturally forms, as this will help you establish a strong foundation. Next, consider how light interacts with water; adding highlights and shadows can bring your drawing to life. Experiment with different shades of blue and green to convey depth and movement, and don't hesitate to incorporate textures to mimic the surface's reflections. By approaching your drawing in these small, deliberate chunks—focusing on shape, light, and color—you'll find the process more enjoyable and rewarding. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting until you're satisfied with your water masterpiece!

How to draw a water for beginners.

When embarking on the journey of drawing water, simplifying the process can make it more enjoyable and approachable. Start by breaking down the shape into basic forms, such as gentle curves and wavy lines, to capture the essence of water's fluidity without overcomplicating the details. Consider using a reference image or observing real water to better understand its movement and reflections. Experiment with different drawing tools to find what feels comfortable; pencils, markers, or digital tools can create diverse effects. Additionally, remember that light and shadow play a crucial role in depicting water—try shading areas lightly to convey depth. Don't hesitate to use outlines for structure and gradually build upon them, allowing you to capture the beauty of water in a fun and stress-free way!

How to draw How realistic water.

To elevate your drawing of water and make it more realistic, start by observing real bodies of water, whether they are ponds, lakes, or the ocean. Pay attention to the way light reflects off the surface, creating highlights and shimmering effects. Incorporate different shades of blue, green, and even hints of brown or gray to capture the true colors of water, as they change based on depth and surroundings. Experiment with varying textures; for example, use soft strokes for calm water and more frantic, jagged lines to depict waves or currents. Don’t forget about the reflections of nearby objects—this can add depth and dimension to your drawing. Lastly, consider the interplay of shadows, as darker areas can illustrate depth and make the water appear more dynamic. With these tips, you can transform a simple water drawing into a captivating and lifelike portrayal.

How to draw How cute water.

When it comes to drawing water, you can easily amp up the cuteness factor with a few creative tweaks! Start by playing with the shape of your water – instead of a simple wave, try giving it a bubbly, wavy outline that conveys a playful, joyful feel. Adding elements like little smiling faces or sparkling highlights can bring your drawing to life, making the water seem more animated and fun. Consider incorporating adorable accessories, such as tiny umbrellas or cute sea creatures like cartoonish fish or cheerful starfish, to create a whimsical scene. Use soft, vibrant colors that evoke a sense of happiness, and don’t shy away from using gradients to add depth and charm. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can transform your water drawing into an endearing masterpiece that radiates personality and joy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!
How do I reactivate my account?
How do I sign up?
Are the android and iOS apps coming back?
What is DIY?
What is a “Challenge” on DIY?
What is a “Course” on DIY?
What are “Skills” on DIY?
What if I'm new to all this—where do I begin?
Do I need special materials or equipment?
Is DIY safe for kids?
Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?
How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?
What is DIY?
What's the recommended age for DIY?

Our Mission

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Challenges

Photograph a Landscape

Draw a Food Monster

Make Fluffy Slime

Build a Catapult

The 30 Day Project

Introduce Yourself in Another Language

See more

Skills

Illustration

Painting

Cooking

Gaming

Rocketry

Photography

Mechanical Engineering

See more

Activities

Activities for Kids

Indoor Activities for Kids

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Summer Activities for Kids

AI Homework Helper

Would you rather?

Company

About

Blog

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Community Guidelines

FAQ

Download on AppStoreDownload on Google Play
2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.