There are many different shells that exist in nature, and they can be found everywhere. Sea shells can be very pretty and even a fun souvenir to collect while on vacation by the beach! If you would like to learn how to draw a sea shell, read on to discover some of the easy steps for drawing this beautiful animal.

Step 1: Start with the Base

Begin by sketching a basic outline of the shell as shown in the image. This will give you a basis to work with when it comes time to start adding detail.

Step 2: Create Ribs

Now, you’ll need to begin sketching out the ribs of the shell. This will help you get a feel for how to shade the shell and create a realistic appearance.

You’ll need to make sure that you have the ribs shaded in properly and that they are in the correct direction. This will be easier to do by using a pencil and a soft eraser.

Step 3: Color Your Shell

You can choose to add a few different colors to the shell for added interest. This will also make it a lot easier to create depth in the piece as well.

Step 4: Add More Detail to Your Shell

Finally, it’s time to add a bit of character to your shell. This can be done with various techniques such as strippling, scratching or sand.

If you’re not a fan of sand, you can instead use your eraser horizontally to create scratches or dings in the shell. Make sure to keep the sun’s rays in mind when doing this so that you don’t mess up your shading or lighting.