How To Draw A Koi Fish. Koi fish are the colorful variant of the Amur carp. In Japan, they are called Nishikigoi, which means "brocaded carp" in English.

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Their scales are also usually multicolored, making them very attractive.

Because of the distinctive vivid patterns on their scales, they are generally kept outdoors in ponds or water gardens for decorative purposes.

Her flawless beauty has created a huge demand for a free koi fish drawing tutorial.

To satisfy our readers' desires, we've curated a step-by-step guide to drawing a koi fish, broken down into nine digestible steps to make it easier!

Also, each step includes intricate illustrations to act as a visual guide as you follow the instructions step-by-step.

The funnest part of this tutorial is that you can customize the theme's structure and colors. It allows you to create a truly unique piece of art.

How to Draw A Koi Fish

Step 1

Starting in the middle of the paper, draw a curved drop to outline the shape of the koi fish.

To ensure the koi fish is drawn squarely in the center of your paper, draw an intersecting horizontal and vertical line across your paper to create reference lines.

Where the two lines meet, you should draw the body of your koi carp.

Step 2

Draw a line that curves at the pointed end of the koi's body. Next, draw a curved line halfway down from the end point of the line you just drew. This outlines one or half of the koi carp's caudal fin or tail. If drawn correctly, its shape should resemble a three-quarter outline of a leaf.

Step 3

Use the outline of half the tail fin we drew in the previous step and draw a similar shape next to it to finish the koi carp's tail fin.

After completing this step, your koi carp's tail should be complete.

Step 4

In this step, we will now texture the fin on the side of the koi carp's body. Start drawing a diagonal lineup.

Then draw an inward curved vertical line from the line's endpoint down. Finally, draw another diagonal line to complete the shape of the fin.

Note that the two endpoints of the outline do not have to be connected. Also, ensure that the fin's corners are curved rather than pointed.

Step 5

The huge fin on top of a koi carp's body is called the dorsal fin, while the two small ones on the underside are called the ventral and anal fins.

Start creating the top fin by drawing a wide curved line with both ends touching the surface of the koi's body.

Next, draw two similar lines on the underside of the koi carp's body. The fin on the right should be larger than on the left.

Step 6

After you've finished all the fins of the koi fish, it's time to add patterns and textures to make it look more dimensional and realistic.

Draw several lines across the surface of each fin to create a distinctive pattern. Remember that the lines inside the fins should not be straight but should align with the natural contour of the fins.

Step 7

Make your koi fish happy by drawing an upward-curved line on its face to create a big smile.

Then draw another curved line at the end of the smile line to complete the look!

Step 8

Since the koi fish is facing sideways, only one eye is visible, so let's only draw one. Draw a perfect circle over the koi carp's mouth to outline the eye.

Next, draw a small circle inside the eye to create the iris.

To achieve a realistic-looking shimmering eye effect, blend the entire eye except for the small circle inside. This trick can make any character's facial expression more adorable!

Step 9

Koi fish are particularly well known for the unique patterns imprinted on their scales. It's quite easy to create these templates. Just draw more irregular shapes all over the body.

Avoid emphasizing the proportion of these outlines. It doesn't have to be perfect. The more irregular these patterns are, the more realistic they look!

Now that we have successfully drawn a koi fish, it's time for the most fun part: choosing colors and coloring your koi fish drawing!

Koi fish typically come in various color combinations: black, white, and orange. However, some koi species is pure gold or platinum in color.

You can follow their default colors or use a unique color set! We are sure you can color your koi fish beautifully and make it stand out.

Your Koi Fish Drawing is Finished!