How to Draw a Japanese Wave

In today’s lesson, we will learn how to draw Japanese wave on paper. The design and proportion of each part will be pointed out in each step of the tutorial. Observe that the blue outlines are used to show the new elements being drawn in each in each of the steps.

Time Needed: 30 minutes

1. Draw The Peak

   

   Draw several small curvy lines as shown in the illustration to form the peak of the larger wave.

2. Add The Curl Of The Wave

   

   To add the curl of the wave, draw a long, curved line.

3. Outline The Smaller Wave

   

   Outline the smaller wave by forming the line as shown.

4. Draw The Peak Of The Smaller Wave

   

   Draw a smaller version of the peak that we first drew in the first step.

5. Form The Shoulder Of The Smaller Wave

   

   Form the shoulder of the smaller wave by drawing a long line curving upward.

6. Add The Boats

   

   Add three boats by drawing pointed lines as shown.

7. Add Mt. Fuji In The Background

   

   Add Mt. Fuji in the background by making a pointed shape then drawing a zigzag line to form the ice cap.

8. Draw The Current Under The Wave

   

   To form the current under the wave, draw several curved lines as shown.

9. Complete The Japanese Wave Drawing

   

   Let’s complete the Japanese wave by first coloring the peak with white and light blue crayons. Next, use a darker shade of blue to color the rest of the waves. For the boats, use a yellow crayon. Then, let’s color Mt. Fuji in the background by shading the ice cap with a white crayon and the base of the mountain with a dark shade of blue. Finally, color the background with a yellow crayon.