GRID STEP. You can print out the base construction lines and start drawing on tracing paper, or you can draw the grid layout yourself using the following steps.1) Draw a rectangle that will define the conditional proportions and boundaries of the chosen drawing. 2) From the middle of the rectangle, draw one vertical and one horizontal line equally dividing the shape. 3) Draw another horizontal line equally dividing the upper half of the rectangle. Similarly, draw a horizontal line equally dividing the bottom half of the rectangle. 4) Draw a vertical line equally dividing the left half of the rectangle. Similarly, draw a vertical line equally dividing the right half of the rectangle.

STEP 1. Mark off the width and height of the mermaid. Draw two ovals that will help to define the places for her head and body. Draw a line, which will act as the center of her body and head. Define the places for her shoulders, waist and hips.

STEP 2. Outline the shape of her hair. Define her cheeks and chin. With two smooth light lines, draw a tail.

STEP 3. Delineate guidelines for the flippers, hands and arms. Add a circle and an oval to show the mermaid’s chest.

STEP 4. Draw the waist and the torso, pay attention to the top of the head.

STEP 5. Draw the arms. Define the general shape of the mermaid’s hair (locks).

STEP 6. Outline the neck, hands and the structure of the fins.

STEP 7. Add lines to further show the shape of the hair. Define the places for the eyes, and mouth. Add fingers, the edge and the beginning of the tail. Draw more carefully a bustier and the flippers.

STEP 8. Work on the mermaid, paying special attention to details. Outline the facial features and scales on the tail. Add tucks to the bustier and some new curls. Draw an earring.

STEP 9. Contour, trying to vary the thickness and blackness of the line. Add more details and stones. Erase all guidelines.