How to draw a jellyfish
The jellyfish is an aquatic animal with a distinct ‘phylum’ (‘kingdom’ classification) known as Cnidaria. The similar-looking animals of the Ctenophora Phylum are also sometimes included in the jellyfish. An interesting fact about the jellyfish is that it is not a fish (aquatic vertebrate) as such. This invertebrate is distinguished by its free-flowing body with a canopy-like appearance. The middle region of the canopy is made of non-living mesoglea (like jelly), which is nearly 90 percent water. Long tentacles (used to catch prey) extend from the central part of the ‘dome’, creating a dragging structure. These beautiful and delicate animals are deadly predators. Although the fundamental structure remains the same, the different subspecies differ in details.
Steps to draw a jellyfish: Aesthetic appeal and complexity are often the benchmarks for choosing a species to draw. The following steps will teach you how to draw a jellyfish:
• Model: There are over a thousand different species of jellyfish, classified as scyphomedusae, cubomedusae, stauromedusae, and hydromedusae. The 200 types of scyphomedusae are generally considered to be the true jellyfish. Visually, species vary in shape, color, and umbrella structure. Another point of distinction is the type, length, and number of tentacles. Chrysaora fuscescens, Chrysaora, etc. they have more prolific tentacles and oral arms (used for feeding). On the other hand, Aequorea Victoria, Aurelia, Chrysaora colorata, etc. they have flatter, lighter bodies with little or no oral arms. Species, such as Cotylorhiza tuberculata, Cannonball Jellyfish, Scrippsia pacifica, etc., are known for their unique structures. Once you have done your research, obtain an appropriate image of the animal to use as a reference for your work.
• Basic frame: The design of the frame will depend on the species chosen. However, some features will apply to everyone. Take an oval for the top of the umbrella. For species like the cannonball jellyfish, the oval should line up vertically. Curved partitions inside the oval will be used in later stages to highlight any visible layer or angle view. If your reference image allows it, demarcate the number of tentacles using curvilinear lines. Draw the approximate outlines of the oral arms, if any.
• Detailed drawing: First define the shape of the exo-umbrella. Varieties, such as the lion’s mane jellyfish, have separate edge designs. The Mediterranean jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata), on the other hand, has an upper structure that resembles a fried egg, with a hemisphere in the center. For duller subspecies, eg purple striped jellyfish (Chrysaora colorata), create the pattern on the exoumbrella. The tentacles can involve tedious work or a simple task, depending on the image you have chosen. However, each individual organ is quite simple to draw.
• Colors and Shades: A pencil sketch or color drawing is a matter of personal preference. However, colors are preferable in the case of brightly colored (for example, Mediterranean jellyfish) or transparent (for example, Aurelia) varieties. However, it can be a complex job to color the tangled web of tentacles on the lion’s mane jellyfish.