How to paint a whale shark

Step 1: Underpainting

-     Mix 2 parts Phthalo Blue + 2 parts Viridian + 1 part Medium Green acrylic paint

-    Apply a consistent coat of this mix over the canvas using an abstract expression brush

-    Let the base layer dry completely before moving on

Step 2: Whale shark sketch

-    Print out the whale shark reference sheet from the Mont Marte website

-    Use white pastel to carefully draw in the profile of the whale shark

-    If needed, erase and adjust the lines easily with a cloth or dry brush

Step 3: Painting the Underwater Background

-    Mix Phthalo Blue + Cerulean Blue + Sap Green water mixable oils

-    Use this mix to cut in around the whale shark, adding a touch of water for smoother application

-    Blend Black into the bottom of the canvas to create a sense of depth

-    To make the whale shark stand out, apply lighter blue around its edges, blending into the background

Step 4: Painting underwater light

-    Use crescent-shaped strokes of darker and lighter blues mixed with Titanium White at the top of the canvas

-    Add pure Titanium White in spots to suggest bright highlights

-    Drag vertical streaks of lighter blue down from the surface to suggest light beams filtering through the water

Step 5: Whale shark colours

-    Mix Phthalo Blue + Sap Green in different strengths

-    Use a darker mix for the top of the head and right side of the body

-    Let this underpainting dry for up to 5 days before adding markings

-    Lightly scumble Titanium White over the whale shark’s nose using a dry brush technique

-    Tip: Load the brush, wipe excess onto a paper towel, and gently drag across the canvas for a soft, subtle effect

Step 6: Whale shark markings

-    Whale sharks have unique patterns, so simplify the markings for this painting

-    Start with small dots on the head using the tip of a paintbrush handle

-    As you move down the body, increase the dot size using a larger brush

-    Halfway down the body, the dots begin forming lines

-    Add smaller dots in between larger ones to mimic real whale shark patterns

-    Continue down the tail, where the spots space out and curve slightly

-    Finish by adding vertical dots along the end of the tail

Step 7: Final touches

-    Step back and check the balance of light, depth, and markings

-    Adjust any areas that need extra definition or highlights

-    Let the painting fully dry and admire your majestic whale shark artwork

Voila! 🦈 Your realistic underwater whale shark is all done – pop it up on the wall for a striking conversation piece.