This episode of the 100 Days Sketching Challenge dives underwater to draw an octopus — the eight-armed, big-headed genius of the sea. With its curling arms and rows of suckers, the octopus is a flowing, fun creature to sketch. Parikshet shows you how step by step.

🖍️ What You Need

  • Pencil and eraser
  • Purple, pink, or red markers
  • White for the eyes
  • Black pen for outlines

How to Draw an Octopus Step by Step

  1. Draw the head (mantle) — a large rounded dome, wider at the top and curving in at the bottom. The big bulbous head is the octopus's most prominent feature.
  2. Add the eyes — two large oval eyes low on the head, with curved lids for a gentle, expressive look.
  3. Add a small smile — a simple curved mouth for a friendly cartoon octopus.
  4. Draw the eight arms — eight curling, tapering arms from the base of the head, waving in different directions. Remember: eight!
  5. Add the suckers — small circles along the underside of each arm.
  6. Vary the arm positions — some curling up, some spiralling, for a lively swimming look.
  7. Add bubbles — a few rising bubbles to set the underwater scene.
  8. Colour — octopuses can change colour, so pick any — purple, pink, red, or orange!
💡 Parikshet's Tip: The number one rule for an octopus: count the arms — there must be EIGHT! Beginners often draw too few. Curl the arms in different directions and at different lengths so the octopus looks like it's gracefully moving through the water.

🌟 Did You Know?

Octopuses are astonishingly intelligent — they can solve puzzles, open jars, use tools, and recognise human faces. They have three hearts and blue blood, and can change both the colour and texture of their skin in an instant to camouflage. Each of their eight arms can act semi-independently, almost like having eight mini-brains!

Amazing Octopus Facts

  • Eight arms — each lined with suckers that grip and taste
  • Three hearts and blue blood — a truly alien body
  • Master of camouflage — changes colour and texture instantly
  • Highly intelligent — solves puzzles and recognises faces

🎯 Try This: Draw an Underwater World

  1. Draw your octopus in the centre.
  2. Add coral, seaweed, and a few small fish.
  3. Draw a treasure chest on the seabed.
  4. Add rising bubbles and rays of light from above.

How to Draw Episode 56: Step-by-Step for Kids

Get your pencil ready! Follow these easy steps and you'll have an amazing Episode 56 drawing in no time.

What You'll Need

  • Pencil (HB or 2B)
  • Eraser
  • White drawing paper
  • Black marker (optional, for outlines)
  • Coloured pencils or crayons

Step-by-Step: Drawing a Episode 56

Step 1: Sketch the Basic Outline

Begin with a very light pencil sketch of the Episode 56's overall shape. What is the biggest, simplest shape that describes it — a rectangle, oval, or triangle?

Step 2: Add the Main Structure

Build on the basic outline by adding the main structural elements of the Episode 56. Break it down into simple geometric shapes.

Step 3: Draw the Key Features

Add the most important identifying features that make this recognisably a Episode 56. These are the details that someone would notice first.

Step 4: Add Secondary Details

Now add the secondary details — textures, patterns, smaller parts. These build up the drawing gradually and give it character.

Step 5: Refine the Outline

Go back to the outline and refine any shapes that don't look right. Compare the proportions to a reference image if you have one.

Step 6: Add Depth with Lines

Add shading lines or cross-hatching on the darker side of the Episode 56 to create the impression of three dimensions.

Step 7: Trace with Marker

Once happy with your pencil drawing, carefully trace the final lines with a black marker or pen. Let it dry, then erase all pencil marks underneath.

Step 8: Colour Your Drawing

Apply colour to your Episode 56, working from the largest areas first. Leave white areas uncoloured — the paper's white works as your lightest tone.

Colouring Your Episode 56

Use real reference images as a guide for the Episode 56's colours. Start with a base colour and add darker shading on one side to give a 3D feel.

Tips from Parikshet

  • Break the Episode 56 into simple shapes first — even complex subjects are just combinations of circles, rectangles, and triangles!
  • Don't try to make it perfect on the first try — Parikshet always does at least two practice sketches before the final drawing.
  • Practice makes perfect — try drawing it again tomorrow!