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.