Drawing an elephant may seem intimidating at first, but with a little bit of practice and guidance, anyone can do it. In this step-by-step guide, we will take you through the process of drawing an elephant from scratch.
Supplies Needed
Before we begin, here are the supplies you’ll need:
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Sketchbook or Paper
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these 8 easy steps to draw an elephant:
Step 1: Drawing Basic Shapes
Begin by sketching two overlapping circles, one for the head and another for the body. Add two large triangular shapes on top of the head for the ears.
Step 2: Adding the Trunk
Sketch a long curved line from the bottom of the head circle for the trunk. Add another small circle near the end of the line for the tip of the trunk.
Step 3: Outlining the Legs
Draw four rectangular shapes for the legs. Then, add two small circles for the feet at the bottom and draw lines to connect them to the legs.
Step 4: Defining the Body
Draw a slightly curved line along the bottom of the body circle to create the elephant’s belly. Then, connect the body to the legs with curved lines.
Step 5: Outlining the Ears
Add a few curved lines to the ears to give them definition and dimension.
Step 6: Drawing the Eyes and Tusk
Draw two circular shapes for the eyes and a long curved line for the tusk. Add a small circle at the end of the tusk for the point.
Step 7: Adding Details
Add wrinkles and texture to the elephant’s skin by drawing curved and intersecting lines all around the body, legs, and face.
Step 8: Shading
Finally, shade in the elephant’s body with light and dark tones to bring it to life. Shade in the wrinkles and creases of the skin to give it a realistic look.
Drawing Techniques for Drawing an Elephant
Here are some useful Drawing Techniques to keep in mind while drawing an elephant:
1. Start with Basic Shapes
Begin by drawing the basic shapes like circles, rectangles, and triangles to create a rough outline for the elephant.
2. Use Reference Images
Referencing images of elephants from different angles and positions can help you get an accurate representation of its body structure.
3. Focus on Details
Pay close attention to the texture, wrinkles, and creases on the elephant’s skin. Adding these details can make your drawing look more realistic.
4. Practice Consistently
Practice drawing elephants consistently to improve your skills and become more confident in your drawing abilities.
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to draw an elephant?
The time it takes to draw an elephant varies from person to person, but it generally takes around 30 minutes to an hour for beginners.
Q2. What if my elephant proportion looks wrong?
If your elephant proportions look wrong, try redrawing the basic shapes until you get the desired shape.
Q3. How do I add shades in an elephant drawing?
To add shades, darken small areas like the wrinkles and shaded areas with crosshatching or hatching techniques.
Q4. What is the importance of shading an elephant drawing?
Shading adds depth and dimension to a drawing. It makes the drawing look more realistic and brings it to life.
Q5. Can I use any pencil for elephant drawing?
Yes, you can use any pencil for elephant drawing. HB pencils are ideal for sketching the initial outline.
Q6. Can I draw an elephant digitally?
Yes, you can draw an elephant digitally using drawing tablets and software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate.