Photo:Stock Photosfrom Craig Morrison/Shutterstock
Elephants are some of the most spectacular animals on Earth.
Not only are they massive, but they’re also highly intelligent.
Additionally, they have dexterous trunks and an incredible memory.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Craig Morrison/Shutterstock
It’s no wonder that these gentle giants have won so many people’s hearts.
Want to give it a go?
Then grab yourdrawing suppliesand somepaperit’s time to draw an elephant!
Photo:Stock Photosfrom sirtravelalot/Shutterstock
They can be distinguished by the size and shape of their ears.
For this tutorial, we’ll be focusing on the larger-earedAfrican elephant.
This will help you orient the size and proportions of your elephant.
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
Next, move your pencil a ways above the line anddraw an elongated S-shapeto emulate the elephant’s back.
Once you’re pleased with it, complete the line by transforming it into a somewhat rectangular shape.
verify it is slanting slightly upwards.
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
Additionally, at the top right corner of the large shape,draw a triangle-shaped ear.
Then, sketch another S-shaped line that curls upwards to indicate thetrunk.
Once you reach the end, create a loose m-shape and take the line back down.
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
Take your time until you feel satisfied with how it looks.
Keep the far leg straight.
Moving on to the hind legs, use the shape of the elephant’s body to guide your drawing.
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
The far back leg should be extending behind the elephant.
Next, it’s time to add thefeet.
Unlikedrawing wolf paws, an elephant’s feet are fairly simple.
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
Use your pencil to sketch a loose bell shape to the end of each leg.
At the back of the elephant,sketch a long tailwith a tuft of hair at the base.
Then, turn your attention towards the elephant’s head.
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
Position your pencil at the roof of the mouth andadd a single tusk.
Just remember to add a second tusk behind it.
Afterward, you cansketch a large almond eyein the center of the head.
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
(If you like, you could already add a few wrinkles at this stage.)
Then, draw large nails on the elephant’s feet in the shape of half-circles.
after you grab a bit of distance, go ahead and make any adjustments that you think are needed.
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
Tryadding a few wrinkleswhere the elephant is carrying more skinlike the elbows, ankles, knees, and trunk.
Next, it’s time tocomplete your illustration with a little bit of background.
Just add a bit of foliage to the ground, and maybe a tree in the background.
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
Then, make the border even more exciting by embellishing it with small dots.
it’s possible for you to create interestingtexturein your illustration by using a variety of inkingtechniqueslike hatching and stippling.
Finally, once youve given the ink ample time to dry, erase any remaining pencil lines.
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
You’ve completed your own drawing of an African elephant!
Looking for others who love drawing?
Join ourArt, Design, Photography, and Drawing Clubon Facebook!
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met
