How to Draw an Elephant – Easy Step by Step Instructions

Video how to draw a small elephant step by step

Elephants are extraordinary creatures, known for their immense size and majestic presence. Drawing an elephant may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! With these easy step-by-step instructions, you'll be able to create your own elephant masterpiece in no time.

How to Draw an Elephant Drawing

Materials Needed for Elephant Drawings

To begin, gather the following materials:

  • White sheet of paper or card stock
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Markers, colored pencils, or crayons. If you're unsure which markers to use for coloring and doodling, check out this post for some recommendations.

Let's Get Started!

Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of drawing an elephant:

  1. Start by drawing a slightly smaller circle at the top, leaving an opening at the bottom. This will be the elephant's head. Inside the circle opening, draw a long trunk that curves to one side. The trunk is the focal point of your drawing.

    Step 1 - Elephant Head

  2. Moving on, add the elephant's big ears. Draw two curved lines along each side of the elephant's head. To create some dimension, outline the ears with identical lines.

    Step 2 - Elephant Ears

  3. In this step, you'll shape the elephant's body and front legs. Draw a downward slope to represent the shoulder and two stumpy legs. Connect the two legs with a line to form the underbelly of the elephant.

    Step 3 - Elephant Body

  4. Now, let's add the back legs. Draw an oval on each side of the legs and include an additional line for dimension. Connect the oval shapes to the body with a curved line.

    Step 4 - Elephant Back Legs

  5. It's time to add some details to your elephant! Incorporate tiny half circles for the elephant's toes, create wrinkles in the ears and trunk with a few lines, and give it some big black eyes. To add a touch of cuteness, you can even include a flower in its trunk. If you'd like, you can add a small tuft of hair on top of the head to make it appear like a young elephant.

    Step 5 - Elephant Details

  6. Let your creativity shine by coloring your elephant. I used gray for the body and ear outline, and pink for the cheeks and inner ears. However, feel free to use any colors you prefer. If you want to create an African elephant, consider using brown instead of gray.

    Step 6 - Colored Elephant

My Favorite Drawing Materials

When it comes to drawing, I have a personal preference for using either colored pencils or markers. Both materials provide a seamless finish and don't smudge. However, if painting is more your style, you can explore creating your elephant drawing with watercolors or acrylic paint.

Tips and Tricks for Drawing Elephants

Here are some handy tips to enhance your elephant drawing skills:

  • Start with a pencil instead of a pen or marker, as it allows you to easily erase any mistakes.
  • While this drawing tutorial leans towards a cartoon-style elephant, don't hesitate to experiment with more realistic features. Consider adding tusks to the trunk or shading while coloring.
  • Drawing the entire elephant isn't always necessary. You can focus solely on the elephant's face for a different perspective.
  • Remember, large ears are key to achieving a cute elephant drawing.
  • Have fun exploring the various items your elephant could be holding in its trunk, such as a balloon, a bucket, or even a heart.

Unleash Your Elephant Drawing

Now that you've mastered the art of drawing an elephant, let the creativity flow! Here are a few fun ideas to make use of your elephant masterpiece:

  • Transform your drawing into elephant painted rocks.
  • Create delightful greeting cards.
  • Design a captivating coloring page.
  • Decorate a wrapped gift with the elephant drawing.
  • Bring your elephant to life on canvas and create your own wall art.
  • Craft your own elephant stickers.

Regardless of where you choose to showcase your elephant sketch, it is bound to look amazing! Drawing an elephant, or any animal, is a simple and therapeutic way to decompress after a stressful day. Think of it as combining simple shapes to create a larger picture. Grab a sheet of paper and let your imagination take flight.

For more drawing inspiration, check out these other drawing tutorials and ideas:

  • 36 Cute Things to Draw: These adorable animals and objects are perfect for embellishing your bullet journals, doodle pads, and greeting cards.
  • How to Draw a Cat: Learn how to draw a simple cat using step-by-step instructions. It's a great activity for kids' drawings or thank-you cards.
  • How to Draw a Cute Dog: Discover how to draw an irresistibly cute dog.
  • How to Draw a Hedgehog: Explore the easy steps to draw this prickly forest friend on paper or in your journal.

Remember, sharing is caring! Share your elephant drawings with your friends and family and inspire them to unleash their artistic talents as well. Let your creativity flow and enjoy the process of bringing these magnificent creatures to life on paper.

Shill Art – Express Your Creativity