Drawing giraffes just got easier, with some simple and easy steps you can learn how to draw this majestic, long-necked creature with ease. You don’t need to be an artist to master this task and create an awesomely accurate draw, just follow these steps and you’ll soon be crafting giraffe perfection!
First and foremost, you need to prepare the tools you’ll need. No art is complete without the right supplies so grab some pencils, pens and paper. Have a light and dark colored pencil to provide the range of tone and color required to truly capture the look of the giraffe. Now you’re ready to start.
The very first step is to sketch out very basic shapes to form the structure of the giraffe’s head, body and legs. Start with a rectangle for the body and elongated rectangle for the head; then create two small circles for the eyes and one larger circle for the snout. For the legs, create two long, narrow lines for the front pair and a more substantial line for the back pair. This is the basic shape to work from.
Add some detail to the sketch. Five ovals down the neck, similar in size, give the giraffe its signature look, like strands of long pearls. Draw two more circles down the neck at the top, before the ovals. And don’t forget the three or four small bumps (glands)on the animals face. The details will provide definition to the rest of your sketch.
When sketching the legs, don’t forget to extend the knee into a nice curve, that’s one way you can give character to your giraffe. Extending the back heel slightly can also help you break up the line of the leg and create more realism. If you wish to add a tail, use a simple curved line from the small of the back, thicker at the end. This detail adds more interest and movement to the overall sketch.
Now for some shading. Take a dark pencil and begin at the top of the head, shading directly outside the oval shape, in a slightly darker hue that you have used for the rest of the sketch. Watch the transition between the light and shade to give dimension to the giraffe’s neck and face. Utilize the dark pencil to create various texture, giving the giraffe life and personality.
It’s now time to use the lighter pencil to create highlights against the colored pencil. Outline the ovals of the neck, thighs and knees and create an impression of fur against the skin. Gently shade around each area with the lighter pencil to create a smooth transition between the lighter and darker hues. With these simple steps you will create a giraffe that looks accurate and contemporary.
Now heat up the paper and begin drawing the contours of the eyes. Using a light pencil draw out two small circles, from here draw the upper and lower lids, making a slight curve. Sketch out the pupil and then draw indentations around the pupil and upper eyelid for a realistic look. Use the lighter pencil to draw shadows cast by the upper lids, adding a sense of dimension to the drawing.
When your drawing is complete, don’t forget to use a dark pencil to add shading to the giraffe’s body, particularly around the joints of the legs and the base of the neck. This will help your drawing to stand out and have more texture, depth and authenticity.
Finally, choose a few areas to add smaller details, such as small hairless bumps for the glands, the thin hairs around the eyes, the folds of the neck, and the bumps and spots that really define the giraffe’s body. Use your lighter pencil for these details. Congrats, you did it – you’ve created an awesomely accurate giraffe sketch, fit for framing!
Now it’s time to create some color to give the giraffe life and character. Start with something neutral, like brown, and gradually add in different shades to add new dimension to your drawing. For example, you might want to outline the markings on the giraffe’s coat in yellow or another shade that stands out, and then fill in those lines with warmer hues like oranges and beige.
Finally, take a step back and look at your masterpiece. Color can bring a whole new level to your giraffe drawing. Swap up the color scheme and experiment with different tones. Maybe you want to add a bit of shine by accenting the pupils or the eyes with a reflective color. Have fun, the possibilities for further customization of the giraffe drawing are endless!
