How to Draw an Elephant

Drawing an elephant can seem daunting at first, but with some simple steps and practice, you can create a beautiful and realistic elephant drawing (note: if you want something more fun, try our tutorial on drawing a cartoon elephant). In this tutorial, we’ll break down the process of how to draw an elephant into easy-to-follow steps. Let’s get started!

Materials Required

Step 1: Draw the Basic Shapes

Start by drawing the basic shapes of the elephant. Draw a large circle for the body and a smaller circle for the head. Sketch a curved line for the back and a straight line for the trunk.

Step 2: Refine the Shapes

Next, refine the basic shapes by adding more details. Draw the legs by adding four lines at the bottom of the circle. Make sure that the legs are thick and sturdy to support the elephant’s weight. Add curves to the back and trunk, making them more lifelike.

Step 3: Sketch the Details

Now it’s time to add the details to the elephant drawing. Sketch the ears, tail, and the tusk on the head. Add wrinkles and texture to the skin, making sure to follow the curves of the elephant’s body. Pay attention to the folds in the skin around the legs and stomach.

Step 4: Add Shading and Texture

Finally, add shading and texture to your drawing to give it a realistic look. Shade in the areas where shadows would naturally fall, such as under the belly and around the legs. Add texture to the skin by using short, curved lines to show wrinkles and folds. Remember to blend your shading so that it looks smooth and even.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once you’ve completed the shading and texture, take a step back and look at your drawing as a whole. Make any necessary adjustments and add any final touches that you feel are necessary.

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to draw an elephant. With practice, you can refine your skills and draw even more complex and beautiful animals.

Gallery of Elephant Drawings

Suggestions of Scenes and Settings for Elephant Drawings

Savannah Sunset: An elephant silhouette against a breathtaking sunset on the African savannah, with acacia trees and distant hills.
Watering Hole Gathering: A scene depicting elephants at a watering hole, interacting with each other in a peaceful setting, surrounded by other wildlife.
Jungle Trek: An elephant making its way through a dense jungle, with thick foliage, vines, and the sun peeking through the canopy above.
Family Bond: A tender moment between a mother elephant and her calf, showcasing the close bond, perhaps with the herd in the background.
Dusty Charge: A dramatic scene of an elephant charging through a dry, dusty landscape, kicking up a cloud of dust with birds flying away in the background.
River Crossing: Elephants crossing a river, with water splashing around them, and perhaps a reflection of the elephants in the water.
Under the Stars: An elephant standing in the open, under a star-filled sky, possibly next to a baobab tree, evoking a sense of calm and majesty.
Festival Decor: An elephant adorned with colorful paints and fabrics, participating in a cultural festival, surrounded by people and festivities.
Mountainous Terrain: An elephant navigating rocky mountain terrain, with a scenic backdrop of mountains and valleys, showcasing their adaptability.
Playful Mud Bath: Elephants enjoying a mud bath, playfully spraying mud and water, surrounded by lush vegetation, capturing a moment of joy and relaxation.