Materials You Will Need
Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials:
- Drawing paper or sketchbook
- Pencil set (HB, 2B, 4B)
- Eraser
- Black fine liner or pen
- Colored pencils or markers (optional)
Step 1: Basic Shapes and Proportions
Start by lightly sketching two ovals on the paper. The larger oval will be the body, and the smaller one will be the head. Ensure that the head is positioned slightly on top of the body.
Next, draw a line across the body oval to indicate the division between the white belly and the darker upper body. This line should be slightly curved to mimic the shape of a penguin’s back.
Step 2: Adding Details to the Head
In this step, you will start shaping the penguin’s head. Add two small ovals near the top of the head for the eyes. Leave a small highlight circle in each eye to bring them to life. Below the eyes, draw a short, curved line to form the beak. Penguins have a distinctive beak shape, so take your time to get it right. Lastly, add two small dots for the nostrils.
Step 3: Drawing the Body and Wings
Now it’s time to add more details to the body. Start by drawing a slightly curved line on each side of the body oval to create the wings. Penguins have short wings, so keep the lines relatively small. Join the wings at the bottom with a gentle curve to complete the body outline. Remember, penguins have a rounded shape.
Step 4: Enhancing the Details
Give your penguin character by adding flippers. Draw small, curved lines at the end of each wing to represent the flippers. Penguins have webbed feet, so make sure the lines curve downwards. Add a few lines near the belly to indicate the feathers. Keep them short and close together.
Complete your drawing by erasing any unnecessary guide lines. You can also darken the outline and add more details using a black fine liner or pen. Feel free to get creative and add a colorful scarf, a fish in its beak, or any other elements you desire.
Step 5: Adding Color (Optional)
If you’d like to add color to your penguin drawing, grab your colored pencils or markers. Use shades of black, gray, and white for the body and wings. Add a touch of yellow or orange to the beak and feet. You can even experiment with different color combinations to give your penguin a unique personality.
And there you have it! With this step-by-step guide, you’ve learned how to draw penguins. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to sketch multiple penguins to improve your skills. Happy drawing!
Illustration courtesy: freepik.com.