How To Draw a Bear

Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to draw a bear. 

1. Basic Shapes & Guidelines

• Begin with simple circles and ovals to block out the head, body, and limbs.
  
• A large oval for the body, a smaller one for the head, and cylinders for arms/legs.
  
• Light guidelines help position facial features.
  

2. Connect the Shapes

• Use curved lines to join the shapes into a rough outline of the bear’s body.
  
• Begin shaping the limbs and add a basic outline of the ears and snout.
  

3. Refine the Outline and Shade the Paws

• Start smoothing out the body to give it a more realistic bear shape.
  
• Add joints in the legs, define the paws, and outline the ears more clearly.
  
• The face starts to get some structure.
  
• Add details to the eyes, snout, and mouth.
  
• Sketch the bear’s claws and shape the feet and hands more clearly.
  
• Outline the fur around the face and body lightly.
  

4. Add Texture & Fur Details Along With Final Shading & Touch-Ups

• Begin texturing with small, short pencil strokes to mimic fur.
  
• Add shading around the neck, limbs, and under the belly.
  
• Define the nose, mouth, and eyes further. Deepen shadows to create depth, especially around the face, legs, and under the body.
  
• Clean up guide lines, darken the final outline, and add any last details to finish your bear sketch.
  
• Emphasize fur texture with varied pencil pressure.