How To Draw an Elephant

Here is a step-by-step process on how to draw an elephant.

Step 1: Basic Guidelines and Circle

The first step starts with drawing a simple circle to represent the eyeball. This circle forms the foundation for the entire eye structure.

A horizontal line is drawn across the circle, serving as a guideline for the orientation and alignment of the iris and eyelids.

This initial framework helps maintain symmetry and proportion throughout the drawing process. It’s important to keep the lines light and erasable at this stage.

Step 2: Eyelid Structure

In the second step, the upper and lower eyelids are added. These curves intersect and surround the circular shape drawn previously, defining the actual shape of the visible eye.

Notice how the eyelids do not follow the circular outline perfectly—they have their own unique contours. The upper lid usually covers a small part of the iris, while the lower lid rests just below it.

This step focuses on forming a more natural, anatomical eye shape. You might also notice the subtle outline of the tear duct on the left side of the eye, which adds realism.

Step 3: Adding the Iris and Pupil

Now the internal components of the eye are introduced.

The iris is drawn as a circle within the eye’s opening, and the pupil, a smaller filled-in circle, is placed at its center. This is a critical step as it begins to define where the eye is looking.

The upper eyelid often overlaps slightly with the top of the iris, which should be represented accurately for realism. This is also a good stage to start adding light sketch lines to indicate where shading and highlights will go.

Step 4: Detailing the Iris and Refining Lines

This step adds texture and depth to the iris by drawing radial lines from the pupil outward, mimicking the fibrous texture found in real human eyes.

These lines help give the eye a sense of depth and life. More attention is paid to refining the eyelid shapes, and the tear duct is further clarified.

At this point, shading begins to take form, particularly around the edges of the iris and the whites of the eyes, giving a three-dimensional look.

Step 5: Final Shading and Details

The final step brings the drawing to life with comprehensive shading and fine details. Eyelashes are added along the upper and lower eyelids, curving naturally outward.

The pupil is darkened further, and a highlight (white spot) is placed on the iris to simulate light reflection, making the eye appear moist and lifelike. Shading is also applied around the eyelids, under the eye, and on the sclera (the white of the eye) to give it volume and realism.

The brow line and subtle skin texture may be hinted at, completing the drawing.

Equipment Needed to Draw the Elephant

1. Drawing Paper or Sketchbook – A medium to heavy-weight paper with a smooth surface ideal for pencil shading and erasing.
2. Pencils (Range from HB to 6B) – Lighter pencils (HB, 2B) for sketching and darker pencils (4B, 6B) for shading and detailing.
3. Eraser – A standard or kneaded eraser to clean up sketches and highlight areas.
4. Blending Stump or Tissue – Used to blend graphite for soft shadows and realistic texture.
5. Sharpener – Keeps pencils sharp for precise lines and detail work.
6. Ruler or Compass (optional) – Helps draw accurate initial shapes or maintain symmetry.
7. Reference Image – While not physically shown in the image, using a photo or real-life model helps achieve realistic proportions and features.