In this step by step drawing lesson, we’ll take a look at how to draw an elephant.  An elephant is easy to draw when we just start with basic shapes. By starting with basic shapes, we can define the form of the subject. Then after the basic shapes have been drawn, we can draw the contour lines (outlines) using the shapes as a guide.

If you try to draw the elephant with just the outlines first, you’ll likely create distortion and your drawing will be inaccurate. Just a few circles and ovals will get the ball rolling with this one. With every drawing that you create, your skills will improve, so let’s get to it.

Step 1 – Draw Shapes for the Body of the Elephant

We’ll begin the drawing by defining the basic form of the body of the elephant.  To achieve this, we’ll draw three overlapping circles.  The circle on the left will become the head of the elephant, while the circle on the right will become the hind end of the animal. The center circle will be the middle of the body. The circle drawn for the head is slightly smaller than the other two – which are similar in size.

Step 2 – Draw the Trunk and the Upper Portions of the Legs

Next, we’ll draw a line connecting two of the circles – the circle drawn for the head and the middle of the body.  We’ll bring that line down the front of the elephant to create the trunk.  This line has a few subtle curves in it, squares off at the bottom, and then curves again. We’ll add the tusk within that last curve.

Also, draw four shapes to represent the upper portions of the elephant’s legs. Since the elephant is slightly skewed, the two shapes drawn for the front legs are slightly thicker than the shapes drawn for the hind legs. Remember, these shapes are just the upper portions of the legs, so be sure not to draw them too long. We need some space at the bottom to draw the rest of the leg. As you can see below, these shapes extend down and end about half way, when compared to the length of the trunk.

Step 3 – Draw the Lower Portions of the Legs and the Trunk

Next, draw the bottom portion of the legs, again with simple shapes.  Notice again that the hind legs are smaller because they are slightly farther away. You can also draw the tusks in this step.

The tusks begin at the top curve of the trunk and extend out towards the front of the body. Part of the tusk, on the opposite side of the elephant’s body, is hidden from view, so be sure to include this in your drawing. The tusk on the side of the elephant that is closer to the viewer, overlaps the trunk. Notice that the tusks do not have a sharp point – only a slight curve at the end.

Step 4 – Draw the Feet, the Visible Ear, and Begin Adding Details

Now we can begin to add some of the details to the drawing.  A few wrinkles on the trunk and legs of the elephant add to the realism of the drawing.  We’ll draw the ear by extending a line out from the small circle that we drew in the first step. This line extends out and overlaps the third circle before descending down and back up to the head.

The bottom portions of the feet are added with a few toenails. The weight of the elephant causes the bottom of the feet to bow outward slightly. The eye is also added in this step. It’s somewhat like a curved, diamond shape with a highlight in the middle.

Step 5 – Finish the Drawing of an Elephant with Additional Details and Outlines

With the guidelines and main shapes defined, the drawing can be completed.  A few more wrinkles help to complete the drawing.  A bit of shadow under the elephant helps create the illusion of a light source as well. I suggest finishing off the drawing with ink and then erase the pencil lines that may be left over.

Don’t forget to darken the inside of the mouth. The more lines that you add to the body, the more wrinkled your elephant will look.

Here are the steps to draw an elephant in one image…