how to draw a monkey

3 min read 16-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to draw a cute monkey with this easy step-by-step guide! Perfect for beginners, this tutorial uses simple shapes and clear instructions to help you create your own adorable primate artwork. Get started drawing today!

Getting Started: Materials and Basic Shapes

Before we begin our monkey drawing adventure, gather your art supplies. You'll need:

Paper: Any drawing paper will do, but thicker paper is better for handling erasers.
Pencil: A regular HB pencil is perfect for sketching.
Eraser: To fix any mistakes.
Colored Pencils, Markers, or Crayons: (Optional) To add color to your monkey masterpiece.

We'll build our monkey using basic shapes. This makes it much easier, especially for beginners. Think circles, ovals, and bananas (for the fun curved shapes!).

Step 1: Drawing the Head

Start by drawing a circle. This will be the monkey's head. Make it the size you want your monkey to be.
Draw a slightly smaller circle overlapping the first, slightly lower and to the side. This will create the monkey's face. Try to slightly flatten the bottom of this smaller circle. This gives the face more character.
Erase the portion of the smaller circle that overlaps the larger one behind it, creating a smooth curve.

Step 2: Adding the Ears

On either side of the larger circle (the head), draw two small, slightly curved ovals. These will be the monkey's ears. They should be positioned about halfway between the top and the bottom of the head.
Inside each ear, draw smaller, slightly more rounded ovals for added detail.

Step 3: Creating the Face

Within the smaller circle (the face), draw two almond-shaped eyes. Leave a small space between them.
Below the eyes, draw a small, curved line for the monkey's nose.
Add a small 'U' shape below the nose for the mouth. You can make it a simple smile or a more mischievous grin!

Step 4: The Body and Limbs

From the bottom of the smaller circle (the face), draw a slightly elongated oval downwards. This will form the monkey's body.
Draw two curved lines extending from either side of the body to create the arms. End each arm with a small hand – you can simplify this with just a few small lines or circles.
Similarly, draw two slightly curved lines extending downwards from the bottom of the body to create the legs. Finish these with simple feet, like small ovals or triangles.

Step 5: Adding the Tail

Monkeys have tails! Draw a long, curved line extending from the lower back of the monkey's body. The tail should curve upwards and then back down.
Add some texture to the tail by drawing small, curved lines along its length.

Step 6: Refine and Detail

Take a moment to review your drawing. Do you like the proportions? Use your eraser to refine any lines that aren't quite right. You can add more details such as fur texture by adding small, short lines around the body, face and tail. Experiment with different fur patterns. You can even add more details like wrinkles and folds in the skin.

Step 7: Coloring Your Monkey (Optional)

Once you’re happy with your pencil sketch, it's time to color! Use your colored pencils, markers, or crayons to bring your monkey to life. You can choose realistic colors or get creative and use bright, unusual hues!

Tips and Variations

Practice makes perfect: Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. Keep practicing, and you'll improve with each drawing.
Reference images: Look at pictures of monkeys for inspiration. Observe their different poses and expressions.
Add personality: Give your monkey a unique personality through its facial expression and pose.
Different monkey types: Try drawing different types of monkeys, such as chimpanzees, gorillas, or orangutans. Each species has unique features.

Now go have fun and draw your own amazing monkey! Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process.