Squirrels are perfect subjects for outdoor sketches, whether they're darting up trees, clutching nuts in their delicate paws, or lounging in the lush grass as they ponder the location of their hidden treasures.
In this section, we’ll guide you through creating the squirrel illustration shown above. You can either sketch freehand while referencing your screen or print this page for a detailed view of each step.
Trace the red lines in every illustration to understand precisely what to sketch in each step. Previous steps are highlighted in gray. Each step includes a visual guide followed by a detailed explanation to assist you in the drawing process.
1. Sketch the Body

Start by drawing a kidney-bean shape for the torso and a teardrop shape for the head. Include a thick, backward-curving question-mark shape to represent the tail.
2. Incorporate Arms and Legs

Sketch the shapes for the legs and arms. On the following page, we’ll add facial features and complete the fluffy tail.
3. Detail the Eyes, Ears, and Tail

Sketch ovals to represent the ears and eyes. Ensure you include intricate details in the eyes and ears. Don’t forget to add the nose and teeth for a complete look.
Incorporate curved lines to define the paws, eyebrows, and mouth. Add finer details to the arms and legs. Draw hair on the head and enhance the tail to give it a bushy appearance.
4. Outline and Clean Up

Use a felt-tip pen to carefully trace the lines you wish to preserve in your drawing, then erase any unnecessary pencil marks. That’s it! If desired, add some color to your squirrel sketch to bring it to life.
If you’re eager for more, proceed to the next page to hone your drawing skills by learning how to draw a chicken.
Explore all our How to Draw articles for more creative inspiration.
