Drawing a Hippo: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial
Are you looking to create a masterpiece of a hippo but have no idea where to start? This easy step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of drawing a hippo, from creating the shape of its main body to applying color and shading.
Creating the Shape of the Main Body
To start off, draw the body shape of the hippo with a pencil. Begin with a large oval, which will be the main body, and draw two smaller ovals at the bottom for the feet.
Connect them with curved lines to create the basic shape.
Drawing the Hippo Head Foundation
Hippos heads are relatively large in proportion to their bodies. To create the head foundation, draw a small circle at the upper right-hand corner of the main body oval.
This circle represents the front of the head. Connect the circle to the main oval by drawing the line of the neck which merges with the main body shape.
Time to Draw the Hippos Nose
The hippos nose is as big as its head. Draw a larger circle a few inches below the small circle which represents the front of the head.
This larger circle will serve as the base of the nose. Draw a straight line as a guide for the hippo’s snout leading from this circle to the head of the building that will serve as the hippos face.
Shaping the Hippo Ears
Hippos have small ears, but they are quite visible when youre figuring out how to draw them. Locate the small ears near the back of the head by drawing two lines coming out of the top of the head, perpendicular to it, and finish it off with two small semi-circles.
Drawing the Hippos Necklines
Draw two necklines on the upper section of the head next to the ear, to complete the head shape.
Outlining the Front Leg Shape
Next, draw the front legs, which are not too difficult to create. The front legs are just two oscillated-shaped lines coming down from the middle of the body shape.
Creating the Shape of the Back Legs and Tail
To create the back legs and tail, draw two more oscillated shapes from the back part of the body and connect them with an elongated “S” shaped length. This will form the tail.
How to Draw a Hippo Easy Outline
Now that we have all the basic shapes and outlines in place, draw the hippo’s outline and make sure everything is in proportion. This is the time to refine and fine-tune your work.
Adding Textural Details to Your Hippo Sketch
Once the easy outline is done, it’s time to add some textural details to make your hippo drawing more realistic. Remember, hippos have thick and rough-looking skin.
To achieve this look, create texture lines and intersecting lines horizontally where there’s the most shadow.
Applying the First Coat of Color
The next step is to apply the first coat of acrylic paint to your hippo drawing. This base coat helps to give your drawing more depth and realism.
Add some shades of grey or light brown but dont apply it too thickly.
Adding the Second Color Coat
After the first coat has dried, its time to add the second coat to your hippo. This time, use darker shades of grey and brown to apply it on the hippos body and parts closest to the shadow areas, like the hippo’s limbs, under the chin and under the jawline.
Contouring the Body Shape
Now that youve applied the second coat of acrylic paint, contour the body shape, using a lighter shade of grey to create the impression of muscles and a more three-dimensional look. Contour the neck, underbelly, and hips.
This will create depth and make your drawing look more realistic.
Adding the Third Color Coat
Once the body contours have been drawn, its time to add the third coat of paint. This time, use a medium shade of grey and brown, focusing on the areas where the hippo has the most hair, like its hair-tip ears, hair-covered areas under the neck and chin, and fuzzy joint parts.
Adding the Final Shading Layer
After the third coat of paint has dried, its time to add the final shading layer. Using the tips of the paintbrush with dark grey and brown, highlight the areas of the coat that lines up with where the shadows stand.
Crafting Dimension with Highlight Shades
To heighten the realistic appeal of your work, use highlight shades to craft depth. Use a lighter color than the base coat to create little dots or small shaded lines, highlighting where the light hits the hippo drawing, like on the nose areas, and forehead.
In conclusion, with the aid of this easy step-by-step tutorial, you now have a grasp on how to draw a hippo effortlessly, whether it be for fun or artistic purposes. Happy drawing!
Tips for Drawing a Realistic Hippoto Hippos
Hippos are one of the most well-known animals in African wildlife, known for their huge size, strong jaws, and protective nature. When learning how to draw these animals, it’s crucial to understand their unique characteristics and physical features.
The Danger of Hippos
Although hippos may appear docile, they are actually quite aggressive and dangerous. These animals have been known to attack boats and humans that come too close to their territory.
Therefore, it is essential to respect these animals and observe them from a safe distance when in the wild.
Construction Shapes and Lines
To begin drawing a hippo, it’s crucial to start with the right construction shapes and lines. Use basic shapes such as ovals, circles, and lines to guide your sketch.
This will help to create the foundation of the animal’s body while maintaining its proportional accuracy and symmetry.
Choosing a Medium
When creating a realistic hippo drawing, choosing the right medium is essential. The best mediums to use for drawing a hippo include pencils, colored pencils, graphite, and charcoal.
The medium you choose will affect how you produce both light and dark tones and the level of detail you can achieve.
Finalizing Your Hippo Sketch
After the hippos main body structure is in place, its time to add in the final touches and details to make it look more realistic. Observe reference images of hippos to take note of the skin texture, patterns, hair and wrinkles found on their bodies.
Consider using a blending tool for smoother skin tones. Also, don’t forget to include parts of the surroundings in your hippo sketch to create context, whether its water plants, trees, or the ground.
FAQ on Drawing a Hippo
Is Learning How to Draw a Hippo Easy? Learning how to draw a hippo can be challenging, especially for beginners.
However, with practice, you can perfect your skills over time by following step-by-step tutorials, attending art classes and workshops and viewing examples of other artists. How do You Draw a Hippo Head?
Drawing a hippo head is similar to drawing the rest of the hippo’s body. Begin by sketching out the basic head shape, including the nose and ears.
Add in the eyes and facial features, then use light shading to bring the hippo head to life. Keep in mind that the head is one of the most prominent characteristics of the animal, so take care to get it right.
In Conclusion
When drawing a realistic hippo, consider elements such as proportion, texture, shade, and detail. Always study the fundamental structure and features of the animal before proceeding.
Remember that good results are achieved with patience and diligence and always try to incorporate your own creative style to achieve an unique and customized piece of art. Learning how to draw a realistic hippo can be a fun yet challenging experience.
When embarking on this task, it’s essential to take the time to study the fundamental structure, shape, and features of these distinct animals, keeping in mind that they are dangerous creatures in the wild. Construction shapes and lines will guide your sketch, and choosing the right drawing medium, such as pencils or charcoal pencils, can impact the realism of the final result.
Finally, once the main outline is complete, finalizing the sketch with attention to texture, shade, and detail will ultimately bring the hippo to life. Remember to practice, be patient, and incorporate your unique creative style to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.