Armadillos are amazing little creatures with tough shells and cute faces! Have you ever wanted to draw one? In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to draw an armadillo in just a few simple steps. Grab your pencil, and let’s get started!
Why Draw an Armadillo?
Armadillos are unique animals that look like tiny, armored tanks! Their name means “little armored one” in Spanish. With their tough shells and cute snouts, they are fun to draw and even more fun to learn about. Let’s begin!
Materials:
- a piece of paper
- a pencil for the guiding lines and sketching
- an eraser
- a black sharpie or a pen for the outlines
- markers or colored pencils for coloring
- our printable drawing guide (Join my Email List below to get this Tutorial)
Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!
- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
15 minutes.
How to Draw an Armadillo — Let’s get started!
Step 1 – Start with the Head Shape
Begin by drawing a small curved shape. This will be the base of the armadillo’s head. It should look like a slightly tilted oval.
Tip: Draw lightly so you can erase and adjust as needed!
Step 2 – Add the Ears and Snout
Next, sketch two pointy ears on top of the head. Then, add a small oval shape for the snout.
Fun Fact: Did you know that armadillos have a great sense of smell? They use it to find food underground!
Step 3 – Draw the Mouth
Now, add a curved line for the mouth underneath the snout.
Tip: Make the mouth slightly curved to give your armadillo a friendly expression!
Step 4 – Outline the Face, Add the Eye, and Details
Refine the shape of the face by making it smoother. Then, draw a small dot or circle for the eye, add a small line for the nostril, and a dot near the eye for extra detail.
Fun Fact: Armadillos have poor eyesight, but their sense of smell helps them navigate!
Step 5 – Draw the Body
Time to add the body! Start by sketching a large rounded shape behind the head. This will be the shell of the armadillo.
Fun Fact: An armadillo’s shell is made of bony plates called “scutes” that help protect them from predators!
Step 6 – Add the Shell’s Sections
To make the shell look realistic, draw a few curved lines across it. These will show the different segments of the shell.
Tip: Make sure the lines follow the shape of the body to create a natural look.
Step 7 – Sketch the Tail
Draw a long, slightly curved tail extending from the back of the shell. The tail should taper towards the end.
Fun Fact: Unlike some animals with armored backs, armadillos have flexible shells that allow them to move easily!
Step 8 – Add the Legs and Feet
Finally, draw four short legs beneath the body. Each leg should have small, curved claws at the end.
Fun Fact: Armadillos have strong claws that help them dig burrows in the ground!
Step 9 – Color Your Drawing!
Your armadillo is now complete! The last step is to bring it to life with color. Armadillos are usually brown, gray, or reddish, so grab your colored pencils and shade it in!
Tip: Add some shading under the legs and shell to make your drawing look more 3D.
Pin it now, Draw later!
Fun Facts About Armadillos!
- Armadillos can roll into a ball to protect themselves from danger! But only the three-banded armadillo can fully roll up like this.
- They are great diggers! Armadillos dig tunnels to sleep in, escape predators, and find food.
- Some armadillos can hold their breath for up to six minutes while swimming! They use their strong claws to paddle across water.
- There are about 21 species of armadillos, but only one lives in the United States! The nine-banded armadillo is the most common.
- Armadillos can jump straight up when startled! This helps them avoid predators.
- They have a low body temperature, which makes them more susceptible to cold weather. Armadillos prefer warm climates where they can stay active year-round.
Tips and Tricks for Better Drawing
- Start with simple shapes. Armadillos are made up of circles and ovals, so begin with those.
- Use light pencil strokes. This way, you can erase and fix mistakes easily.
- Look at real pictures. Studying armadillo photos will help you see how their shells and faces look.
- Experiment with shading. Try adding shadows under the armadillo to make it look more realistic.
- Draw different poses! Try sketching an armadillo walking, sleeping, or curling up into a ball.
Advanced Drawing Techniques: Making Your Armadillo Look More Realistic
Want to take your armadillo drawing to the next level? Here are some advanced techniques:
- Shading and Textures
Add small, light pencil strokes along the shell to create a rough texture.
Use shading on the legs and underside to give your drawing depth.
Try cross-hatching (crisscrossing lines) for added texture on the armored shell.
- Adding More Detail to the Shell
Armadillo shells have small plates called scutes. Draw tiny curved lines to mimic these.
Use a blending tool or tissue to soften shading and make it look more natural.
- Drawing Fur and Skin Details
Armadillos have some sparse fur on their bellies. Add short, fine lines near the underside.
Use small dots and fine lines to show wrinkles and folds in their skin.
Fun Drawing Challenge!
- Now that you’ve drawn an armadillo, let’s take it to the next level! Here are some fun challenges you can try:
- Create a cartoon armadillo. Give it big, expressive eyes and a playful smile.
- Draw a family of armadillos. Try sketching a baby armadillo next to its parent.
- Make a background. Draw your armadillo in its natural habitat, like a forest or a desert.
- Add colors and textures. Use colored pencils or markers to make the shell look detailed and realistic.
Great job! You’ve just learned how to draw an adorable armadillo. We hope you had fun following this tutorial. Drawing is a fantastic way to express creativity and improve your skills.
Want to learn more? Check out our other fun drawing guides for different animals, characters, and landscapes. Don’t forget to share your artwork with your friends and family!
Join the Fun! If you’re proud of your drawing, take a picture and share it on social media using #EmilyDrawing. We’d love to see your amazing work!
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