Hello, and welcome to another 10-step tutorial! In this tutorial, we will learn how to draw a axolotl and discover some facts about these truly fascinating creatures along the way.
Axolotls are adorable creatures. The word axolotl comes from an Aztec language and means water monster. However, they look friendly as opposed to scary! They are native to Mexico.
These guys are interesting for so many reasons. For example, they have external gills that stick out from the side of their head! Additionally, they can regrow body parts such as limbs and tails. For these reason, scientists find them very fascinating to research. Unfortunately, these unique little creatures face challenges in our world today. They are classified as critically endangered due to habitat loss.
Let’s get started on the tutorial now! Find some drawing materials and keep reading for Step 1. As always, we will have visuals accompanying the written instructions. Let’s go!
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:
12 minutes.
How to Draw an Axolotl — Let’s get started!
Step 1 – Draw the axolotl’s head.
Let’s start with drawing the creature’s head. Near the middle of the page, draw an oval. This is the axolotl’s head. Did you know that, amazingly, they can regrow parts of their brain?
Step 2 – Draw the axolotl’s face!
Let’s draw the axolotl’s face! Axolotls have a permanent “smile” on their faces. It’s not that they’re always happy, but their facial structure gives them a friendly appearance.
To begin, draw a semicircle that looks like an open smile. Draw a line inside to indicate teeth.
Next, draw two dots for eyes. Great job!
Step 3 – Draw its gills!
One of the most defining features of axolotls are the gills, which extend out from its head, giving the creature such a striking appearance. Most other animals have internal gills, but not axolotls!
To start drawing the gills, make six short, slightly slanted lines—three on each side of the head. We’ll add more in the next step.
Step 4 – Add more shape to the gills.
Let’s add more volume to the gills. Draw a scalloped line encircling each line you drew in the last step. They should almost look like clouds. Make the middle ones the largest.
Check out the photo. Although, we always like to remind people that your drawing doesn’t need to look exactly like the tutorial—after all, art is supposed to be unique. Great job!
Step 5 – Start drawing the axolotl’s body!
Now, it’s time to add the body. Axolotls have four legs: two front legs and two back legs. Let’s start with the front legs. Draw a large curved line extending downwards and add four little digits.
Step 6 – Add to the body.
Let’s keep adding to the shape of the axolotl. In this step, we will draw the curve of the stomach. It’s facing to the side so we have a three-quarters view.
Draw a large curve from the right side of the head, swooping downwards to the arm we just drew.
Step 7 – Draw the rest of the legs.
Next, let’s add all the legs. You’ll want to look at the photo for this step. Basically, mimic the shape your drew for the first leg in Step 5. They should all be extending to the right side of the page since that’s the direction that its facing.
Make sure to draw four little fingers on each limb! Great job.
Step 8 – Start drawing the tail.
Axolotls have long tails that help them with steering and mobility. Draw two curved lines that merge together into a point towards the left of the page.
Great job!
Step 9 – Complete the creature’s tail!
Draw a scalloped line around the shape you just drew in Step 8. This should make the tail look very large, and almost have a similar shape as the gills.
We are referring to this as the tail but it is actually technically a dorsal fin!
Step 10 – Color in your axolotl drawing!
Axolotls are recognizable for their beautiful colors. They can be many different hues including pink, white, brown, white, and even black! That’s part of their uniqueness.
So, the world is your oyster here. Fill in your drawing however you like! Spend some time coloring in the background, too.
Pin it now, Draw later!
We hope you loved this tutorial! We have so many more animal-themed tutorials, such as a cow, pig, lion, and so many more! There are also categories such as food, holiday, and pop-culture themed tutorial. We love throwing in facts to make them each a little educational, too.
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