How To Draw An Ape Step By Step

Do you want to draw your own monkey? In this tutorial I will show you how to draw one step by step from scratch. We'll sketch the pose, and then we'll add body volume, the details of the face, and all the fur. No special skills required—the instructions will be very simple!

1. How to Draw a Monkey's Pose

Step 1

Draw two circles, one smaller and one bigger, connected with a curve. This will be a base for the shape of the main body.

Step 2

Connect both circles with curves following the rhythm of the middle curve.

Step 3

Sketch the branch under the monkey. Put it low enough to leave space for long monkey limbs.

Step 4

Add some guide lines in the front of the body: a line showing that the front is turned slightly towards us, and a line for the clavicles.

Step 5

Draw the forelimbs with very long forearms and hands.

Step 6

Draw the hind limbs with long calves and feet.

Step 7

Add a circle for the head.

Step 8

Put a cross on this spherical surface to find the direction of the head.

Step 9

Sketch the long tail.

2. How to Draw a Monkey's Body

Step 1

Add volume to the thighs by drawing ovals around the "bone".

Step 2

Add volume to the arms as well.

Step 3

Draw ovals on the wrists and ankles to make them thicker.

Step 4

Connect the lower parts of the limbs with the upper parts.

Step 5

Draw simple planes for the flat parts of the hands and feet.

Step 6

Draw the long fingers and toes for the hands and feet. They both have thumbs!

Step 7

Draw a circle on the base of each finger/toe.

Step 8

Draw three ovals along each finger/toe. This will give them volume and shape.

3. How to Draw a Monkey's Head

Step 1

Draw a "mask" to create a space for eyes.

Step 2

Draw a teardrop-shaped mouth below.

Step 3

Add two circles inside the "mask".

Step 4

Draw a smile in the lower part of the muzzle.

Step 5

Draw two nose holes.

Step 6

The nose is flat, but it still has an outline. Draw it.

Step 7

Draw the rounded ears.

Step 8

Create a neck behind the head, and outline the tail to make it thicker.

4. How to Finish Your Drawing of a Monkey

We're going to finish the drawing now. If you've been drawing traditionally, use a darker medium for these final outlines, or put a new sheet of paper over the sketch.