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Detailed Instructions on How to Draw an Elephant’s Head

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw an elephant’s head in side view, this guide will help you break it down into simple steps. Elephants are majestic animals with distinctive features that make them a fascinating subject to draw. Let’s go through their details step by step.

Key Features of an Elephant’s Head

  • Large, fan-shaped ears that dominate the side profile.
  • A long, textured trunk with subtle curves and wrinkles.
  • Curved tusks protruding from the sides of the mouth.
  • Small, expressive eyes.
  • Thick skin with visible wrinkles.

After completing this elephant head drawing, you might enjoy sketching other animals like lions and wolves to build a wildlife-themed collection. Or check the guides for the elephant front view drawings – head and full body.

Step-by-Step Guide and Color Guidelines

  • Red Color: Highlights the step you are currently working on.
  • Black Color: Represents the lines you’ve already completed in earlier steps.
  • Grey Color: Shows the basic sketch framework.

These color-coded instructions will help you stay on track and make the drawing process straightforward and clear.

Step 1: This guide has 13 steps, and we’ll start by creating a basic sketch in the first two steps. Use light pencil lines for easy erasing later. In this step, draw a circle as the base of the elephant’s head. Add a curved horizontal line through the center of the circle. From the bottom right side, sketch the general shape of the trunk, keeping it loose and not too defined.

Before You Get Started

Quick note: aside from this step-by-step guide, I also offer Printable Coloring Pages that might spark fresh ideas or simply help you unwind. Feel free to check them out if you’re looking for extra creative fun!


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How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 1, drawing the base circle and trunk shape

Step 2: Continue shaping the elephant’s head by adding a small mark slightly right of the circle’s center on the horizontal line to indicate the eye position. Then, as shown in the image, sketch basic lines at the bottom of the circle to outline the tusk.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 2, marking the eye and sketching tusk lines

Step 3: Using the basic sketch as a guide, more clearly define the shape of the tusk.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 3, defining the tusk shape

Step 4: Add the outline of the elephant’s head, focusing on the side and back portion up to the ear, as shown in the image.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 4, outlining the side and back of the head

Step 5: Draw the top part of the head, including the elephant’s forehead. Then add several curved lines to depict the front part of the trunk, extending to where it overlaps the tusk. Use these lines for texture.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 5, adding the forehead and trunk lines

Step 6: Continue outlining the elephant’s trunk, using angular lines to depict the front part and its skin’s texture, while smoothly outlining the rest.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 6, outlining the trunk and texture

Step 7: Add several simple curved lines inside the circle to further define the shape of the head. Also, include a crescent-shaped line above the eye mark to show the form around the eye.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 7, adding lines to shape the head and eye area

Step 8: In the area where we marked the eye, draw a semicircle peeking from under the crescent line, leaving a small uncolored area for the highlight. Add lines to indicate the upper and lower eyelids, and a few more lines above for the forehead and temple area.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 8, drawing the eye and adding details for eyelids, forehead, and temple

Step 9: Begin drawing the elephant’s ear by extending the line from the top of the head and forehead, curving it leftward and downward to form the upper part of the ear.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 9, starting the ear from the head and forehead line

Step 10: Complete the ear outline by adding the lower part and a curved arc on the upper section for shape. Add a series of lines on the lower part to indicate folds.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 10, finishing the ear outline and adding folds

Step 11: Add a few simple lines on the ear’s upper part to show shape and folds. To the right of the ear line, add another line along the head for form. Add a line on the tusk for detail, and a few slightly curved lines on the trunk’s lower part for texture.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 11, adding lines for ear folds, head form, tusk detail, and trunk texture

Step 12: At this stage, we have created the side view drawing of an elephant’s head. Carefully erase the basic sketch lines from the first two steps and refine any details that need adjustments, removing any excess lines and smudges.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 12, refining and cleaning up the sketch

Step 13: This concludes our guide on how to draw an elephant’s head side view. You can optionally color your drawing. I used a brownish earthy color for the entire drawing and added some shading. Feel free to use your own colors or follow the example provided.

How to draw an elephant's head side view, step 13, finishing touches and coloring options

Bravo on Completing the Steps!

Ready to unwind? SketchOk's Coloring Pages Collection is a great way to de-stress and add a splash of color to your day. Feel free to explore and experiment!

When your elephant head drawing is complete, be sure to share it in the comments section of our pinned Pinterest post. Showcasing your artwork is a great way to connect with other artists!

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