How to draw Appa, a bison from Avatar

Last Updated on May 14, 2026

Have you ever been captivated by the majestic presence of Appa, the flying bison from the renowned series Avatar: The Last Airbender? If so, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process of learning how to draw Appa, ensuring that by the end, you’ll have a masterpiece to be proud of.

Understanding Appa’s Unique Design

• Hybrid Creature: Appa is a fascinating blend of a bison and a manatee, giving him a distinct appearance that sets him apart from other creatures in the Avatar universe.
• Symbolic Markings: The broad brown arrow on Appa’s back isn’t just for show. It’s a symbol of airbending mastery, inspired by the markings on the flying bison.
• Facial Expressions: Appa’s face often conveys a range of emotions, from joy and playfulness to fear and determination. Capturing these expressions is key to bringing him to life.
• Companions: While focusing on Appa, consider adding other characters like Momo or even Aang to give context and depth to your drawing.

Decoding the Drawing Guide

Before diving into the drawing process, it’s essential to understand the color-coded guidelines that will assist you:

• Red Color: Represents the current step you should be focusing on.
• Black Color: Showcases the lines you’ve previously drawn.
• Grey Color: Indicates the basic sketch, helping you get the proportions right.

This guide comprises 11 steps. The initial step is all about creating the foundational sketch using light pencil strokes. As you progress, you’ll refine and detail your drawing. Once you reach the final stage, you have the option to ink your sketch. Remember to wait for the ink to dry before erasing the pencil lines to prevent smudging. The concluding image showcases a colored version of Appa, serving as a color reference for those looking to add vibrancy to their artwork.

Step 01

Step 02

Step 03

Step 04

Step 05

Step 06

Step 07

Step 08

Step 09

Step 10

Step 11

Now that you know how to draw Appa, a bison who carries the whole Avatar gang across the sky, you might be glad to hear that more characters from the series are coming to the site. Aang, Momo, and some of the show’s other memorable faces are on the drawing list, so there’s more Avatar content ahead. Sign up for the weekly digest using the form at the top of the page, or follow SketchOk on Pinterest and Facebook to catch new guides as they go up.

About the Author

Ilnur

Vector illustrator and the creator of Sketchok.com and TheHowToDraw.com. I publish free step-by-step drawing tutorials to help people of all levels learn to draw.