How to Draw a Llama – A Fun Step-by-Step Llama Drawing

Everybody remembers The Emperor’s New Groove where Emperor Kuzko was transformed into a talking llama! Well, today you are going to be drawing that llama! Llamas are more similar to how humans act than one might think. For example, when a llama is angry at another llama, they stick out their tongues to express their dislike. They are also known to spit at any unwanted threats. Before we get sidetracked even more, let us get going with our tutorial on how to draw a llama! 

An Easy Guide on How to Draw a Llama Step-by-Step

Our drawing tutorial on how to draw a llama will take you through a detailed guide to creating a realistic llama sketch. Our easy guide consists of 13 step-by-step instructions on how to draw a llama and make it look spectacular! Our drawing tutorial will give you the necessary tool so you can create an easy llama drawing. The below llama sketch collage illustrates the steps you will take to create a beautiful llama drawing. 

Step 1: Draw the Body of Your Llama Sketch 

Begin your easy llama drawing by drawing a large horizontal oval that will represent the main body of your llama. On the right-hand side of the main body, draw a vertical oval which will represent the rear end of the llama’s body. Continue to draw the head on the left-hand side of the main body. This will be represented by a small vertical oval. 

Step 2: Begin to Outline the Body 

To create a more realistic outline for your llama drawing, you will make use of the previously constructed lines to guide you. Connect the head to the main body and rear end by drawing a curving neckline. 

Step 3: Draw the Legs 

Draw the two front legs, with one being partially visible. Add in the two rear legs with both of them having a slight bend. 

Step 4: Draw the Head of Your Llama Sketch 

Within the head, begin to draw the facial features of your llama drawing. Draw the mouth, nostrils, eyes, and sharp ears. Continue by outlining the entire facial structure to create a more realistic shape. Finish this step by drawing the hooves on each foot. 

Once completed, you may erase any unnecessary construction lines. 

Step 5: Add the First Color Coat 

With a regular brush and a bright shade of brown paint, evenly coat the entirety of your easy llama drawing. 

Step 6: Add the Secondary Color Coat 

In this step, we are going to color blend several coats. Begin by using a small, soft brush and tan paint, and add soft patches along the main body, legs, and face. Repeat this step using dark brown and black paint. Make use of a clean brush to smoothen the areas and create a more natural color blend. 

Step 7: Texture the Legs 

Select a fine, sharp brush and black paint, and begin painting fine hairline brushstrokes to the legs and along the curvature of the main body. Repeat this step using gray, white, and light brown paint to create a fuller fur coat.

Make sure there are spaces between the individually painted brushstrokes, as this will create a more natural and realistic look to the fur on your llama drawing.  

Step 8: Texture the Main Body on Your Llama Sketch 

Use the same brush as previously and a combination of white, black, tan, and gray, and paint fine hairlines brushstrokes along the entire body of your llama drawing. 

Step 9: Texture the Head 

Repeat the process done in step seven, and individually paint the fur coat onto the head and ears of your easy llama drawing. 

Step 10: Complete the Face of Your Llama Drawing 

Use a fine, sharp brush and black paint, and enhance the facial features such as the eyes, mouth, and nostrils. Repeat using a small, soft brush and gray paint, and add a realistic skin texture to the nostrils. With a fine brush and white paint, lightly color the teeth and the hooves. Complete this step by adding soft shadows along the knees and each hoove on the llama. 

Step 11: Add Fur to Your Easy Llama Drawing 

With a fine brush and the corresponding colors, add hairline brushstrokes that will overlap the llama outline. This will create a realistic and furry shape, and will help avoid a normal “cut-out” look. 

Step 12: Add a Ground Shadow 

Paint a soft shadow directly underneath the llama drawing with a soft brush and black paint. Select a clean brush and smooth out the edges of the shadow to create a realistic fade. 

Step 13: Finalize Your Easy Llama Drawing 

This is the last step you will take to finalize your llama drawing! Begin by selecting a fine brush and the corresponding colors, and trace your entire llama outline. This will remove any unnecessary construction lines and you will be left with a flawless llama drawing! 

Way to go! You just did an awesome job completing your llama drawing. We hope you had fun during the course of today’s drawing tutorial, and that you have also learned something you didn’t know before. We have plenty of other drawing tutorials available at your disposal for you to enjoy. We can’t wait to see what you draw next! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to Draw a Llama Step-by-Step? 

Drawing a llama is easy when you break down the process into digestible bits. Creating basic shapes and proper construction lines will guide you in creating a realistic llama outline. Follow along with our how-to draw a llama and we will take you step-by-step to create a realistic llama. 

How Do You Color in the Different Features of a Llama?

One of the best ways to color in the features of your llama drawing is to have different color combinations. These color combinations will result in different effects. For example, blending colors will enhance the textures, highlights, and shadows of your llama drawing. 

Matthew Matthysen( Drawing and Painting Artist )

Matthew Matthysen is an educated multidisciplinary artist and illustrator. He successfully completed his art degree at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, majoring in art history and contemporary drawing. The focus of his thesis was to explore the philosophical implications of the macro and micro-universe on the human experience. Matthew uses diverse media, such as written and hands-on components, to explore various approaches that are on the border between philosophy and science.

Matthew organized various exhibitions before and during his years as a student and is still passionate about doing so today. He currently works as a freelance artist and writer in various fields. He also has a permanent position at a renowned online gallery (ArtGazette) where he produces various works on commission. As a freelance artist, he creates several series and successfully sells them to galleries and collectors. He loves to use his work and skills in various fields of interest.

Matthew has been creating drawing and painting tutorials since the relaunch in 2020. Through his involvement with artincontext.org, he has been able to deepen his knowledge of various painting mediums. For example, watercolor techniques, calligraphy and lately digital drawing, which is becoming more and more popular.

Learn more about Matthew Matthysen and the Art in Context Team.