tutorial:

Crocodile Drawing

how to draw a crocodile

We will cover the basic elements, using construction shapes and lines to build the shape. We will then move on to creating the final outline, adding textures, and finally creating realistic coloring.

creating a crocodile drawing

STEP 1: create the main body

To represent the basic shape of the crocodile’s torso, you can use a very long and narrow oval shape.

step 2: shaping the head

We are now going to draw the base shape for the head of your crocodile drawing. Draw a fairly small circle on the left of the main body oval shape.

STEP 3: shaping the snout

Now that we have the head shape in place, we can use it as a base for the snout. We are drawing the jaws of the crocodile open.

step 4: drawing the neck

Begin with the top neckline, creating a smooth curve from the top of the head circle onto the top of the main body oval.

STEP 5: outlining the tail

Begin to draw the tail starting at the top right end of the main body oval. Curve the line down and back to create a long tail.

step 6: drawing the front leg

Draw a line that overlaps the main body and curves back and down. Create a webbed foot with five toes, connecting to the neckline with a small curved line.

STEP 7: shaping the back leg

Use a similar shape to the front leg, but take the thigh much further up into the back curve of the main body oval.

step 8: outlining the drawing

For the entire top outline of the body, draw a spikey line, with spikes that become larger as you move down towards the end of the tail.

STEP 9: CREATING SCALE TEXTURE

We are going to create this scaley texture with a few different marks. These scales should be drawn one at a time, which may be a time-consuming process but the final result will be worth it.

step 10: APPLY THE BASE COAT

Use a light gray shade and a regular brush (or pen if you are a graphic artist) to fill the entire body of your crocodile drawing.

STEP 11: contouring the shape

Use a light touch of black paint and a soft blending brush to contour the structure of the crocodile’s body.

step 12: ADDING MORE SHADING

Use a regular brush and some black paint to apply a second layer of darker shading along the contoured areas.

STEP 13: add HIGHLIGHTS AND DETAILS

Add some black shading at the back of the mouth. Next, take a small fine brush and add a touch of white paint to each of the teeth, around the face and jaw outlines, and on the tip of the nose.

step 14: DETAILS AND STRUCTURE

With a blending brush and your green paint, carefully add the second layer of green throughout the body from the head to the tip of the tail.

STEP 15: FINISHING THE DRAWING

This final step is optional, but it creates a more seamless finish. All you need to do is erase any visible outline by tracing them with the corresponding color at each point.