How to Draw an Alligator

In this beginner’s lesson, we are going to learn how to draw an alligator with your drawing materials. Pay attention to the various sizes and shapes of each part of the alligator. The pencil lines in each step is made of blue so you can see the most recent shapes that you will be illustrating.

Time Needed: 30 minutes

1. Start Forming The Head

   

   Start by forming the upper part of the alligator’s head as shown.

2. Next Draw The Bottom Jaw

   

   Next, draw the shape of its bottom jaw attached to the upper part of its head.

3. Add The Face

   

   Now, draw the circular outline of its eye. Then, draw a small dot for its nostril.

4. Draw The Teeth

   

   Draw its sharp, pointed teeth by forming zigzag lines inside its mouth.

5. Outline The Body

   

   Outline the elongated shape of its body by drawing two curvy lines.

6. Attach The Tail

   

   Form the pointed shape of its tail attached to the end of its body. Emphasize the dorsal crests along its tail by adding a zigzag line on the upper part of the tail.

7. Add The Legs

   

   Draw the shape of the alligator’s legs attached to the bottom part of its body. Then, form its sharp, clawed feet connected to the end of its legs similar to the illustration. Make sure to erase parts of the body that overlap with the legs.

8. Outline The Underbelly

   

   Draw the outline of its underbelly by making a line following the shape of its body.

9. Complete The Alligator Drawing

   

   Let’s add some color to our drawing of an alligator! First, fill the eye with a black crayon and add a small shiny spot using a white crayon. Now, shade its sharp teeth using a white crayon. Next, color the underbelly with a light brown crayon. Then, shade the rest of its body using a brown crayon.