How to draw a meerkat

Meerkats are small, adorable mammals that are native to the southern parts of Africa. Known for their inquisitive nature and sense of community, meerkats have become a popular subject for artists of all skill levels. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to capture their charm on paper, this step-by-step guide is for you.

Step 1: Gather your materials

Before you start drawing a meerkat, make sure you have the right tools. You will need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper or a sketchbook. You may also want to have some colored pencils or markers on hand to add a touch of realism to your drawing.

Step 2: Sketch the basic shapes

Begin by lightly sketching the basic shapes that make up the meerkat’s body. Start with a slightly rounded head, followed by a curvy line for the back. Add a long oval shape for the body, making sure it is slightly curved to give the meerkat a hunched posture. Then, draw four short lines below the body to represent the legs.

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Step 3: Add the details

Now that the basic shapes are in place, it’s time to add some details. Start by drawing two large circles for the eyes, and add a small dot in each eye to represent the pupils. Then, draw a small triangular shape for the nose, and add a horizontal line to divide the face in half. Next, t

Step by step guide for drawing a meerkat

Drawing a meerkat may seem challenging, but with the right steps, anyone can create a beautiful illustration. Follow along with this guide to learn how to draw a meerkat from scratch.

Step 1:

Start by drawing an oval shape for the meerkat’s head. Then, add two curved lines for the body shape.

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Step 2:

Add two small pointed ears on top of the head and draw an oval shape for the snout.

Step 3:

Next, draw two circles for the eyes and add small curved lines inside for the pupils.

Step 4:

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Draw a smiling mouth by extending a curved line from each side of the snout. Add small lines at the ends for the whiskers.

Step 5:

Now, add two small rectangles for the meerkat’s front legs and two curved lines for the back legs.

Step 6:

Draw small lines at the ends of the legs to create the feet. Add detailing by drawing small curved lines on the legs and body.

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Step 7:

Finally, erase any unnecessary lines and add color to your meerkat drawing. Meerkats are typically brown or gray with lighter colors on their bellies.

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With these easy-to-follow steps, you can now draw a meerkat that looks lively and adorable. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try again if you’re not fully satisfied with your first attempt. Happy drawing!

Materials you will need

Before you start drawing a meerkat, make sure you have the following materials on hand:

1. Pencil

A pencil will be your primary tool for sketching the initial outlines of the meerkat. Opt for a HB or 2B pencil for best results.

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2. Eraser

An eraser is essential for making corrections and cleaning up your artwork. Choose a soft eraser that won’t damage the paper.

3. Paper

Use a high-quality drawing paper or sketchbook to create your meerkat drawing. The paper should have a smooth surface to easily capture fine details.

4. Reference Image

Having a reference image of a meerkat will help you understand the anatomy and specific features of this animal. You can find reference images online or in wildlife magazines.

These are the basic materials you will need to get started on your meerkat drawing. Depending on your preferred drawing style, you can also add colored pencils, markers, or paints to bring your meerkat to life.

Step 1: Sketch the basic shape

To start drawing a meerkat, begin by sketching the basic shape of its body. Use light and loose lines to create an outline. The body of a meerkat is slightly elongated, resembling an oval shape. The head is small and round, attached to the body. Remember to leave room for the ears and tail.

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Pro tip: It may be helpful to look at reference images or use a picture as a guide while sketching the basic shape. This will help you to capture the correct proportions and make your final drawing more accurate.

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Remember to keep your lines light and flexible to make any necessary modifications later on.

Step 2: Add the facial features

Now that we have the basic shape of the meerkat’s head, let’s add some facial features to bring it to life.

1. Start by drawing two small circles for the eyes. Place them slightly above the horizontal line we drew earlier.

2. Within each eye, draw a smaller oval shape for the iris, leaving a small uncolored circle in the top left corner to represent the glare.

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3. Draw a rounded triangle shape above the eyes for the nose. Remember to leave some space between the eyes and the nose.

4. Add two small rounded triangles on top of the head for the meerkat’s ears. Position them slightly tilted backward.

5. Within the nose shape, draw a tiny oval for the nostrils.

6. Use short lines to indicate the whisker holes on both sides of the nose.

Next, we’ll move on to add the meerkat’s body and fur. Stay tuned!

Step 3: Bring your meerkat to life with details

Now that you have sketched the basic shape of the meerkat, it’s time to add some details to make it come to life. This is where you can really have fun and showcase your creativity!

Facial features

Start by adding the meerkat’s facial features. Draw two small circles for the eyes, leaving a small gap between them. Within each circle, draw a smaller circle for the pupils. Next, draw a small triangular nose below the eyes, and add a curved line for the mouth. Don’t forget to draw some cute little whiskers!

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Body details

Now let’s add some details to the meerkat’s body. Draw small ovals for the ears on top of its head. You can also draw some short, curved lines to represent the fur on the meerkat’s chest and tummy. For the legs and paws, draw long, slender lines and small ovals at the ends to create a realistic look.

A meerkat is known for standing on its hind legs, so feel free to add this detail as well. Draw two short, curved lines at the base of the meerkat’s body, slightly angled outward, and connect them at the bottom with a flat line to create the hind legs.

Pattern and coloring

To make your meerkat even more unique, add some patterns to its fur. You can draw small, irregular shapes or dots all over its body, or even incorporate some stripes. Be creative and have fun!

When it comes to coloring your meerkat, most meerkats have sandy-colored fur. You can use a light brown or tan color for the fur, and a slightly darker shade for the patterns. Don’t forget to color the eyes black and the nose pinkish-brown.

Tips: Warnings:
  • Take your time with the details and don’t rush.
  • Refer to reference images for inspiration.
  • Use a variety of pencil stroke techniques to create texture.
  • Experiment with different patterns and colors to bring your meerkat to life.
  • Avoid pressing too hard with your pencil, as it may be difficult to erase any mistakes.
  • Be careful not to smudge your drawing, especially if you’re using charcoal or pastels.
  • Consider setting a fixative spray on your drawing to prevent smudging.
  • Keep your workspace clean and organized to avoid any accidents.

Harrison Clayton
Harrison Clayton

Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.

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