How to Draw a Plains Zebra

Finished plains zebra drawing with bold stripes and realistic appearance.

In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to draw a plains zebra. This guide continues our main zebra drawing tutorial and shows this particular species.

Unlike the original tutorial, this version uses a slightly different drawing style, and the final shading is much simpler.

How to draw a plains zebra step by step

Step 1: Sketch the basic forms

Begin by outlining the main forms of the plains zebra with circles and simple lines. Place two large circles for the torso and a smaller one above it for the head. Connect these shapes with short, smooth lines. Mark the legs with long lines that curve slightly at the joints. Keep the front pair straighter and give the hind pair more noticeable angles.

Sketching the plains zebra with circles and simple leg guidelines.

Step 2: Shape the plains zebra’s head

Now, sketch the zebra’s head by drawing a truncated cone for the muzzle, with its wider end following the front of the head. Add the ears as two narrow triangular shapes placed close together. Then outline the large neck, which tapers smoothly as it approaches the head.

Shaping the plains zebra’s muzzle, ears, and tapered neck.

Step 3: Outline the torso shape

Connect the large torso shapes with two curved lines. The lower contour should curve more noticeably to form the belly. Next, draw the upright mane running from the top of the plains zebra’s head to the point where the neck meets the back. Form its outer edge with short vertical lines.

Outlining the plains zebra’s torso, belly, back, and upright mane.

Step 4: Draw the plains zebra’s front legs

The head and body now form a clear plains zebra silhouette. Continue the basic sketch by outlining the front legs around the guidelines from the first step. Give them smooth contours that narrow toward the hooves.

Drawing the plains zebra’s slender front legs with tapered contours.

Step 5: Sketch the hind legs

The hind legs of a plains zebra are larger and more powerful than the front legs. Use the large rear oval and the guidelines from the first step to outline them. Make each leg broad near the body and narrower toward the bottom. Indicate the joints with small bends along the contours.

Adding the plains zebra’s powerful hind legs and visible joints.

Step 6: Finish the zebra’s legs

Complete the lower parts of the legs and draw small, rounded hooves. Their placement should support the plains zebra’s standing pose. Add the tail at the back of the body, finishing it with a small tuft.

Finishing the plains zebra’s rounded hooves and tufted tail.

Step 7: Refine the zebra’s face

Begin refining the animal by drawing the zebra’s face in detail. Draw the visible eye near the center of the head. Indicate the far eye with a short angular line near the outer edge. Add the nostrils, mouth, and inner ear details.

Refining the plains zebra’s eyes, nostrils, mouth, and ears.

Step 8: Clean the outlines

Erase the construction lines that are no longer needed. Check the contours of the head, torso, and legs, correcting any uneven areas before continuing. Trace the final outlines with darker, cleaner pencil lines. Keep the smaller facial details clear.

Cleaning the plains zebra sketch and darkening the final contours.

Step 9: Add the zebra stripes

Draw the plains zebra’s striped pattern across the head and body. Vary the width, direction, and spacing of the stripes to make the pattern look natural. Use light, smooth hatching to create the stripes.