How to Draw a Squirrel

This tutorial will show you how to draw a realistic squirrel running up a tree, complete with natural proportions, detailed fur, and volumetric shading.

In one of our previous tutorials, we already showed you how to draw a squirrel, but this version will be slightly more complicated.

How to draw a realistic squirrel step by step

Step 1: Sketch the squirrel’s framework

Even in this pose, drawing a squirrel is not difficult. Begin with a simple skeleton, just as you would when drawing a man or an animal. Draw the squirrel’s head, chest, and pelvis as ovals, then sketch the limbs and tail.

Step 2: Add volume to the squirrel

Add volume to the squirrel’s framework. First, sketch the ears. Then connect the chest and pelvis ovals to form the torso. Add volume to the limbs and draw the large, bushy tail.

Step 3: Sketch the tree and details

Use long, simple lines to sketch the tree trunk. Draw the squirrel’s eyes and muzzle, then add the toes with sharp claws.

Step 4: Refine the squirrel’s outlines

Erase the construction lines from the earlier steps. Refine the squirrel’s head with clear, dark lines. Use short strokes to outline the body and create a fluffy appearance.

Step 5: Draw the tree texture

Draw the texture of the tree trunk with clear, long, uneven lines.

Step 6: Add fur and shadows

Make the squirrel look more realistic and three-dimensional. Use short strokes to add fur, darken the paws and eyes, and apply shadows to the tree.

You have just learned how to draw a realistic squirrel running along a tree branch. If this tutorial felt a bit too challenging, try the simplified version below.

It uses the same subject but uses fewer, easier steps. It is a great way to prepare for the more detailed tutorial.

How to draw a simple squirrel

This simplified tutorial shows how to draw a squirrel using very simple and large basic shapes. You will start with simple construction circles and ovals, then add the head, paws, body, and fluffy tail. Then start refining the fur and facial details.

This tutorial showed you how to draw a squirrel in a realistic style. If you would like to practice another woodland animal, continue with drawing a chipmunk, which has a similar body shape but different markings.

You can also try drawing a fox face to practice sketching another forest animal with a completely different head shape and fur pattern.