In just a few steps, you'll learn how to draw this alligator using graphite pencils. All the tutorials on How2DrawAnimals.com are easy to follow and great for beginners and experienced artists alike. Get art basics while sketching your favorite animals step by step. Each free tutorial on this site has a video tutorial option, as well as step-by-step photos and written text to follow along with. Have fun drawing!

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To draw this alligator step by step, follow along with the video tutorial below and pause the video after each step to go at your own pace. You may find it easier to follow the step-by-step images below the video. The new lines in each step are shown in red, so you'll know exactly what to sketch next. You may want to open the video in a new tab and use both drawing methods. Take your time and create art at your own pace.

Materials You’ll Need

Before starting, gather these basic drawing supplies:

Pencil (an HB lead pencil is best for light sketches)
Eraser
Black ink pen or marker
Drawing paper

For the first few steps, don't press down too hard with your pencil. Use light, smooth strokes to begin.

Start with Simple Lines and Shapes

Step 1: Draw two circles as guides for the alligator's body. The circles don't have to be perfect; they're just guides. Pay attention to the placement of the circles. If they are too close, the body will be short, and if they are too far apart, it will be too long. The circles should be roughly the same size, leaving enough room on either side for the head and tail.

Step 2: Draw another circle on the upper left side as a guide for the alligator's head. This circle should be just a tiny bit smaller than the first two.

Step 3: Draw two long arcs on the left side of the head as guides for the alligator's open mouth. The arcs should be thin and have a diagonal orientation. The one at the bottom should be a little bigger. Alligators have a wider snout than crocodiles, a difference that is easier to see when looking down from above.

Step 4: Draw a series of curved lines that connect the major shapes to form the alligator's body. A couple of lines in front form the neck, and a pair in the back make up the torso.

Step 5: Draw three angled lines under the body as a guide for the legs. Alligators are low to the ground, so draw the lines short. Bend them to indicate where the joints will be. The hind leg on the other side will be blocked by the body, so only draw the guide on this side.

Finish Up the "Skeleton"

Step 6: Draw two long curved lines on the right side of the body as a guide for the tail. Sketch the lines lightly at first to get the shape right. They should curve to the left and come to a point in front of the body. If you have room on your paper, you can draw the tail straight to the right instead of curved for an easier drawing.

That's it for the initial sketch! From this point on, press harder with your pencil to get a more defined look.

Now Add Details

Step 7: Draw the alligator's eye as a small circle inside the head near the top edge. Add a thick line in the middle for the slit pupil. Shade the rest of the eye except for a tiny circle to represent glare. Draw a curved line over the eye for the first part of the brow structure. Add a longer curved line over the top of the eye on the outside of the main circle for the top of the brow. Draw a few lines under the eye as well for extra detail. Draw another curved and bumpy line on the left for the eye structure on the other side.

Step 8: Use the arc on the left as a guide to draw the top part of the snout. Follow the basic path of the guide but make the line bumpier at the top and wavier at the bottom. The bottom line should stretch to the right, almost to the right edge of the main circle. Sketch the shape lightly at first to get the structure right, and darken it only when you are satisfied. Draw a series of small, different-sized shapes under the snout for the row of sharp teeth.

Step 9: Now add the bottom jaw by first drawing a wavy line across the arc underneath. The line should connect to the top jaw on the right side. Add the rest of the jaw by following the path of the guide. The top part should be wavy and the bottom part straight.

Step 10: Add a few lines within the bottom shape for the detail inside the mouth. A few lines on the right make up the skin between the jaws, and a curved line in the middle creates the tongue. Follow the path of the lower jaw as you draw small triangle-like shapes for the teeth lining the mouth.

Step 11: Draw the rest of the head using the remaining lines as guides. Make the top part of the head bumpy and the bottom smooth. Add a curved line on the right for the powerful jaw muscles.

Stay Patient and Keep Drawing

Step 12: Use the lines on the left as guides to draw the front legs. Follow the basic path of the guides as you draw the shape of the first leg. Bend the leg at the joints and make it rounder. Draw a few short lines that come to points on the tip of the foot for the toes. Use the other guide to draw the leg on the opposite side the same way.

Step 13: Draw the hind leg using the line on the right as a guide. Bend the shape to indicate the joints and add the toes on the end of the foot.

Step 14: Use the initial circles and lines as guides to draw the body. Use wide, triangle-like shapes when you draw the top part of the body for the tough, hard skin. Follow the basic path of the guides as you darken the lines to create the underside of the gator.

Step 15: Use the curved lines on the right as a guide to draw the rows of spikes on top of the tail. Follow the basic path of the line as you draw small, wide triangle-like shapes across the tail. When you get to the middle, where the tail curves, cut across it and continue drawing the spikes on the top line. Keep drawing the spikes until you get to the tip where they become smaller. Add a second row of spikes that starts at the base, then curves around and meets the first row at the front.

Step 16: Finish up the tail by simply darkening the initial guide lines.

Now It's Time to Shade

Step 17 (optional): For a cleaner look, erase as much as you can of the initial guide lines. Don't worry about erasing all of them; it's okay to leave some behind. Re-draw any final lines that you may have accidentally removed.

Final Step (optional): You can add more value throughout your drawing for extra detail. To get a rough texture, use random scribbles instead of smooth shading. The top part of an alligator tends to be darker, while the underside is usually lighter and less bumpy, so don't add the squiggles there. Instead, draw grid-like lines for the scales. Don't overthink it when adding this skin texture; it's easier than it looks. Just add random scribbles across the main body areas and the grid-like scales on the belly. Vary the pressure on your pencil to get different degrees of tonal value, keeping the light source in mind so the shadows stay consistent. Shading can be quite time-consuming, so be patient and take breaks. It's always a good idea to use a reference photo for a more accurate result.

Add a cast shadow underneath. This helps ground the alligator so it doesn't appear to be floating. Use a darker value near the middle of the shadow and a lighter value along the edge for diffusion. Don't forget to pause the video after each step to draw at your own pace.

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