How to Draw a Wolf in 3 Simple Styles

Drawing a simple wolf is the best way to start. This method uses basic shapes to create a realistic-looking wolf that stands in a natural position. You will need a pencil, eraser, and paper for this drawing exercise.

Step 1: Draw the Basic Body Shape

Start by drawing a large oval for the wolf's main body. Make this oval slightly longer than it is tall. This shape will become the chest and middle section of your wolf. Keep your lines light so you can erase them later if needed.

Step 2: Add the Head Circle

Draw a smaller circle above and slightly to the left of your body oval. This circle should be about half the size of the body shape. Leave some space between the head and body - this gap will become the wolf's neck area.

Step 3: Create the Leg Guidelines

Draw four straight lines coming down from the body oval. These lines will help you place the wolf's legs correctly. Make the front legs slightly shorter than the back legs. Space them evenly under the body shape.

Step 4: Add Basic Leg Shapes

Turn your straight lines into simple rectangles for the upper parts of the legs. Add smaller rectangles for the lower leg sections. At the bottom of each leg, draw small ovals for the paws. This gives your wolf a solid foundation to stand on.

Step 5: Shape the Head Features

Add two triangular shapes on top of the head circle for ears. Draw a smaller oval at the front of the head circle for the muzzle. This oval should point slightly downward to create a natural wolf face shape.

Step 6: Connect and Refine the Body

Draw curved lines to connect the head to the body, creating the neck. Connect all your basic shapes with smooth, flowing lines. Add a long, curved line extending from the back of the body for the tail.

Step 7: Add Facial Details

Draw two small almond shapes for eyes inside the head circle. Add a small triangle for the nose at the tip of the muzzle. Draw a line under the nose for the mouth opening. You can add small triangular teeth if you want.

Step 8: Create the Final Outline

Go over your drawing with darker lines to create the final wolf shape. Add short, jagged lines around the outline to suggest fur texture. Erase all the guide lines you no longer need.

Step 9: Add Shading and Details

Shade the areas under the wolf's body and between its legs to create depth. Add some light shading to give the wolf dimension. Draw small lines for fur details and add claws to the paws.

A howling wolf creates a dramatic and emotional drawing. This pose shows the wolf with its head tilted up toward the sky. The howling position is iconic and represents the wild nature of these beautiful animals.

Step 1: Draw the Body Base

Create an oval shape that tilts slightly upward from left to right. This angled oval will be your wolf's body. Make it longer than the simple wolf body because this wolf is stretching as it howls.

Step 2: Position the Head

Draw a circle above the right side of your body oval. Tilt this circle upward at a sharp angle. This positioning shows that the wolf is lifting its head to howl at the sky or moon.

Step 3: Add the Neck Connection

Connect the angled head circle to the body with two curved lines. Make these neck lines longer than in your simple wolf drawing. The stretched neck is important for the howling pose.

Step 4: Create the Muzzle

Draw an elongated oval extending from the front of the tilted head circle. Point this muzzle upward to match the head angle. This creates the characteristic howling mouth position.

Step 5: Draw Sitting Leg Position

For this howling wolf, draw the back legs in a sitting position. Create two curved lines that bend under the body oval. Add oval shapes for the paws that rest flat on the ground.

Step 6: Add Front Legs

Draw the front legs extending down from the chest area of the body. These legs should be straight and support the wolf's weight as it sits and howls. Add small ovals for front paws.

Step 7: Shape the Ears and Tail

Add triangular ears to the head, but make them point backward slightly due to the tilted head position. Draw a curved tail that wraps around the sitting wolf's side.

Step 8: Refine the Howling Features

Draw the mouth opening as an oval shape at the end of the muzzle. Add eyes as small lines since they're hard to see from this angle. Create the nose as a small dark circle.

Step 9: Complete with Fur and Shading

Add jagged lines around your wolf outline to create fur texture. Shade the underside of the wolf and add darker areas where shadows would naturally fall. Include some ground shading beneath the sitting wolf.

Drawing a cartoon wolf allows for more creative freedom and fun expressions. This style uses exaggerated features and simplified shapes to create a friendly, approachable wolf character that appeals to all ages.

Step 1: Create the Head Shape

Draw a large circle for the cartoon wolf's head. Make this circle bigger than you would for a realistic wolf. Cartoon animals typically have oversized heads compared to their bodies.

Step 2: Add Large Cartoon Ears

Draw two large triangular shapes on top of the head circle. Make these ears bigger and more pointed than realistic wolf ears. You can add inner triangles to show the inside of the ears.

Step 3: Design the Body

Draw a smaller oval below the head for the cartoon wolf's body. This body should be noticeably smaller than the head, which is typical for cartoon animal proportions.

Step 4: Add Simple Legs

Draw four curved lines extending from the body for legs. Keep these legs short and simple. Add small circular or oval shapes at the end of each leg for cartoon paws.

Step 5: Create Expressive Eyes

Draw two large circular eyes in the upper part of the head circle. Add smaller circles inside for pupils. You can make the eyes very large to give your cartoon wolf personality and charm.

Step 6: Add the Muzzle and Nose

Draw a small oval or rounded triangle extending from the lower part of the head circle. Add a large circular nose at the tip. Make the nose bigger than a realistic wolf nose for cartoon effect.

Step 7: Design the Mouth

Create a curved line under the nose for a smiling mouth. You can add a visible tongue or show some cartoon teeth. Cartoon wolves often have friendly, non-threatening expressions.

Step 8: Add the Tail

Draw a large, fluffy tail using curved lines. Make this tail more exaggerated than a real wolf tail. You can show it wagging or curled up over the wolf's back.

Step 9: Finish with Cartoon Details

Add eyebrows above the eyes for expression. Include whiskers near the nose if desired. Use simple shading or bold outlines to complete your cartoon wolf drawing. You can add patterns or colors to make it more interesting.