So let’s do this! Remember to start out light, so using little pressure with the pencil, draw three trapezoids in the shape of a tree.
How to Draw a Panda
Hey guys! It’s Sean – I’m an artist-instructor with Da Vinci Eye. Today, we’re going to learn how to draw a panda.
I’ll be drawing this on my tablet for you to easily see, but feel free to use a pencil and paper. You can also follow along with this tutorial step-by-step using Da Vinci Eye App for iOS and Android. The app lets you trace along with my drawing to help become more comfortable and understand exactly what I do.
So let’s do this! Remember to start out light, so using little pressure with the pencil, draw three trapezoids in the shape of a tree.
Now, starting with the top, I want to give my Panda a pear shaped face.
For this guy, I’m also going to add some tufts of fur on the top of the head.
Next we put in the ears and color them in real quick, a triangle nose and two small oval eyes.
Now we take the nose and extend out the mouth and muzzle.
We’re aiming to have the muzzle extend up and form the characteristic black fur around the eyes. Don’t hesitate to raise your eyes and place them in a different spot; I do this all the time.
Before we move into the second section, we need to get the Panda some bamboo to eat.
Since the panda is actively eating, we can assume the bamboo will be broken partly in half. Hence we should make one side of the bamboo more slanted than the other. I also put in some leaves to make it read better to the eye.
Now that we have the bamboo, this indicates where the paw grabbing it needs to be.
We can also extend the shoulder down to the arm and add a second line coming down from the hand. Make sure to erase any overlap while we’re here!
For the other arm, I had mine more relaxed. The biggest thing to remember here is to stay mostly within your trapezoid section. It’s okay if the arm extends a bit past like mine does, but don’t go as far as to hit the ground.
For the third section we put in two paws that are facing towards you.
That way you can put in the toes and padding underneath. Then put a slightly curved line between the two feet to connect everything.
Now here’s the fun part – coloring in and cleaning up!
As you can see, the Panda has a very distinct coat patterning…
As a final note, I always like to add in some environment. So here I get the Panda some ground to sit on and do some abstract lines to show bamboo growing behind him.
I use an oval to show the segments of the bamboo, but I’m not trying to add too much detail or pushing the pencil into hard. The background is there to enhance the character, not distract from them.
And as always, don’t forget to sign your art! You did a great job.
If you want to find more of my artwork, follow me on Instagram at @Phoenix.Animations. Be sure to check out the Da Vinci Eye app, as well as subscribe here for more tutorials.
You can also watch the tutorial on how to draw a panda below. Have a great day, and we’ll see you next time!
Tips For Drawing A Panda
- Red or black/white – red pandas are becoming popular; feel free to make a red one instead of the classic giant panda.
- Make it cute – pandas are notorious for being cute. Your panda can be anything you want it to be, but cute is the common cliche.
- Bamboo is an accurate cliche – pandas survive almost entirely on bamboo. So add some for a splash of color.
- Downward-facing eye patches – the panda’s eye patches aren’t circles, they face down like a sad bloodhound’s eyes.
- Black on the chest – the panda’s arms and legs are black, but so is part of its chest. Make sure the black wraps around like a cropped top.
- Don’t shade too dark – only crevices should have 6B shading. Everything else will look better with 4B.
- Get creative – pandas are a good animal to draw if you want to add a whimsical touch to your art.
If you don’t know where to start when drawing a panda, you can follow a tutorial and get some unique ideas.
1. How to Draw a Red Panda
Red pandas aren’t bears, but they are still pandas. You can learn to draw this cute guy with a tutorial from Easy Drawing Guides.
2. How to Draw a Cute Panda
A cute panda is a perfect type of panda for your first panda drawing. The channel 365Sketches has a good tutorial you can follow.
3. How to Draw a Giant Panda
The giant panda is the classic black and white panda. Learn to draw an accurate giant panda with a tutorial from How2DrawAnimals.
4. How to Draw a Panda Face
When learning how to draw animals, you can start by learning how to draw their face. DrawInGeek has a simple tutorial for how to draw a panda face.
5. How to Draw a Cartoon Panda
Cartoon pandas are cute with fun personalities. How2DrawAnimals has a tutorial on how to draw a cartoon panda you may fall in love with.
6. How to Draw a Panda for Kids
Kids can draw pandas, too, and have fun doing it. Art for Kids Hub strikes again with their kids art tutorial on how to draw a panda.
7. How to Draw a Panda Eating Bamboo
There are many ways to draw a panda eating bamboo, but a cartoon panda eating bamboo is the easiest. Winnicorn has a cute tutorial for that.
8. How to Draw an Anime Panda
Anime pandas are often human-like with interests and unique personalities. Taposhi arts Academy has a great anime panda tutorial.
9. How to Draw a Baby Panda
Baby pandas are drawn with large or closed eyes, big heads, and clumsy limbs. Learn step by step has a great tutorial on how to draw a baby panda.
10. How to Draw the Panda From Turning Red
Mai Lee turns into a red panda in Turning Red. You can learn how to draw her panda form with Drawbook’s tutorial.
How To Draw A Realistic Panda Step-By-Step
Realistic pandas are hard to draw. But once you learn the step-by-step process of drawing a realistic panda, you’ll be able to do it without following a tutorial.
Supplies
- Paper
- 2B pencil
- 4B pencil
- 6B pencil
- Blending stump
Step 1: Draw a Circle and Cross
When drawing a realistic panda, start with a circle and add the cross, which should decide which way the face is facing.
Step 2: Draw Mouth Circle and Ears
Next, draw a circle in the center bottom of the cross and then add two ears peeking out in the northwest and northeast corners of the head.
Step 3: Draw Three Body Circles
Draw one circle that is partially covered by the head. Then another to the left that is out in the open. Connect the two with a circle that is behind them.
Step 4: Draw Leg Lines
Now, draw simple leg lines. The panda should be walking, so make one of the front legs stick out and the other point back slightly.
Step 5: Draw Eyes and Nose
Time to start getting into the details. Draw two eyes above the snout circle. Then, a nose should be on the lower end of the snout circle.
Step 6: Add Fur
Add a furry edge to everything you’ve drawn thus far. The legs will need to be beefed up with toes added with the fur lines.
Step 7: Define Black and White
After you draw the fur lines along the outside, add faint lines where the black should be. Leave the rest white.
Step 8: Shade and Blend
Start shading by using your 4B pencil where there is black and the 2B where the shadows hit. The 6B should only be sued for extra dark areas like the inside of the ears and pupils.
FAQ
Are Pandas Hard To Draw?
Pandas are as easy to draw as any other animal. But they take time to perfect. You may find that early on, you miss crucial details. But after a while, drawing a panda will be easy.
What Does A Panda Symbolize In Art?
Pandas have long been a symbol of luck and peace. They represent the heart chakra, which helps you show compassion towards yourself and others.
Why Would You Need To Know How To Draw A Panda?
You may want a drawing of a panda for someone who loves pandas. Or, perhaps, you want to strengthen your heart chakra. You may want a panda drawing for many reasons, and they are all good ones.
