In this step-by-step drawing tutorial, you’ll learn how to draw a realistic walking wolf by starting with simple shapes and gradually refining the body, legs, head, and fur details.

STEP 1: Mark the Picture’s Width and Height

Mark the overall width and height of the drawing area. Draw two ovals—one for the wolf’s body and one for the head—then add a guideline through the center of the head to help with facial alignment.

Short tip:
Keep these shapes light and loose so they’re easy to adjust later.

STEP 2: Draw the Body and Neck

Connect the head and body ovals with smooth lines to form the neck and back. Add a long curved guideline extending from the body to indicate the direction and flow of the tail.

Short tip:
Use smooth curves to capture the wolf’s natural posture.

STEP 3: Place the Legs and Shape the Head

Add simple guideline strokes to show where each leg will go and adjust the size and shape of the head to fit the body correctly.

Short tip:
Focus on correct proportions before adding any details.

STEP 4: Outline the Legs and Nose

Begin outlining the shapes of the wolf’s legs, paws, and nose using the guidelines as reference, keeping the lines simple and clean.

Short tip:
Think of the legs as basic cylinders before refining them.

STEP 5: Add Toes, Tail, Ears, Nose, and Eyes

Sketch in the toes, tail shape, ears, nose, and eyes to bring more character and structure to the wolf.

Short tip:
Small details work best when added gradually.

STEP 6: Draw the Claws and Refine the Head

Add the claws and improve the shapes of the head, neck, eyes, and nose by refining the outlines and correcting proportions.

Short tip:
Refine one area at a time to keep the drawing balanced.

STEP 7: Outline and Finish the Wolf

Outline the wolf using lines that vary in thickness and darkness. Add fine fur details and a ground line, then erase all remaining guidelines.

Short tip:
Varying line weight makes the wolf look more realistic and complete.