Drawing a gorilla is easier when you break its powerful body into simple shapes and slowly build up the muscles and details. Follow these steps to create a strong, realistic gorilla drawing from start to finish.

STEP 1: Draw the Basic Head and Body Shapes

Start by measuring your drawing space and sketching a large oval for the gorilla’s body. Add a smaller oval in front for the head, keeping it low and forward to match the gorilla’s natural posture.
Short tip:
Use very light pencil strokes so you can adjust the shapes easily.

STEP 2: Add the Neck, Back, and Body Flow

Connect the head and body with smooth lines to form the neck. Draw a curved line along the back to show the gorilla’s heavy, forward-leaning stance.
Short tip:
A slightly hunched back helps capture the gorilla’s strength and weight.

STEP 3: Sketch the Arm and Leg Guidelines

Draw simple guide lines for the arms and legs, making the arms longer and thicker than the legs. Mark the joints with small bends to show movement.
Short tip:
Gorillas have very long arms, so don’t make the arms the same length as the legs.

STEP 4: Shape the Arms, Legs, and Hands

Thicken the guide lines into solid shapes for the arms and legs. Begin shaping the hands and feet, keeping them large and powerful.
Short tip:
Wide hands and feet help the gorilla look grounded and strong.

STEP 5: Refine the Head, Face, and Jaw

Shape the head more clearly by adding the brow ridge, jawline, and muzzle. Lightly mark where the eyes, nose, and mouth will go.
Short tip:
Keep the eyes small and deep-set for a realistic gorilla expression.

STEP 6: Add Facial Features and Body Details

Draw the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and fingers. Refine muscle shapes along the shoulders, chest, and arms to show strength.
Short tip:
Focus on large muscle groups instead of small details at this stage.

STEP 7: Add Fur Texture and Final Body Shape

Refine the entire outline and add short fur strokes on the arms, back, and legs. Keep the face less furry for contrast.
Short tip:
Use short, directional strokes to suggest fur without overcrowding the drawing.

STEP 8: Final Outline and Cleanup

Darken the final lines with varied thickness, erase all guidelines, and add a ground line beneath the gorilla to finish the drawing.
Short tip:
Thicker outer lines make the gorilla stand out and look more solid.