How to Draw Monkeys for Beginners, 15 Minute Guide

Drawing

How to Draw a Monkey: A Step-by-Step Guide

If drawing from imagination is your ultimate goal, but you don’t know where to start, start by picking up your pencil and doing this workout. Especially if you, like us, are a big fan of monkeys.

Step 1: Draw 3 graphic shapes of 3 monkeys from reference

Choose 3 photos of monkeys that seem the coolest to you. Then sketch simple graphic shapes that represent these monkeys.

Step 1: Drawing monkeys from imagination

Step 2: Trace 3 photos of monkeys using just simple manipulated form

It’s time to do the forbidden - let’s trace 3 more photos of monkeys (find different ones than those you've used in step 1). One condition - you can use only simple manipulated form.

Step 2: Drawing monkeys from imagination

Step 3: Combine mannequin forms established in step 2 with your graphic shapes from step 1

You now should understand what simple forms a monkey is made of. Their combination is called a mannequin. Now use those manipulated cylinders and boxes combined with the graphic shapes from one of the monkeys from step 1.

Step 3: Drawing monkeys from imagination

We are challenging you to submit your monkeys to social media. Antonio will choose one of the submitted drawings and give his feedback online. Let's improve together!

Step 4: Sketch 3 monkey bodies from imagination

You’re ready to create your first monkey from imagination! Sketch some monkey bodies: think about how expressive and nimble are some of them, and how cute and lazy can be the others. They should be as simple as the ones you did in step 1.

Step 4: Drawing monkeys from imagination

Step 5: Pick your favorite sketch and add a mannequin on top

Now add a mannequin to your favorite sketch (or to all 3 of them!).

Step 5: Drawing monkeys from imagination

Step 6: Add details

You now have a pretty believable monkey! Let’s add some details.Some fur and skin texture or maybe even an expression on the face.

Step 6: Drawing monkeys from imagination

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Great job! You now understand how to draw not only monkeys, but a lot of other things. The secret is - you need to first understand the basic manipulated form that monkeys (or any other animal or object) consist of. This will give you the freedom to draw the same object from imagination.

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Author: Artwod team

Published: Nov 30, 2025