How to Draw a Cartoon Monkey
If you're wondering how to draw a cartoon monkey, you're in the right place. Today, I'll guide you through creating a fun cartoon monkey holding a banana and its peel. This step-by-step lesson starts with basic shapes to form the overall figure, then adds details like the face, ears, and limbs. Remember to keep your lines loose and confident, there's no need for perfection, just enjoy the process of bringing your cartoon monkey to life.
As you progress, focus on capturing the playful personality of the monkey. The way it holds the banana and peel can add a lively and charming touch to your drawing. Use your materials to emphasize different textures and features, while staying true to your style. Keep your focus steady and let your creativity shine as you develop this lively cartoon monkey character.
Estimated Time: 65 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Materials
- Pencil
- Paper
- Colored Pencils or Markers
- Black Marker (for outlines)
Lesson: How to Draw a Cartoon Monkey
Start by establishing the basic outline of the monkey’s head and body, keeping your lines loose and fluid. Focus on capturing the overall shape without worrying about perfect details, this is your foundation. As you build up the form, think about how the monkey’s playful stance and expression can come through in your lines. When adding features like the ears, limbs, and tail, pay attention to their placement and proportions to keep the character lively. Remember, this is about expressing personality, so let your style show through in the way you shape each part. The details, like the banana and peel, should complement the character’s pose and add a sense of fun. Use your materials to create different textures, smooth for the banana, fuzzy for the fur, and let your creativity guide how you develop each element. Keep it light and confident; this is your chance to craft a cartoon monkey that looks fun and has your own artistic touches.
Outline the Face
First, outline the monkey’s face.
Add the Eyes
Draw two circles to add the monkey’s cartoony eyes.
Form the Nose
Draw a small curved line between the eyes to form the nose.
Draw the Mouth
Draw a wide, happy smile below the nose.
Outline the Head
Draw the hairy outline of the monkey’s head around its face.
Add the Ears
Draw large, curved ears on both sides of the head.
Form the Body
Form the hairy outline of the monkey’s torso.
Attach the Arms
Draw the monkey’s long, furry arms, with one arm raised as shown.
Draw the Legs
Draw the long legs attached to the bottom of the torso.
Form the Hands
Now, let’s form the monkey’s hands. Draw the raised hand clenched as if it’s holding something similar to the illustration.
Draw the Banana Peel
Draw the bottom of a banana being held by the monkey. Then, add the peeled skin hanging on the sides. Don’t forget to erase overlapping lines.
Add the Banana
Draw the banana above the peel.
Form the Feet
Draw the monkey’s feet with thumbs at the ends of its legs.
Outline the Moss
Draw a long, wavy patch of moss.
Draw the Branch
Draw a long horizontal tree branch beneath the moss to show where the monkey is sitting.
Outline the Tail
Draw the monkey’s long, curling tail.
Add the Wood Texture
Draw short, wavy lines along the branch to create the woody texture.
Color the Skin and Face
Use peach to color the monkey’s face, hands, feet, and inner ears. Then, add light orange blush marks on its cheeks. Then, fill in the eyes black and color the inside of the mouth red.
Shade the Hair
Shade the monkey’s hair on its head, body, arms, legs, and tail with brown.
Color the Banana
Color the banana peel yellow and the banana cream.
Fill in the Background
Shade the tree branch yellow-brown and the moss green. Then, color the sky with light blue.
Artist & Educator