How to Draw a Monkey (easy)

Let's get ready to make a simple monkey drawing! Today, we're breaking it down really simple-like. We're gonna draw a funky little monkey, step-by-step. Grab your pencils and colors 'cause I’m about to show you how to outline, detail, and shade this little guy to perfection. We’ll start from the top and work our way down, making sure every part gets the love it deserves, from the forehead to the tail.
I’m talking big monkey eyes, cheeky grin, and those little hands and feet. And don't worry about those extra lines, we got erasers for that! By the end, our monkey will be poppin' with life thanks to those finishing colors. So, stick with me, and let’s make this drawing look great. Ready?
Estimated Time: 50 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Materials
- Pencil
- Drawing Paper
- Crayons or Colored Pencils
- Black Marker (optional)
Lesson: How to Draw a Monkey (easy)
Ready to draw a monkey the easy way? Follow my steps below and you’ll be drawing like a champ. We’ll outline, detail, and color this little guy step-by-step. No fluff, just straight-up simple instructions.
Outline the Forehead

Start by drawing a pointy curved line to outline the monkey’s forehead as shown.
Add the Eyes

Add the monkey’s two rounded eyes.
Outline the Muzzle

Form the rounded outline of its muzzle.
Add the Nose and Mouth

Draw two curved lines with oval dots for the monkey’s nose. Then, add a wavy line for its mouth.
Outline the Head

Outline the monkey’s head full of hair.
Attach the Ears

Attach the large, curved ears on the sides of the monkey’s head.
Outline the Body

Draw the elongated outline of the monkey’s hairy body.
Attach the Arms

Attach the monkey’s long, hairy arms to its body. Then, form the shape of its hands. Make sure to erase extra lines.
Form the Leg

Form the folded shape of its leg attached to the base of its body.
Draw the Feet

Draw the monkey’s feet at the end of its legs.
Attach the Tail

Attach the monkey’s long, hairy tail at the end of its body.
Fill in the Eyes

Fill in the eyes with black, and add some lighter areas to look like shiny spots.
Color the Face, Hands and Feet

Shade the monkey’s hairless ears, face, hands and feet with a cream color.
Fill in the Ears

Fill in the inner ears with light orange.
Shade the Body

Use shades of brown to color the monkey’s hairy body.

Artist & Educator