Draw and shade a mother and baby giraffe using simple shapes, practice proportions and patterns, and add a savannah background for context.


Step-by-step guide to Sketch Mother and Baby Giraffe - #MothersWeekend
Step 1
Draw two big ovals on your paper: one larger for the mother and one smaller for the baby to set their bodies.
Step 2
Add long thin necks to each oval by drawing two parallel lines for each neck so they look tall.
Step 3
Put a small round head at the top of each neck by drawing a circle or rounded shape.
Step 4
Sketch four long straight legs under each body using pairs of lines for each leg.
Step 5
Draw small ears and two short horn bumps (ossicones) on top of each head with tiny triangles or rounded shapes.
Step 6
Lightly erase any extra overlapping guide lines inside the body shapes so each giraffe looks neat.
Step 7
Draw simple faces with two dot eyes a little nose and a smiling mouth on each head.
Step 8
Add irregular rounded patches all over the bodies and necks to create the giraffe spots.
Step 9
Draw a straight horizon line across the page to show where the ground meets the sky.
Step 10
Sketch savannah details like a flat-topped acacia tree silhouette and a few grass clumps near the giraffes.
Step 11
Shade the sides of the giraffes and legs that are away from the light with soft pencil strokes to make them look round.
Step 12
Trace the main outlines of your giraffes and background with a black pen if you want bold lines.
Step 13
Erase any remaining pencil guide lines and small smudges gently to clean up your picture.
Step 14
Color the mother and baby giraffe and the savannah background with your coloring materials and add any final details.
Step 15
Share your finished mother and baby giraffe drawing on DIY.org to show everyone your amazing work.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!


Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a black pen to trace the outlines?
If you don't have a black pen to "trace the main outlines of your giraffes and background with a black pen if you want bold lines," use a dark marker, a sharpened dark-colored pencil, or a fine-tip crayon to trace after erasing guide lines.
My giraffe necks and legs look wobbly—how can I fix them?
If the long thin necks (two parallel lines) or the pairs-of-lines legs look uneven, redraw them lightly as parallel guide lines or use a ruler/straightedge, then erase overlapping guide lines inside the body before finalizing.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger children simplify to drawing two big ovals, short necks, and sticker spots with thick crayons, while older kids can add irregular rounded patches, soft pencil shading on the sides away from the light, and trace with a black pen for a polished finish.
What are some ways to enhance or personalize the finished giraffe drawing?
Enhance your piece by turning spots into painted patterns or collage, adding extra savannah details like a flat-topped acacia tree silhouette and more grass clumps, writing names or a short story for the mother and baby, then color and share the finished drawing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Sketch Mother and Baby Giraffe - #MothersWeekend
Facts about animal drawing for kids
✏️ Artists use hatching and cross-hatching (lots of lines) to create shading and texture in sketches.
🦒 Baby giraffes can stand and walk within an hour of being born — ready to move with mom!
🦴 Despite their long necks, giraffes have only seven neck vertebrae, the same number as humans.
🔶 Each giraffe's spot pattern is unique, just like a human fingerprint.
🌾 Savannas cover about one-fifth of Earth's land and are the classic open home of giraffes.


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