Animals · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a round-headed axolotl: leaf gills and ribbon tail
Begin with a wide rounded head and a smaller upright body guide underneath. Keep the two shapes on the same centerline so the little character appears balanced.
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These 3 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Learn to construct round-headed axolotl using leaf gills and a ribbon tail. Compare the body width with the head before adding hands. Spread the gills above, beside and below the cheeks, and keep the ribbon tail separate from the feet.
Shapes and proportions
Begin with a wide rounded head and a smaller upright body guide underneath. Keep the two shapes on the same centerline so the little character appears balanced. Add two short arms bending inward, then two tiny feet. Draw a tail sweeping out to the right with a second parallel edge like a ribbon. Arrange three broad leaf-shaped gills on each side of the head, and place the dot eyes and small smile inside.
A common mistake
An oversized body removes the baby-like head-to-body proportion, while gills packed against the cheeks hide their leaf shapes.
How to fix it
Compare the body width with the head before adding hands. Spread the gills above, beside and below the cheeks, and keep the ribbon tail separate from the feet.
These three pictures show selected stages, not every intermediate step. The full drawing sequence is available in the named LittlePaper drawing idea.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil, eraser, black drawing pen and crayons. Use light guide lines before the final outline.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Plan the starting shapes
Begin with a wide rounded head and a smaller upright body guide underneath. Keep the two shapes on the same centerline so the little character appears balanced.
Plan the starting shapes · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Complete the distinct outline
Add two short arms bending inward, then two tiny feet. Draw a tail sweeping out to the right with a second parallel edge like a ribbon. Arrange three broad leaf-shaped gills on each side of the head, and place the dot eyes and small smile inside. Compare the body width with the head before adding hands. Spread the gills above, beside and below the cheeks, and keep the ribbon tail separate from the feet.
Complete the distinct outline · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Add balanced crayon colors
Choose golden yellow for the head, body and feet, turquoise for the paired gills, mint for the tail interior and pale cream for its rim. Preserve the small face and texture marks instead of turning them into large dark patches.
Add balanced crayon colors · Preview image 3 of 3
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Round-Head Axolotl with Leaf Gills” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
