Excited to explore the world of art? Look no further than these 21 hippopotamus drawing ideas. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these ideas are sure to inspire and challenge you in new ways. From realistic sketches to whimsical cartoons, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
Hippopotamuses are fascinating creatures, known for their large size and unique appearance. They make for an interesting subject to draw, with their round bodies, stubby legs, and distinctive snouts. With these 21 drawing ideas, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different styles and techniques, while also learning more about these amazing animals. So grab your pencils and get ready to create some amazing hippopotamus art!
1) Cartoon Hippo
Cartoon hippos are a fun and playful way to draw these magnificent animals. With their chubby bodies, big eyes, and adorable snouts, cartoon hippos are perfect for kids and adults alike.
To draw a cartoon hippo, start by sketching out the basic shape of the body. This can be a large oval or circle with smaller circles for the head and feet. Next, add in the details such as the eyes, ears, and nostrils. Don’t forget to give your hippo a big smile!
Once you have your basic shape and details down, you can start adding in color and shading. Use bright colors to make your cartoon hippo pop, and add shading to give it depth and dimension.
Cartoon hippos can be a great addition to children’s books, posters, or even t-shirts. They are a fun and playful way to showcase these amazing animals and can bring a smile to anyone’s face. So grab your pencils and get drawing!
2) Realistic Hippo
For those looking to draw a more lifelike hippo, there are a few key features to keep in mind. Firstly, the hippo’s head should be large and round, with small ears and eyes. The nostrils should be placed towards the top of the snout, and the mouth should be wide and slightly open to reveal the hippo’s sharp teeth.
When drawing the body, it’s important to remember that hippos are quite rotund, with a large barrel-shaped torso. The legs should be short and stocky, with the feet splayed outwards to support the hippo’s weight. The skin should be textured with wrinkles and folds, and the coloring should be a dark grey or brown.
For added realism, consider adding some water droplets to the hippo’s skin, as hippos spend most of their time submerged in water. Overall, a realistic hippo drawing will capture the unique features and characteristics of this fascinating animal.
3) Hippo Family
The hippopotamus is a social animal and lives in groups called herds. These herds are usually made up of females and their young, with a dominant male leading the group. The male hippo is responsible for protecting the herd and will often engage in aggressive behavior to defend them.
When drawing a hippo family, it is important to capture the bond between the members. The mother and her calf can be drawn close together, with the calf nuzzled up against its mother’s side. The dominant male can be drawn standing guard over the family, with a watchful eye on any potential threats.
To add more depth to the drawing, the environment can be included. A river or a watering hole can be added, with the family gathered around to drink and cool off. The lush greenery of the surrounding landscape can also be included, adding to the overall scene.
Overall, drawing a hippo family is a great way to capture the social nature of these magnificent animals. With a little bit of creativity and imagination, a beautiful and heartwarming scene can be created.
4) Hippo in Water
Hippopotamuses are known for their love for water. They spend most of their time underwater, only coming up for air every few minutes. Drawing a hippo in water can be a fun and exciting challenge for any artist.
To begin, start by drawing the outline of the hippo’s body in the water. Make sure to capture the unique shape of their body, with a large head, round body, and short legs. Add in details such as the hippo’s ears and nostrils, which will be visible above the water.
Next, add in the water around the hippo’s body. Use shading and texture to create the illusion of water, with ripples and waves around the hippo’s body. You can also add in some plants or rocks in the water to make the scene more realistic.
Finally, add in some highlights to the hippo’s body to create the illusion of wetness. Use white or light-colored pencils to add in small highlights to the hippo’s skin, especially around the areas where the water is touching their body.
Overall, drawing a hippo in water can be a fun and exciting challenge for any artist. With attention to detail and a little bit of practice, anyone can create a realistic and beautiful hippo in water drawing.
5) Hippo with Sunglasses
Hippopotamuses are known for their large, round bodies and their fierce territorial behavior. However, in this drawing idea, the focus is on their fun and playful side. Adding sunglasses to a hippo drawing can instantly transform it into a cool and trendy piece of art.
The sunglasses can be drawn in various styles, from classic aviators to oversized frames. The color of the sunglasses can also be customized to match the overall color scheme of the drawing. For example, a blue hippo can have blue-tinted sunglasses, while a pink hippo can have pink-tinted sunglasses.
The addition of sunglasses to a hippo drawing can also give it a humorous touch. The sunglasses can be drawn slightly askew or with a mischievous expression on the hippo’s face. This can make the drawing more relatable and appealing to a wider audience.
Overall, drawing a hippo with sunglasses is a fun and creative way to showcase the playful side of these magnificent animals. It is a great idea for artists of all skill levels and can be customized to fit any style or preference.
6) Hippo Eating Watermelon
Hippopotamuses are known for their love of water and their voracious appetite. But did you know that they also enjoy snacking on watermelon? That’s right, these massive creatures can eat up to 88 pounds of watermelon in a single sitting!
Watching a hippo eat a watermelon is a sight to behold. With their massive jaws and razor-sharp teeth, they can easily crush through the tough rind to get to the juicy flesh inside. They use their powerful jaws to chomp down on the fruit, making a loud crunching sound that can be heard from a distance.
But it’s not just the taste that hippos love about watermelon. The high water content of the fruit also helps to keep them hydrated in the hot African sun. Plus, the vitamins and minerals in the fruit provide them with essential nutrients for their health.
If you ever have the chance to see a hippo eating watermelon in person, don’t miss it! It’s a unique and exciting experience that showcases the incredible power and appetite of these magnificent creatures.
7) Hippo with Balloons
For a fun and playful hippopotamus drawing, consider adding balloons into the mix. This idea is perfect for those who want to create a whimsical and cheerful piece of art.
To start, draw the hippo’s body and head as you normally would. Then, add in a bunch of balloons in various sizes and colors. You can draw them floating around the hippo or tied to its tail or snout.
To make the drawing even more dynamic, consider adding some movement to the balloons. Draw some of them floating away in the wind or bouncing around as if the hippo is playing with them.
This hippo drawing idea is great for kids and adults alike. It’s a fun way to add some color and cheer to your art and can be customized to fit any style or skill level.
So grab your pencils and get ready to create a playful and joyful hippo with balloons drawing.
8) Hippo in a Tutu
If you’re looking for a fun and whimsical hippopotamus drawing idea, consider drawing a hippo in a tutu! This idea is perfect for those who want to add a touch of humor to their artwork.
To start, sketch out the basic shape of the hippo’s body and head. Then, draw a tutu around the hippo’s waist, making sure to add plenty of ruffles and frills. You can also add a tiara or other accessories to complete the look.
When it comes to color, feel free to get creative! You can use bright and bold colors for the tutu and accessories, or stick with more muted tones for a softer look.
Overall, a hippo in a tutu is a fun and playful drawing idea that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. So grab your pencils and get ready to create a masterpiece!
9) Baby Hippo
Who doesn’t love baby hippos? They are one of the cutest animals in the world, and drawing them is just as fun as looking at them. In this section, we will explore some ideas for drawing baby hippos.
One idea is to draw a baby hippo sleeping in the water, with its head resting on a lily pad. This can be a simple and cute drawing that captures the peacefulness of a baby hippo’s nap time.
Another idea is to draw a baby hippo playing with its mother. This can be a more dynamic drawing that captures the playful nature of baby hippos. You can add some splashes of water to make the drawing more lively.
A third idea is to draw a baby hippo standing on its hind legs and reaching for a leaf on a tree. This can be a fun and whimsical drawing that shows the curiosity of baby hippos.
Overall, drawing baby hippos is a great way to capture the cuteness and playfulness of these amazing animals.
10) Hippo with a Hat
Who doesn’t love a hippo wearing a hat? This is a fun and creative way to draw a hippopotamus that will surely make anyone smile. The idea is to draw a hippo wearing a hat that matches its personality.
To begin, draw the basic shape of the hippo’s head and body. Then, add a hat on its head. The hat can be any style – a fedora, a top hat, a baseball cap, or even a party hat. Be creative and choose a hat that suits the hippo’s personality.
Next, add details to the hippo’s face. Draw its eyes, nose, and mouth. Don’t forget to add its ears and teeth. You can also add some shading to give the hippo a more realistic look.
Finally, add some finishing touches to the hat. You can add a ribbon, a flower, or any other decoration that you think would look good on the hat.
In conclusion, drawing a hippo with a hat is a fun and easy way to add some personality to your artwork. With a little creativity, you can come up with a unique and adorable hippo that will make everyone smile.
11) Hippo in the Jungle
The jungle is the perfect setting for a hippopotamus drawing. With its lush greenery and exotic animals, it provides a unique backdrop for this majestic creature.
To draw a hippo in the jungle, start by sketching the basic shape of the hippo’s body. Then, add in the details of its face, including its large nostrils and ears. Next, draw in the jungle foliage around the hippo, such as trees, vines, and leaves.
To add depth and dimension to the drawing, use shading techniques to create shadows and highlights on the hippo’s body and the surrounding jungle. This will make the drawing look more realistic and three-dimensional.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures in your hippo in the jungle drawing. Use bright greens and yellows for the foliage, and deep blues and purples for the shadows.
Overall, drawing a hippo in the jungle is a fun and exciting way to explore your creativity and showcase your artistic skills. Give it a try and see what you can come up with!
12) Hippo and Bird
When it comes to unexpected animal friendships, the Hippo and Bird duo is one of the most fascinating. These two animals may seem like an unlikely pair, but they actually have a unique symbiotic relationship that benefits them both.
Hippopotamuses are known for their massive size and strength, while birds are known for their agility and ability to fly. However, in the wild, the tiny Oxpecker bird is often found perched on the backs of hippos. These birds feed on the ticks and parasites that infest the hippo’s skin, providing a valuable service to the large mammal.
In return, the hippos provide a safe haven for the birds. Due to their large size and aggressive nature, hippos are not often preyed upon by other animals. This means that the birds can safely nest and roost on the hippo’s back without fear of being attacked.
Overall, the relationship between the Hippo and Bird is a beautiful example of how animals can form unexpected friendships and work together to survive in the wild.
13) Hippo on a Skateboard
Hippo on a skateboard is a fun and creative idea to draw. With its massive body and short legs, a hippo on a skateboard can be a hilarious sight to behold.
To draw a hippo on a skateboard, start by sketching the basic shape of the hippo’s body. Add in the details such as the eyes, ears, and nostrils. Next, draw the skateboard and make sure it’s proportional to the hippo’s body. You can add in some details to the skateboard like the wheels and the grip tape.
To add more excitement to the drawing, you can draw the hippo wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. This will show that the hippo is taking safety seriously while still having fun on the skateboard.
To make the drawing even more interesting, you can add in some background elements like trees, buildings, or other animals watching the hippo skateboard. This will help bring the drawing to life and make it more engaging.
Overall, drawing a hippo on a skateboard is a great way to showcase your creativity and sense of humor. With a little practice, you can create a fun and exciting drawing that will make people smile.
14) Hippo with Flowers
If you’re looking for a hippopotamus drawing idea that’s both cute and unique, then a hippo with flowers might just be what you’re looking for. This drawing idea involves drawing a hippo with various types of flowers around it, creating a beautiful and vibrant scene.
To start, draw the hippo’s body and head using basic shapes like circles and ovals. Then, add in the details like the eyes, nostrils, and ears. Once you have the basic hippo shape, start drawing the flowers around it. You can choose any type of flower you like, from daisies to roses to sunflowers.
To make the drawing even more interesting, try adding in some other elements like butterflies or dragonflies. This will create a more dynamic scene and make the hippo with flowers drawing even more exciting.
Overall, a hippo with flowers drawing is a great way to showcase your artistic skills and create a beautiful and unique piece of art. So grab your pencils and paper, and start drawing today!
15) Hippo and Butterfly
When it comes to drawing hippos, adding a butterfly to the picture can create a beautiful contrast. The bulky and strong hippo alongside the delicate and graceful butterfly creates a visually stunning image.
To draw a hippo and butterfly, start by sketching the hippo’s body and head with a pencil. Then, add details such as the eyes, nostrils, and ears. Next, draw the butterfly’s wings with light and feathery strokes. Add in the butterfly’s body and antennae, making sure to keep the proportions in mind.
Once the basic sketch is complete, it’s time to add in the details. Shade in the hippo’s body and add texture to its skin. Use light and airy strokes to fill in the butterfly’s wings, and add in any intricate patterns or designs.
To make the picture pop, consider using bright and contrasting colors for the butterfly. This will make it stand out against the hippo’s more muted tones.
Overall, drawing a hippo and butterfly is a fun and creative way to add some excitement to your art. With a little practice and patience, anyone can create a beautiful and unique masterpiece.
16) Hippo Reading a Book
For those who love to read, this hippo drawing idea is perfect. Imagine a hippo sitting on a cozy armchair with a book in its hands, lost in the world of words. This is an adorable and unique way to represent the love of reading.
To create a hippo reading a book, start by sketching the basic shape of the hippo. Then, add details like the eyes, ears, and nostrils. Once the basic shape is complete, sketch the armchair and the book. Don’t forget to add a few details to the book cover to make it look more realistic.
When it comes to coloring, use shades of brown and gray for the hippo, and choose a bright color for the armchair to make it stand out. For the book, you can use any color you like, but make sure it matches the overall color scheme.
This hippo drawing idea is perfect for those who want to express their love for reading in a unique way. It’s also a great way to practice your drawing skills and experiment with different colors and shading techniques. So grab your pencils and get ready to create a cute and cozy hippo reading a book!
17) Hippo and Elephant Friends
Hippopotamuses and elephants are two of the most fascinating animals in the wild. They are both large, powerful, and intelligent creatures that are capable of forming strong bonds with one another.
When it comes to drawing, the friendship between a hippo and an elephant can make for a charming and heartwarming image. The two animals can be depicted in a variety of ways, such as walking side by side, playing together in the water, or simply lounging in the sun.
One popular approach to drawing hippo and elephant friends is to focus on their size difference. A small elephant next to a large hippo can create a cute and amusing contrast that is sure to catch the eye. Another idea is to show them sharing food or engaging in other playful activities.
No matter how you choose to depict their friendship, a hippo and elephant drawing is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So why not give it a try and see what kind of creative ideas you can come up with?
18) Hippo Playing Guitar
Imagine a hippopotamus strumming a guitar with its hooves. Sounds funny, right? But it’s not impossible to draw. In fact, it’s a great idea for a hippopotamus drawing.
To draw a hippo playing guitar, start by sketching the basic shape of the hippopotamus. Then, add details to the hippo’s face, such as its eyes, nostrils, and mouth. Next, draw the guitar in the hippo’s hooves. You can add details to the guitar, such as the strings and tuning pegs.
To make the drawing more interesting, you can add other elements to the background, such as musical notes or a stage. You can also experiment with different colors to make the drawing more vibrant.
Drawing a hippopotamus playing guitar is a fun way to explore your creativity. It’s also a great way to practice your drawing skills. With a little practice, you can create a unique and exciting hippopotamus drawing that will impress your friends and family.
19) Hippo in a Car
Hippo in a Car is a fun and creative way to draw a hippopotamus. This idea is perfect for those who want to add a touch of humor to their artwork.
To start, draw a car with a hippo sitting in the driver’s seat. Make sure to add details such as the steering wheel, windows, and doors. Then, draw the hippo with its head sticking out of the window and a big smile on its face.
To add more humor to the drawing, you can add accessories to the hippo such as sunglasses or a hat. You can also add a background to the drawing to give it more depth and make it more interesting.
This drawing idea is great for kids and adults alike. It allows you to be creative and have fun while drawing a hippopotamus. So grab your pencils and paper, and let your imagination run wild with this fun and exciting drawing idea!
20) Hippo at the Beach
Imagine a hippopotamus relaxing on the beach, basking in the sun and enjoying the cool ocean breeze. This is a fun and unique drawing idea that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
To start, draw the hippo lounging on a beach towel or beach chair, with its feet buried in the sand. Use light, curved lines to create the folds and wrinkles in the hippo’s skin, and add shading to give it depth and dimension.
Next, draw the beach scene around the hippo. Include palm trees, waves, and seagulls to create a realistic and lively atmosphere. Use bright colors to make the scene pop, and don’t be afraid to get creative with the details.
Finally, add some finishing touches to your drawing, such as sunglasses on the hippo’s face or a beach ball nearby. This will add personality and charm to your artwork, making it a unique and memorable piece.
Overall, drawing a hippo at the beach is a fun and exciting way to showcase your artistic skills. With a little creativity and imagination, you can create a stunning masterpiece that will impress and delight everyone who sees it.
21) Hippo with a Crown
If you’re looking for a fun and whimsical way to draw a hippopotamus, why not try drawing one with a crown? This idea is perfect for those who want to add a touch of royalty to their hippo drawing.
To start, draw the basic shape of the hippopotamus, making sure to capture its large, round body and short legs. Once you have the basic shape down, it’s time to add the crown. Draw a simple crown shape on top of the hippo’s head, complete with points and jewels.
Next, add in the details of the hippopotamus, such as its eyes, nostrils, and ears. Don’t forget to add in the little details that make each hippo unique, such as wrinkles and folds in its skin.
Finally, color in your drawing with bright and bold colors to really make it pop. You can use shades of blue and gray for the hippo’s body, and gold or silver for the crown.
Overall, drawing a hippopotamus with a crown is a fun and creative way to add a little bit of whimsy to your artwork. So grab your pencils and get to drawing!
Materials and Tools for Hippopotamus Drawing
Essential Drawing Supplies
To create stunning hippopotamus drawings, artists need to have a variety of essential drawing supplies. These include pencils, erasers, paper, and ink pens. Pencils are necessary for sketching out the basic shape of the hippopotamus, while ink pens can be used for creating intricate details. Erasers are essential for removing any mistakes made during the drawing process. High-quality paper is also necessary to ensure that the final drawing looks professional.
Digital Drawing Tools
In addition to traditional drawing supplies, digital drawing tools can also be used to create hippopotamus drawings. These tools include graphics tablets, stylus pens, and digital drawing software. Graphics tablets allow artists to draw directly onto the computer screen, while stylus pens provide a more natural drawing experience. Digital drawing software, such as Adobe Illustrator or Procreate, provides a wide range of tools and features that can be used to create detailed and realistic hippopotamus drawings.
By having a combination of essential drawing supplies and digital drawing tools, artists can create stunning hippopotamus drawings that are both traditional and modern.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing a Hippopotamus
Are you ready to draw your very own hippopotamus? Follow this step-by-step guide to create a realistic and adorable hippo drawing.
Basic Shapes and Proportions
Start by drawing the basic shapes of the hippopotamus. Draw a large oval for the body and a smaller oval for the head. Add two circles for the nostrils and two smaller circles for the eyes. Draw two rectangles for the legs and two smaller rectangles for the feet.
Next, add the details of the hippopotamus. Draw the mouth, ears, and tail. Add a curved line to connect the head and body. Make sure to keep the proportions of the hippopotamus in mind. Hippopotamuses have short legs and a large body, so make sure to emphasize these features.
Adding Details and Textures
Now it’s time to add some details and textures to your hippopotamus drawing. Draw the wrinkles and folds on the hippopotamus’s skin. Add some texture to the ears and tail. Don’t forget the hippopotamus’s teeth! Draw the teeth peeking out from the mouth.
Shading and Coloring Techniques
Finally, it’s time to add some shading and color to your hippopotamus drawing. Use a darker shade of gray to shade the areas where the hippopotamus’s skin folds. Add some lighter shades to create highlights. Don’t forget to color in the hippopotamus’s eyes and nostrils.
Congratulations! You have successfully drawn a hippopotamus. With practice, you can create even more detailed and realistic hippopotamus drawings. Keep experimenting with different shading and coloring techniques to make your drawings stand out.
Creative Ideas for Hippopotamus Drawings
If you are looking to create some amazing hippopotamus drawings, then you are in the right place. There are many ways to draw a hippopotamus, and in this section, we will explore some of the most creative ideas for hippopotamus drawings.
Cartoon Style Hippopotamus
Cartoon-style hippopotamus drawings are perfect for those who want to create a fun and playful hippopotamus character. To create a cartoon-style hippopotamus, you can exaggerate the features of the hippopotamus, such as the size of its nose or the shape of its body. You can also add some fun accessories, such as a hat or a bow tie, to make your hippopotamus even more unique.
Realistic Hippopotamus Art
For those who want to create a more realistic hippopotamus drawing, there are many ways to achieve this. You can start by studying the anatomy of the hippopotamus and the way its body moves. You can also focus on the details of the hippopotamus, such as its skin texture and the way its ears and eyes look. By paying attention to these details, you can create a stunning and realistic hippopotamus drawing.
Fantasy-Themed Hippopotamus
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can create a fantasy-themed hippopotamus drawing. This can involve adding magical elements to your drawing, such as wings or horns. You can also create a hippopotamus character that is part of a fantasy world, such as a hippopotamus knight or a hippopotamus wizard.
No matter which style you choose, the key to creating a great hippopotamus drawing is to have fun and be creative. So grab your pencils and get ready to create some amazing hippopotamus art!