How to draw a hedgehog

A plump cartoon hedgehog is built from one big egg shape with a round belly and stubby paws. It is a forgiving subject for learning to simplify.

Draw on paper with any pencil or pen. Compare each stage with the guide before you move on.

Stage by stage

Big shapes
Sketch the largest ovals and boxes with light marks.
Check before you move on: Do the big shapes fill the page like the reference?
Proportions
Compare height and width, then add a center line.
Check before you move on: Are the main height-to-width ratios close?
Placement
Mark the positions of the main parts before adding detail.
Check before you move on: Are the main parts in the right places?
Outer contour
Choose one clear outline over your light guides.
Check before you move on: Does the silhouette match the reference?
Interior edges
Add only the inner edges that explain the form.
Check before you move on: Can you understand the form without extra lines?
Shadow shapes
Fill the largest shadow areas with one pale tone.
Check before you move on: Are light and shadow clearly separated?
Midtones
Add a middle tone between the light and shadow.
Check before you move on: Can you see light, middle and dark groups?
Accents
Deepen a few dark accents where forms overlap.
Check before you move on: Are the darkest marks limited and deliberate?
Finish
Refine a few focal details and keep the rest simple.
Check before you move on: Does one focal area stand out?

Draw the body as one large egg first, then mark the belly as a smaller oval inside it.
Make the spikes quick zigzag marks along the back edge, short and following the curve of the body.
Tuck the leaf behind one ear last, so you can see exactly where it fits.

Sketchwise builds a guide image for every stage, checks your page along the way and scores the finished drawing.