How to Draw the Sphinx: Easy 10-Step Guide for Kids

Bring ancient history to life with this step-by-step guide to drawing the Great Sphinx of Giza. Designed for young artists ages 8+, this activity requires only a pencil, paper, and an eraser. Follow along to master the iconic proportions of this legendary monument while practicing your shading and structural sketching skills.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A completed, colored drawing of the Great Sphinx of Giza.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Face and Beard

Pencil sketch showing the initial outline of the Sphinx's face, ear, and false beard.

Start by sketching the Sphinx's face using soft, curved lines. Add the ear with a small '3' shape inside. Teacher's Tip: Keep the face shape slightly oval to help with the proportions of the headdress later.

Step 2: Drawing the Nemes Headdress

Drawing the Sphinx's traditional Nemes headdress with side flaps and crown details.

Draw the iconic striped headdress by placing a curved trapezoid on top of the head. Add triangular side flaps that frame the face. Tip: Use a ruler if you want the stripes to look perfectly symmetrical.

Step 3: Sketching the Front Paw

Detailed sketch of the Sphinx's front paw and muscular forearm.

Use overlapping 'C' shapes to sketch the toes of the front paw. Add a curved line on the forearm to suggest muscle. Tip: Think of this like drawing a cat's paw, just much larger and more solid.

Step 4: Adding Chest Detail

Adding a rectangular chest detail to the Sphinx drawing.

Draw a rectangle on the chest area to serve as the base for the decorative collar. Add a vertical line to define the center. Tip: Keep this shape simple; we will add more texture in later steps.

Step 5: Defining the Second Forearm

Sketching the second muscular forearm of the Sphinx.

Sketch the second forearm using curved lines to show the weight of the statue. Ensure the lines flow naturally from the chest area. Tip: Focus on the curve of the elbow to give the statue a sense of resting strength.

Step 6: Drawing the Back and Tail

Outlining the back, rump, and curved tail of the Sphinx.

Draw a long, curved line that doubles back to form the tail. Outline the back and rump with smooth, sweeping curves. Tip: Imagine the Sphinx is a resting lion; keep the back line long and low.

Step 7: Adding the Rear Leg

Drawing the rear leg and paw of the Sphinx.

Use curved lines to outline the rear leg, tucking it neatly against the body. Form the toes to match the front paw. Tip: Make sure the rear leg looks slightly smaller than the front to show perspective.

Step 8: Adding Headdress Texture

Adding horizontal striped details to the Sphinx's headdress.

Draw straight, horizontal lines across the side flaps of the crown to create the striped pattern. Tip: Space these lines evenly to keep the drawing looking professional.

Step 9: Final Facial Details

Adding the final facial features and the cobra symbol to the Sphinx's crown.

Add the Uraeus (cobra) to the center of the crown. Detail the eyes, nose, and mouth using small, precise lines. Tip: Use a sharp pencil for these fine details to avoid smudging.

Step 10: Bringing it to Life with Color

The finished Sphinx drawing colored with sandy and brown tones.

Color your Sphinx using sandy yellows, tans, and light browns. Use darker shades in the crevices to create depth and shadows. Tip: Try light, cross-hatched strokes to mimic the texture of weathered stone.