How to Draw a Chain: Easy 10-Step Guide for Beginners

Looking to add depth to your drawings? This tutorial is perfect for artists ages 6+ to practice overlapping shapes and perspective. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to create a professional-looking chain link by link.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A collection of various chain styles, from simple links to complex metallic designs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the First Link

A single oval link drawn with a thick border to represent metal thickness.

Draw a large oval, then place a smaller oval inside it to create the thickness of the metal. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil grip loose to ensure the ovals remain rounded and smooth.

Step 2: Adding the Second Link

Two overlapping oval links showing the beginning of a chain connection.

Draw a second set of ovals that overlaps the first. Teacher's Tip: Imagine the links are like a real-life puzzle; the second link should look like it is hooked through the center of the first.

Step 3: Creating the Interlock

Two chain links with overlapping lines erased to show a locked connection.

Erase the lines where the links overlap to create the illusion of a solid, connected chain. Teacher's Tip: Use a clean eraser to ensure the connection points look seamless.

Step 4: Extending the Chain

A third oval link added to the existing chain structure.

Add another oval set to the end of your chain. Teacher's Tip: Keep the size of your ovals consistent so the chain looks uniform and realistic.

Step 5: Cleaning the Connection

Three chain links cleaned up and connected.

Erase the overlapping guide lines on the new link. Teacher's Tip: If you accidentally erase too much, simply redraw the outer edge to maintain the link's shape.

Step 6: Adding More Links

A longer chain sequence showing five connected links.

Continue adding links by repeating the oval-within-an-oval technique. Teacher's Tip: You can curve your chain by slightly shifting the angle of each new oval.

Step 7: Refining the Chain

Five connected chain links with all overlapping lines cleaned.

Erase the overlapping guide lines for the additional links. Teacher's Tip: Check your work to ensure every link appears to be 'behind' the one before it.

Step 8: Adding Variation

Adding a link with a slightly different perspective to show chain movement.

Draw another link, but this time, let it stop just before it fully intersects. Teacher's Tip: This adds a sense of movement to your drawing.

Step 9: Finalizing the Length

A completed, long chain drawing ready for coloring.

Add as many links as you like to reach your desired length. Teacher's Tip: A longer chain is great for drawing necklaces or heavy-duty industrial chains.

Step 10: Adding Color and Shine

A finished chain drawing with shading applied to create a metallic effect.

Use two shades of grey or gold to add highlights and shadows. Teacher's Tip: Leave a small white sliver on one side of each link to represent a metallic shine!