How to Draw Gollum: Easy 10-Step Fantasy Character Guide

Bring the iconic creature of Middle-earth to life with this step-by-step tutorial designed for intermediate artists. You will need a pencil, eraser, and paper to capture Gollum's unique, expressive features. Follow along to practice character proportion and organic contouring in a fun, screen-free activity.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

High-quality finished drawing of Gollum, showcasing detailed shading and character expression.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Expressive Eyes

Close-up sketch of Gollum's large, expressive eyes and nose structure on white paper.

Start by sketching the large, glaring eyes. Use two curved lines for the lids and shade a bold circle in the center for the pupils. Teacher's Tip: Keep the eyes slightly asymmetrical to give him that signature curious and intense look.

Step 2: Defining the Face and Mouth

Pencil outline showing Gollum's mouth, teeth, and defined cheekbone structure.

Outline the face using sharp, angular curves to suggest his gaunt cheekbones. Add a wide mouth and small 'U' shapes for his teeth. Teacher's Tip: Use short, flicking pencil strokes to define the skin folds around the nose and mouth.

Step 3: Shaping the Ears and Brow

Drawing of Gollum's head showing large ears and wrinkled forehead details.

Add the large, pointed ears and the top of the head. Include horizontal lines across the forehead to indicate his furrowed brow. Teacher's Tip: Make the ears slightly oversized to emphasize his creature-like appearance.

Step 4: Adding Hair and Shoulders

Sketch showing Gollum's sparse hair strands and the beginning of his shoulder frame.

Draw sparse, stringy hair originating from a central point on the scalp. Sketch the collarbone and shoulder line. Teacher's Tip: Don't draw too much hair; keep it thin and wispy to match his sparse look.

Step 5: Sketching the First Arm

Pencil sketch of Gollum's long, thin arm and hand with elongated fingers.

Use long, fluid curves to draw the upper arm and hand. Focus on the elongated fingers. Teacher's Tip: Draw the fingers as simple tubes first to get the proportions right before adding the knuckles.

Step 6: Detailing the Arm Muscles

Detailed sketch of Gollum's arm muscles and hand structure.

Refine the arm by adding muscle contours and completing the hand. Teacher's Tip: Use overlapping lines to show where the joints bend, which adds a sense of realism to the drawing.

Step 7: Drawing the Torso and Loincloth

Sketch of Gollum's thin torso and simple loincloth garment.

Connect the head and arms to a thin torso. Add the loincloth with pointed, uneven edges. Teacher's Tip: Keep the chest area slightly sunken to maintain his frail, creature-like physique.

Step 8: Adding the First Leg

Drawing of Gollum's leg and large foot with visible toe details.

Sketch the upper and lower leg using curved lines. Add the foot with long, distinct toes. Teacher's Tip: Gollum's feet are quite large; don't be afraid to make them look slightly oversized compared to his body.

Step 9: Completing the Second Leg

Finalizing the sketch by adding the second leg and knee contour.

Draw the second leg, mirroring the structure of the first. Add a small curve for the knee. Teacher's Tip: Ensure the legs look thin and bony to match his overall aesthetic.

Step 10: Final Touches and Coloring

Finished, colored illustration of Gollum in a classic crouched pose.

Clean up your guide lines with an eraser and add color. Use pale grays and earthy tones for his skin. Teacher's Tip: Use a light wash of color to keep his skin looking translucent and weathered.