How To Draw Cartoon Llama

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Llamas, like burros, donkeys, and camels, are called "pack animals" because they can carry heavy loads. They are sure-footed and smart. If a load is too heavy, they will sit down and not attempt to carry it. Be careful because if a llama is dissatisfied or unhappy with you it won't bite, but it will spit! Create a fun llama character of your own with this watercolor project.

1

Begin the llama with some basic familiar shapes. This figure will consist of three familiar shapes: a potato, a hot dog and a strawberry.
2

Draw the llama's body. Use heavy watercolor paper and a pencil. Start a little below the center of the page by drawing an oval for the body like a potato sitting on its side. To make a neck, stand the hot dog on end and draw it at the edge of the potato. For the head, turn a strawberry (minus the green husk) sideways, and place it atop the hot dog shape.

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3

Finish the llama's body. Add four spindly legs two in front and two at the back and finish them with little feet. Add a tail. Complete the head by adding two pointed ears standing upright, eyes with long curly eyelashes, and,finally, a nose and mouth. If you wish, scribble a little tuft of hair between his ears.

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1

Draw the flower baskets the llama is carrying, one completely visible and just a peek at the second one. Place two straps across the llama's back to hold them in place.
2

Fill the basket with flowers. Any flower shape will work just fine. Little curly circles with dots for the center are simple and pretty and recognizable as a simple flower. Draw some heart-shaped leaves sticking out around the flowers.
3

"Ground" the llama with a horizontal line from side to side across the page, separating the earth from the sky. Fill the space around the figure however you wish. Flowers in pots, a fence, or other structure like a little shed. Add mountains in the distance. For extra fun, you might add the figure of a boy or girl dressed in the national costume of South America.

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1

Prepare your colors. Use a box of watercolors that you have prepared by dropping a little water on each dry pad to activate it. While contemplating color choices, remember the mountains where llamas live are arid, so brown and tans are a good choice because not a lot of lush vegetation grows there.
2

Paint with colored markers if you wish. Outlining in black marker or Sharpie will accent and bring out the colors.
3

Display your artwork for all to enjoy. Even if a trip to South America isn't in your plans, you can dream about this culture and study further about it. Information is as close as the internet or finding a book at the library. If you enjoy doing this project continue your research to find out more about the llama, his native habitat and the important work he does.

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Question

Okay, that is awesome advice, just wanted to ask what kind of watercolor you have been mixing up in that good ole studio of yours?

Ginny K.

Community Answer

Any type or brand works and my watercolors are a hodge-podge of many. I get paints at Hobby Lobby, Michael's and Walmart. You use such a small amount of paint because it gets mixed with water that they tend to last a long time. You need to be careful to get those tiny caps on tight or they will dry out though. I also use the dry pans of watercolor. Some of those little sets last a long time too, for the same reason---that you don't use an awful lot of pigment. Appreciate that you enjoy the tips and lessons. Put up some of your work!

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Perhaps, through your research, you will discover various ways a llama is decorated. A blanket across his back with tassels along the bottom, ornaments around his neck and colorful trims in the hank of hair between his ears.
If you are visiting a zoo, be sure to see if a llama is in residence. Stop by and compare your cartoon drawing with the real animal.

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Things You'll Need

Watercolor paper
Brushes for watercolor or all-purpose ones
Pencil with an eraser
Assorted color markers, if desired

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