How to Draw a Gecko Step by Step

Geckos are a popular subject for drawing and are recognizable for their large eyes, expressive faces, colorful skin, and unique feet. While their anatomy may seem complex, breaking down a gecko into simple shapes and steps makes drawing them approachable for beginning artists. With some guidance, you can learn to draw an adorable gecko of your own using common art supplies.

Materials Needed

• Paper
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Colored pencils, markers, or paints (optional)

Before you start, make sure you have a piece of paper, a pencil, and an eraser. While you can draw your gecko with just a pencil, colored pencils, markers, or paints can allow you to add brighter skin tones and details. Gather your preferred supplies so you have everything you need to draw a gecko.

Step 1: Draw the Body

Start by drawing an oval shape for the gecko’s body, leaving a gap at the bottom for the legs. Make the oval wide and stout — geckos have short, flattened bodies. Don’t worry about perfect proportions yet, as you can refine the size and shape of the body as you add details in later steps.

Next, draw a slightly curved vertical line that separates the body into two halves — this will help you add symmetrical legs and feet later on. Extend the line past the oval to serve as a guide for the full length of the tail.

Tips for Drawing the Body

• Draw lightly at first in case you need to erase and adjust the body shape.
• Make the body oval fat and flat like a gecko, not long and slender.
• Use a symmetrical line to help properly space the legs and tail.

Step 2: Add Legs and Feet

Geckos have four short yet muscular legs that allow them to cling to surfaces. Let’s add the legs next.

On each side of the body oval, draw four lines that extend from the bottom of the body to represent the four legs. Make the two legs on each side point slightly outward. Then thicken the ends of each leg to create the gecko’s feet.

Gecko feet are wide with special padded toes that allow them to grip well. Draw the toes as half-circles or teardrop shapes spread out from the end of each foot. Add claws at the tips of the toes.

Tips for Drawing Legs and Feet

• Give the gecko four short, thick legs spaced evenly on each side.
• Angle the front and back legs out slightly rather than straight down.
• Draw wide, bulky feet with spread out padded toes and claws.

Step 3: Draw the Head

Let’s move up and draw the gecko’s head. Start by making a circle or oval shape above the body, overlapping the body a bit. Geckos have fairly large, rounded heads.

Then add an angular snout that extends out from the front of the head and comes to a rounded point. Using angled lines helps give the snout a reptilian appearance.

Tips for Drawing the Head

• Make the head a large oval shape that overlaps the body slightly.
• Draw an angular snout that extends from the front of the head.

Step 4: Add Eyes and Mouth

Time to give your gecko some facial features! Let’s start with the eyes. Draw two large, round circles with a dot in the center of each for the pupils. Place the eyes high up on the head with plenty of space in between. Geckos have big bulging eyes spaced far apart.

Then draw a slightly curved line for the mouth under the snout, turning up slightly at the corners. You can add a forked tongue inside the mouth as well.

Tips for Drawing Eyes and Mouth

• Position the large, round eyes high up on the head widely spaced apart.
• Draw a slightly curved line for the mouth underneath the snout.
• Consider adding a forked tongue inside the open mouth.

Step 5: Draw the Tail

Geckos have long, tapered tails that help counterbalance their bodies and heads. Let’s add the tail next.

Use the vertical guideline to extend a tapering line from the rear of the body oval to the length you want the tail. Make it curve up slightly at the tip. Then thicken the base of the tail where it connects to match the width of the body.

You can also add small nubs along the tail to represent segments if desired. This helps show texture and scales.

Tips for Drawing the Tail

• Use your vertical guide to draw a long tapering tail.
• Curve the tail slightly upward at the tip.
• Consider adding small nubs for texture and segments.

Step 6: Add Details

Once the basic body, legs, head, and tail are in place, you can start adding details to bring your gecko to life. Consider the following options:

• Skin bumps and ridges
• Skin patterns like stripes, spots, blotches
• Spiky protrusions over the eyes
• Skin flaps/folds around the neck and sides
• Small scales along the body and tail

Add whatever texture and patterns fit your desired gecko species. Use light pencil strokes at first so you can adjust and experiment with different looks.

Tips for Adding Details

• Look at gecko reference photos online for skin texture ideas.
• Start with light pencil strokes before committing to details.
• Consider both bumps/ridges as well as spots, stripes, or blotches.

Step 7: Color Your Gecko

Once your details are added, you can start coloring your gecko with your chosen drawing media. Look at color references of real geckos to pick shades that match the species you drew.

Some ideas for coloration include:

• Greens, browns, tans, yellows, oranges or reds for the skin
• Dark browns, blacks, or reds for spots, stripes, or blotches
• Light colors for the bulging eyes and underbelly
• Bright patterns along the tail
• Subtle gradients from light to dark along the body

Have fun experimenting with color combinations and don’t be afraid to try unusual colors! Vibrant geckos are found all over the world.

Tips for Coloring Your Gecko

• Use real gecko photos for color inspiration and accuracy.
• Try out both warm and cool color schemes.
• Add gradients, patterns, and textures with color.
• Go bright and vibrant — geckos showcase diverse, bold colors.

Conclusion

And there you have it — a completed gecko drawing! Starting with simple shapes and building up details through each step allows you to create an awesome gecko, even as a beginner.

The key things to remember are:

• Use basic shapes for the body, legs, head, and tail.
• Add essential features like bulging eyes and padded toes.
• Look at gecko references for textures, colors, and accuracy.
• Take your time, draw lightly at first, and don’t be afraid to erase and adjust.

With practice and patience, you can develop your skills and enjoy drawing many unique geckos. Reptiles make great drawing subjects Try out other lizards, snakes, or turtles once you get comfortable with geckos!