An otter with its tail curled around

Practice a long rounded body, a small muzzle, and overlapping paws with a resting otter. A few whiskers and small gray accents keep the sketch lively.

A way into the drawing

1. Shape the head and body

   Start with a low bean shape and a smaller rounded head. Leave space beside the body for the curved tail.

2. Overlap the paws and tail

   Place the two front paws below the chest and one rear foot beside the body. Curve a thick tail around the outside, tapering it at the end.

3. Add the face and small shadows

   Draw small ears, eyes, nose, and loose whiskers. Use a little gray under the chin and between the paws; leave the broad body open.

A small thing to tryKeep the tail thick where it joins the body. A thin tail can make the otter look like a mouse.