An axolotl turning

A study of a curving axolotl with six feathery gill stalks, four small legs and a broad tail fin on textured paper. Draw the curved body axis, broad head and tapering tail.

A way into the drawing

1. Establish the main forms

   Draw the curved body axis, broad head and tapering tail.

2. Build the structure

   Add four small legs and three gill branches on each side of the head.

3. Develop selected details

   Trace the fin edge and selected gill filaments; shade only the underside and overlaps.

A small thing to tryKeep the gills separate from the forelegs so the anatomy stays readable.