How to Draw a Sphinx (Easy Step by Step)
Learn to draw a friendly sphinx resting in front of a pyramid using easy, step-by-step instructions. You'll use simple shapes like circles, squares, and domes to create your drawing.
- Start your sphinx with basic shapes like circles and domes.
- Build the face using a rounded square.
- Add slanted lines to create the pyramid backdrop.
- Follow simple, step-by-step instructions for easy drawing.
- Create a friendly, sleepy lion-like sphinx.
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This sphinx looks like a sleepy, friendly lion resting in front of a pyramid. It is built from simple shapes: a big circle for the mane, a rounded square for the face, a dome for the body, and slanted lines for the pyramid. Each step adds just a few lines, so it is easy to follow.
- Medium
- 15 minutes
- 9 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a sphinx step by step
How to Draw a Sphinx · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch these 2 ovals. They only show where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase them at the end.
Step 2: The big mane
Draw a big round circle for the fluffy mane, with a gentle point at the bottom. Add a short flat line sticking out to the left at the top.
Step 3: The face
Inside the mane, draw a rounded, squishy square for the face. Add two curved lines across the top for the forehead and a small curl at the top left.
Step 4: The resting body
Start at the left side of the mane and draw a big bumpy dome sweeping out to the left. Round it off at the bottom and draw a flat line along the bottom toward the right.
Step 5: Back leg and tail
Draw a short curved line on the body for the back leg, ending in a little foot curl at the bottom. Then add a small leaf-shaped tail poking out from the left side.
Step 6: The front paw
Under the mane, draw one long, flat line stretching out to the right for the front paw. Finish it with a rounded toe at the end, like a cat lying down.
Step 7: The eyes
Draw two round, solid dots on the face, side by side. Keep them the same size so your sphinx looks friendly.
Step 8: The pyramid
Behind the sphinx, draw a long slanted line starting at the lower left and going up to a pointy top. Then draw a short line down from the point to the top of the mane.
Step 9: Face details and mane lines
Draw a small nose with a short line down to a happy smile shaped like a wide letter w. Add two small round ears, then short lines around the mane and a curved front leg line down to the paw.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your sphinx? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a unicorn or how to draw a dragon next.

Tips for drawing a sphinx
- Draw the mane circle first and keep it light. The face has to fit inside it, so leave plenty of room.
- The body is the trickiest part. Think of a big dome lying down, then add the back leg curve after the dome is done.
- Draw the pyramid after the sphinx, and stop its short side where it touches the top of the mane so the lines do not cross over it.
Free sphinx coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this sphinx coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your sphinx drawing
Color the sphinx golden yellow with an orange mane, and the pyramid sandy tan against a blue sky. For a creative twist, give your sphinx a rainbow mane.
Sphinx fun fact for kids
The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt has a human head and a lion's body. It is about 4,500 years old and is carved from the natural limestone rock of the ground it sits on.
Questions about drawing a sphinx
What shapes do I need to draw a sphinx?
You need a big circle for the mane, a rounded square for the face, a big dome for the body, and a pointed line shape for the pyramid. Small curves make the paw, leg and tail.
How do I make my sphinx look cuter?
Keep the eyes round and solid, and the same size. Add a small smile under the nose and make the face big compared to the body.
Is a sphinx a lion?
Not quite. A sphinx is a made-up creature with a lion's body and usually a human head. This drawing is a cute cartoon version with a lion face.






