How to Draw a Basilisk Lizard (Easy Step by Step)
This article teaches you how to draw a basilisk lizard using easy, step-by-step instructions. You'll learn to construct its unique features like its crest and back spikes from simple shapes, making it a perfect first reptile drawing.
- You'll draw a basilisk lizard using simple shapes.
- Build the lizard's rounded head, sloping back, and pointy tail.
- Add its distinctive crest and a row of spikes down its back.
- This drawing is a great first reptile project for young artists.
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The basilisk lizard is a cute little reptile with a small crest on its head and a row of spikes down its back. This drawing is built from simple shapes: a rounded head, a long sloping back, a pointy tail, and a few bumps and circles. It is a nice first reptile for young artists.
- Medium
- 15 minutes
- 10 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawing
In this article (7 sections)
How to draw a basilisk lizard step by step
How to Draw a Basilisk Lizard · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: Head and chin
Start at the back of the head and draw a big rounded curve over the top and down the left side for the snout. Then curve down and under for the chin, and add a short line going down from the chin for the chest.
Step 3: Back and belly
Start at the back of the head and draw a long line sloping down to the right for the lizard's back, ending in a little upward curl. Then draw a short, gently curved line below the body for the belly.
Step 4: Underside of the tail
Start at the end of the curl on the right and draw a curve that sweeps down and to the left. This makes the tail thick and pointy at the tip.
Step 5: Front arm and hand
Draw two slanted lines going down and to the left from the chest to make the arm. Finish with a small bumpy shape at the bottom for the hand.
Step 6: Back leg and foot
Under the body near the tail, draw a curved line going down for the leg. Close it with a rounded, bumpy shape for the foot.
Step 7: Head crest
At the back of the head, draw a small half circle that curls out and back in, like a little ear or sail.
Step 8: Back spikes
Along the back line, draw a row of small pointed bumps. Start and end each one on the back line, and make them a little smaller as they go toward the tail.
Step 9: The eye
Near the middle of the head, draw a small round circle and color it in solid for the eye.
Step 10: Nostril and mouth
Add a tiny dot near the front of the snout for the nostril. Then draw a short curved line from the front of the face going back for a smiling mouth.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your basilisk lizard? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a fox or how to draw a hedgehog next.
Tips for drawing a basilisk lizard
- The long back line is the trickiest part. Draw it in one slow, smooth sweep from the head toward the tail instead of in short bits.
- Make the spikes along the back smaller as they get closer to the tail. Start each one on the back line so they look attached.
- Keep the hand and foot simple: draw one rounded shape first, then add a few little bumps.
Free basilisk lizard coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this basilisk lizard 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 basilisk lizard drawing
Basilisk lizards are often green or brown, so try bright green with a light yellow belly and a red or orange crest. For a creative twist, draw blue waves under the feet so your lizard is running on water.
Basilisk lizard fun fact for kids
Basilisk lizards are nicknamed Jesus Christ lizards because they can run across the surface of water on their back legs for a short distance. They do it to escape danger, and they can swim well too.
Questions about drawing a basilisk lizard
What shapes do I need to draw a basilisk lizard?
You need a big rounded shape for the head, a long sloping line for the back, a curved tail, a half circle for the crest, and small bumps for the spikes. A circle makes the eye, and bumpy rounded shapes make the hand and foot.
How do I make my basilisk lizard look cuter?
Make the eye round and solid, and give it a gentle curved smile. A chubby body and short legs also make it look friendly.
How do I draw the spikes on a lizard's back?
Draw small pointed bumps along the back line, making each one a little smaller than the last. Start and end every bump on the back line so the spikes look like part of the body.
