How to Draw a Bison (Easy Step by Step)
This bison is mostly a big cloud of fluffy fur with a sweet face in the middle. It is built from ovals, curves and dots, so it is great for beginners. You start with the woolly mane and horns, then add the face, body and feet one shape at a time.
- Easy
- 15 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a bison step by step
How to Draw a Bison · 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: Fluffy mane and horns
Draw a big cloud shape with a bumpy, wavy edge for the fluffy mane. Add a pointed, curved horn on each top side, shaped like a small curved triangle that sticks up and out.
Step 3: The face
Inside the mane, draw a tall rounded shape like an egg for the face. Make it fairly big so the mane frames it all around.
Step 4: The muzzle
Draw a wide curved arch across the lower part of the face, from one side of the face to the other. This is the bison's snout.
Step 5: Eyes
Add two small round dots above the muzzle, one on each side. Keep them the same size and at the same height.
Step 6: Nose, beard and shoulders
Draw a tiny nose with a little smile under it inside the muzzle. Then draw a short pointed beard below the chin, with a small curve on each side of it for the shoulders.
Step 7: Arms
Draw a long oval on each side below the shoulders, slanting a little outward. Let each one hang down.
Step 8: Feet and tail
Draw two wide, flat ovals at the bottom for the feet, with a short bumpy line between them. On the right, add a thin tail that curls up into a little hook.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your bison? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw an alpaca or how to draw a leopard next.
Tips for drawing a bison
- Draw the mane lightly first as a big cloud, then go over it with small bumps. Keep the bumps different sizes so the fur looks natural.
- Make the face egg shape tall and leave room around it. The mane needs a good gap on every side so it feels fluffy.
- Draw both arm ovals at the same slant and check that they are about the same length. Do the curly tail last so it does not get in the way.
Free bison coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this bison 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 bison drawing
Try warm browns for the mane and a lighter tan for the face and body. For a creative twist, give your bison a rainbow mane or a snowy winter scene around it.
Bison fun fact for kids
A bison's big shaggy hump is made of muscle, and the bison uses it to swing its head to push snow aside when it looks for grass in winter.
Questions about drawing a bison
What shapes do I need to draw a bison?
You need a cloud shape for the mane, an egg for the face, ovals for the arms and feet, and a few dots and curves for the eyes, nose, horns and tail.
How do I make my bison look cuter?
Keep the eyes small and the same size, and add a little smile under the nose. A fluffier, rounder mane also adds to the cute look.
How do I draw the mane so it looks fluffy?
Draw a loose circle first, then trace over it with lots of small, rounded bumps. Wavy bumps look much fluffier than straight lines.
