In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Gila Monster in 7 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.
The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.
Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.
At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Gila Monster.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw a Gila Monster - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Start by drawing the head. Make two lines that come together at a curve and have a few bumps for the sides of the head. Add a tiny oval with a line on top for the eye.
Step 2: To draw the body and tail of the Gila Monster, continue from the head and make a shape almost like a crescent moon, except more uneven and bumpier.
Step 3: Draw the front leg up from the body and facing to the right. Make sure to add five toes to the foot of the Gila Monster.
Step 4: Draw the other front leg so that the long toes are blocked by the rest of the leg and draw a curve looping back as the end of the leg. Imagine that you are looking right down at it, and can only see a few tiny bumps for the toes.
Step 5: Draw the hind leg just like the first front leg except a little bit smaller.
Step 6: Draw the other hind leg like the other except hide a little of the foot and a toe with the leg itself.
Step 7: Draw the pattern by adding lots of straight lines to the end and using other shapes and circles on the body. Your Gila Monster is now done!
Interesting Facts about Gila Monsters
Gila (pronounced hee-la) monsters are a species of lizard. They are one of the only two lizard species that are poisonous. Gila monsters live in certain parts of New Mexico, California, Utah, and Nevada. They also live in Arizona and throughout the country of Mexico. Their dwellings are underground in desert habitats. They can be found at the foothills of mountains and near grasslands. Gila monsters venture above ground during the spring to gather food and to mate.
Did you know?
- Gila monsters grow to be almost two feet long, and they weigh about three pounds.
- Gila monsters are the largest lizards in the United States.
- Gila monsters are carnivores that usually eat eggs, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
- In captivity, Gila monsters live for at least 20 years. They typically live longer in the wild.
- Part of Gila monster venom has been used in research for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.
Native Americans in the United States Southwest have various beliefs about the Gila monster. The Apache Indians believed that the breath of a Gila monster could bring death. The Pima Indians believed that the Gila monster brought on sickness amongst their people. On the other hand, the Yaqui and Seri Indians believed that the hide of Gila monsters had healing powers.
How To Draw A Gila Monster – Step-By-Step Tutorial