how to draw piggie and elephant mo willems

Learn to Draw Pigeon and Elephant Mo Willems Style

By John Wilson
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Have you ever been captivated by the whimsical, oversized creatures brought to life by beloved children's book author and illustrator, Mo Willems? If so, you're in for a treat! Today, we're going to explore how to draw two of his most beloved characters - Piggie and Elephant - using simple, step-by-step instructions. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, we're here to make the learning process fun and engaging. So, let's dive right in!

Mo Willems' distinctive illustration style is characterized by its oversized features, expressive body language, and a unique color palette. By breaking down his characters into simple shapes and lines, we can replicate his style while having fun!

Drawing Piggie

Piggie, from "Elephant & Piggie" series, is a champion of good sportsmanship and lifelong friendships. Let's bring this delightful character to life with these easy steps.

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a boy sitting at a table with an open book in front of him and the words piggie on it
a boy sitting at a table with an open book in front of him and the words piggie on it
elephant-piggie-drawing 2
elephant-piggie-drawing 2
How to Draw Gerald and Piggie - Art Lesson for Kids
How to Draw Gerald and Piggie - Art Lesson for Kids

Grab your pencil, some paper, and let's get started!

Step 1: Draw the Basic Head, Body, and Legs

Start by drawing a large, oval-shaped head for Piggie. Next, add a rectangular body underneath the head, making sure the bottom of the rectangle is slightly longer than the head. For the legs, sketch four simple, rounded triangles, two on each side of the body.

Mo Willems' Gerald Directed Drawing
Mo Willems' Gerald Directed Drawing
How To Draw Elephant And Piggie (Easy Drawing Tutorial)
How To Draw Elephant And Piggie (Easy Drawing Tutorial)
The Pigeon Party!
The Pigeon Party!

Pro tip: To create an oversized effect like Mo Willems, exaggerate the size of your shapes and lines. Don't be afraid to make your character larger than life!

Step 2: Add Details and Fine-Tune

Now that we have the basic structure down, let's add some crucial details that make Piggie unique. Begin by adding a small, round ear on either side of the head. Next, draw two simple, almond-shaped eyes, and a small, curved mouth to create Piggie's charming smile. Don't forget to add a tiny nose and a pair of small, curved tusks!

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Once you're satisfied with your sketch, go over your final lines with a pen or marker, and erase any guidelines you no longer need. Add some color, and you're done! Remember, Piggie is all about expressing emotion, so don't be afraid to experiment with different facial expressions and colors.

Learning to Draw with Mo Willems - The Educators' Spin On It
Learning to Draw with Mo Willems - The Educators' Spin On It
Mo Willems' Directed Drawing of Piggy
Mo Willems' Directed Drawing of Piggy
15 Best Elephant Coloring Pages with Guiding Tips
15 Best Elephant Coloring Pages with Guiding Tips
How To Draw Piggie
How To Draw Piggie
How To Draw Gerald - Art For Kids Hub — Free Drawing Lessons for Kids -
How To Draw Gerald - Art For Kids Hub — Free Drawing Lessons for Kids -
a poster with the words don't let the pigeon go guided drawing freebie
a poster with the words don't let the pigeon go guided drawing freebie

Drawing Elephant

No introduction is needed for this beloved character! Elephant, Piggie's best friend, is wise, gentle, and always ready to lend an ear (literally). Let's learn how to draw this enchanting character with these simple steps.

You'll need the same materials as before, so grab your pencil and paper, and let's begin!

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Step 1: Sketch the Basic Head and Body

Start by drawing a large, round head for Elephant. Then, add a long, banana-shaped body that tapers downwards. Next, draw two short, curved lines at the end of the body to create Elephant's rump. For the legs, sketch four simple, rounded rectangles, two on each side of the body. Finally, add two long, curved lines on either side of the head to create Elephant's trunk.

an elephant and pig standing next to each other
an elephant and pig standing next to each other
27+ Awesome Image of Elephant And Piggie Coloring Pages - albanysinsanity.com
27+ Awesome Image of Elephant And Piggie Coloring Pages - albanysinsanity.com
Draw Elephant Gerald!
Draw Elephant Gerald!

Tip: Just like Piggie, exaggerate Elephant's features to capture Mo Willems' signature style. Make that head and body larger than life!

Step 2: Add Details and Fine-Tune

Now it's time to add the details that bring Elephant to life. Start by drawing two small, round ears on either side of the head. Next, add two simple, almond-shaped eyes, and a small, curved mouth to create Elephant's smiling expression. Don't forget to add a tiny nose at the end of Elephant's trunk!

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Once you're happy with your sketch, go over your final lines with a pen or marker, and erase any guidelines. Add some color, and you've just created another Mo Willems masterpiece!

Now that you've learned how to draw Piggie and Elephant, it's time to create your own Mo Willems-inspired adventures. Don't forget to have fun, experiment with colors, and make these characters your own. Who knows? Maybe your drawings will inspire the next generation of readers and artists. Happy drawing!

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