Looking for how to draw a sheep without it turning into a lumpy cloud with legs? You’re in the right cozy corner of the internet.
I used to doodle sheep when I couldn’t fall asleep—turns out the “counting sheep” trick works better when you actually draw them. Over time I found a simple, 9-step method that keeps the shapes soft, the face adorable, and the whole sheep drawing beginner-friendly.
Below you’ll find the exact process I use in my sketchbook and on my tablet. I created every step and illustration myself so you can follow along with confidence. Ready? Let’s make something cute together.
What you’ll need (keep it simple)
- Paper or a tablet + stylus
- A pencil/liner brush for outlines
- Eraser (or undo!)
- Soft colors for shading: cream, warm browns, pink blush
Tip: If you’re drawing digitally, keep each step on a new layer. It’s like training wheels for symmetry.
Before we start: quick wins for cute results
Embrace imperfection. A few irregular bumps in the wool make it look fluffier.
Think in basic shapes. A rounded “U” for the face, cloud-like bumps for the wool.
Keep features small. Tiny eyes + a gentle smile = instant sweet expression.
Mind the spacing. Evenly spaced legs help your sheep feel balanced and grounded.
Step-by-step tutorial
Follow the nine illustrated steps below. I draw new lines in red so you can clearly see what’s added each time. These are the exact instructions I use (and teach), from the face outline to the final coloring and meadow details.
Step 1: Draw the Sheep’s Face Outline
Let’s start by sketching a large curved “U” shape in the middle of your page. This will be the base outline for the sheep’s cute little face.
Keep the curve soft and rounded—think of it like a gentle smile shape turned upside down.
Step 2: Add the Eyes and Mouth
Inside the face outline, draw two small ovals for the eyes—space them evenly so your sheep looks balanced.
Then, create a tiny “U” shape for the nose, with a short line going down and a small curved smile underneath.
This will instantly give your sheep a sweet and friendly expression.
Step 3: Draw the Fluffy Wool on Top
On top of the head, add a wavy line that curves up and down to create the look of soft, fluffy wool.
Start from one side of the head and go across to the other, keeping the waves rounded for that adorable sheep puffiness.
Step 4: Add the Sheep’s Ears
Draw a small oval shape on each side of the head, slightly tilted downward, to make the ears.
Keep them rounded and soft-looking so they match the sheep’s cute and gentle style.
Step 5: Draw the Fluffy Body
From one ear, start drawing a big, bumpy cloud-like shape all around the head to form the sheep’s woolly body.
Keep the curves rounded and soft, connecting them back near the other ear so your sheep looks extra fluffy and cuddly.
Step 6: Add the Legs
Draw four short, rounded rectangle shapes hanging down from the bottom of the woolly body. Space them evenly so your sheep stands steadily.
These will be the sheep’s legs, so keep them simple and cute.
Step 7: Draw the Hooves
Add a short horizontal curved line near the bottom of each leg to separate the hooves from the legs.
This tiny detail will make your sheep look even more charming and complete.
Step 8: Add Flowers and Grass
Draw a few tufts of grass at the bottom around the sheep’s legs, using short, pointy lines.
Then, add some cute, simple flowers nearby to give your sheep a cheerful meadow setting.
Step 9: Color Your Sheep
Bring your drawing to life by adding color! Use a soft cream or light beige for the wool, a warm brown for the face, ears, and legs, and a darker brown for the hooves.
Add a gentle blush on the cheeks for extra cuteness, and color the flowers and grass to make the scene bright and cheerful.
Coloring & shading ideas
Once your outline is done, keep the palette soft and friendly. I like a creamy off-white for the fleece, warm browns for the face and ears, and a slightly darker brown for the hooves. A tiny blush on the cheeks makes the expression pop.
Add a light shadow under the body and hooves so your sheep doesn’t “float.” If you used pencils, a gentle smudge does the trick; digitally, try a low-opacity airbrush.
Common sheep-drawing hiccups (and easy fixes)
“It’s too plain.”
Add grass tufts, simple flowers, or a tiny bell collar. Small details = big personality.
“My sheep looks stiff.”
Loosen the wool with varied bump sizes. Mix small and medium curves instead of identical scallops.
“The face feels off.”
Nudge the eyes a touch closer together and lower on the face. Smaller features = cuter vibe.
“The legs look wonky.”
Sketch a faint baseline first, then drop four short, rounded legs to meet it evenly.
Try these fun variations
Storybook style: thicker outline and extra rosy cheeks.
Sleeping sheep: closed eyes with curved lashes and a tiny “zZz” above.
Spring lamb: pastel bow or a daisy tucked by one ear.
More cute farm (and ocean!) friends to draw
If you loved this sheep drawing, you’ll have a blast with these step-by-steps too:
- Splash of adventure: How to Draw a Shark — simple shapes, big personality.
- Highland charm: How to Draw a Highland Cow — adorable shaggy bangs guaranteed.
- Classic cutie: How to Draw a Cow — perfect companion for your sheep.
Pin, share, and say hi
I share fresh drawing ideas every week—come hang out on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/digitaldrawingideas/
Finished your sheep? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @digitaldrawingideas and tell me which step felt easiest (or trickiest). Your feedback helps me plan the next tutorials.
Final thoughts
Learning how to draw a sheep is really about breaking a fluffy subject into friendly, bite-size shapes. With nine simple steps, a soft color palette, and a few playful details, you can create a character that looks ready to wander through a sunny meadow.
You’ve got this—keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most of all, keep having fun with your art. If you try a variation (sleepy sheep squad, anyone?), drop a comment and share your results on Pinterest or Instagram so we can cheer you on!
Your turn: What should we draw next—the curious goat, a playful piglet, or a farm-yard scene to put them all together?
