A Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing a Fox and Plant Illustration with Colored Pencils

Download the Fox Coloring Page

Tools Needed

• Colored Pencils: Opt for soft pencils that are easy to blend, such as PrismaColor or Faber-Castell.

• Sketch Paper: Medium-thickness paper that can handle multiple layers without tearing.

• Eraser and Pencil Sharpener: For detail corrections and keeping the pencil tips sharp.

Step 1: Sketch the Outline

1. Draw the Shapes:

   • Lightly sketch the outline of the fox, potted plant, and background using a light gray or regular pencil.

   • Pay attention to proportions: make the fox the focal point, with the plant serving as a complementary element.

Step 2: Base Colors for the Fox

1. Base Layer for the Fur:

   • Use bright orange (#F25A1C) to apply an even first layer to the fox’s body.

   • Leave blank spaces for the chest and tail tip, which will be filled with white later.

2. Adding Depth:

   • Use dark reddish-orange to enhance the edges of the ears, limbs, and base of the tail for a three-dimensional effect.

   • Apply white (#FFFFFF) lightly to the chest and tail tip to create a smooth transition.

3. Facial Details:

   • Use black (#000000) for the fox’s nose and eyes, leaving small highlights to add liveliness.

Step 3: Coloring the Fox’s Outfit

1. Base Layer for the Dress:

   • Apply light yellow (#FFF3B0) to fill the entire dress as the foundation color.

2. Drawing the Floral Patterns:

   • Use the following colors to draw small flowers:

     • Orange (#FFA873) for the base flower designs.

     • Light blue (#73C6E3) to accent some of the flowers.

     • Light green (#A3D68A) for the leaves.

   • Use a white pencil to blend around the patterns and create a cohesive look.

3. Dress Border Details:

   • With a fine-tipped white pencil, add lace-like details along the dress hem to make it more playful.

Step 4: Coloring the Plant and Flowerpot

1. Layering the Leaves:

   • Start with light green (#CDEBA0) as the base color for the leaves.

   • Use dark green (#276A39) to deepen the veins and edges of the leaves, creating dimension.

   • Lightly erase small areas to mimic highlights and a natural light effect.

2. Shading the Flowerpot:

   • Use reddish-brown (#C04532) for the base layer, ensuring even coverage.

   • Add deeper tones to the base and edges with a darker red-brown to create shadows and depth.

   • Draw fine vertical lines to mimic the ceramic texture of the pot.

Step 5: Background and Shadows

1. Background:

   • Fill the entire background with cream (#F9F2E8) for a soft and neutral tone.

   • Use a cotton swab or blending tool to smooth the background for a clean finish.

2. Adding Shadows:

   • Apply light gray (#D1C7B2) beneath the fox’s feet and the flowerpot to create subtle shadows.

   • Blend the edges with your finger or a blending tool to make the shadows look natural.

Finishing Touches

1. Check Overall Balance:

   • Ensure all areas are evenly colored and enhance contrasts where needed.

   • Use a white pencil to smooth and brighten highlight areas for a polished look.

2. Signature and Framing:

   • Sign your artwork in the bottom-right corner and frame or scan your completed illustration for safekeeping.

Suggested Color Palette (Hex Codes):

Suggested Color Palette (Prismacolor):