How to Draw Chao

You can learn to draw the adorable Chao characters from Sonic the Hedgehog games and cartoons by using the step-by-step sequence in this tutorial. Chao is formed from oval and teardrop shapes that you can build up in light sketches, then define more crisply when you have the forms sketched in. By adding some colored shading to round out the shapes, you will give your Chao character depth and dimension.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Eraser
• Colored pencils, crayons or paints

Instructions

1. 

   Start by lightly sketching in a basic oval shape for the head, as pictured here. The oval is wider from side to side, with a slightly flattened bottom.

2. 

   Draw in the teardrop shape of the head over the lightly sketched oval. The top of the head has more of a curve on one side from this angle, because the point of the head leans forward.

3. 

   Sketch in the body as a small oval shape, taller than it is wide and slightly flattened on the bottom and top. Keep the sketch light, as you will be drawing over part of the shape later when you add the arms and feet.

4. 

   Sketch in the feet, which are shaped like slender eggs. The foot nearer to you should be slightly larger and wider, as it would appear in perspective.

5. 

   Sketch in the arms, which are slender teardrop shapes. Remember to sketch lightly, so you can easily erase and correct the shapes if necessary.

6. 

   When you have the shapes and proportions right, draw in the main shapes firmly over the light sketches. Add the floating-ball shape above the head.

7. 

   Add the tiny wings above each of the shoulders, as in the picture here. There are two bulges on each wing.

8. 

   Sketch in the eyes as slender oval rings with smaller, similarly shaped ovals inside. Take your time to lightly sketch them in first before you draw in a firmer outline for the final shapes.

9. 

   Shade in the color. Start at the edges, applying the color more thickly at first, then with lighter pressure as you move inward, to let the white of the paper show through more toward the center. This will lend an appearance of roundness to the form. The body is light blue, and the hands, toes and point of the head (with floating ball) are colored yellow. The wings are tinted a light pink. Your cute little Chao is finished!