How to Draw a Spider Monkey
The spider monkey has its name because of its long limbs, much like a spider. It lives in tropical forests in areas like Mexico and Brazil and uses its long limbs to swing around. It is also known for its facial expressions. Though spider monkeys come in different colors, for this example, I will be drawing a black one.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pencil (ranging from 2H to 2B)
- Eraser (either electric or kneaded)
- Pencil sharpener
Instructions
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Like the capuchin monkey, the eyes are the spider monkey's strongest feature. Draw two ovals, using a 2B pencil, blacking out most of the area with black and leaving white in the middle. Leave an eye's space between the two.
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Now add the nose and mouth. To show its expression, I am showing a howling spider monkey. Be sure to note that its facial structure is nearly human, but has its own uniqueness. Use a 2H pencil to outline the nose and mouth and then fill in the mouth with a 2B pencil. For the nose, draw two square brackets, one at the corner of each eye, and then two tear-shaped ovals in between the brackets for the nostrils and then put a triangle in the middle to give the nose the appearance of depth. For the mouth, which is open in this example, draw an oval directly under the nose and use the 2B pencil to shade the interior of the mouth and then use a 2H pencil to shade the tongue area. Add a lower lip below the mouth, using the 2H pencil.
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Start fleshing out the rest of the face. Rather than draw an oval around the eyes, nose and mouth for the head, I just like to quickly shade the head area with a 2B pencil, using the side of the pencil lead to fill in a lot of area on the paper quickly, since there is no definitive shape to the head. The spider monkey seems to have a light-colored mask on, almost like what the Lone Ranger would wear, so draw the area around the eyes. If you are using a reference photo like I am and are wondering what should be lighter or darker, just squint your eyes and the dark area will pop out. Continue the squinting exercise for as long as you like. I like to use the light 2H pencil to map out the area and then use the 2B pencil on the darker area. Use strong strokes for areas that are very hairy, being sure to keep those strokes going in the same uniform direction. Don't worry about exact details, just lay out the basic area. Also, be confident, not hesitant, in your lines.
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Start refining the drawing of the spider monkey. Continue alternating between the light and the dark areas of the monkey with the 2B and 2H pencils and clean up the overall appearance of the drawing. In terms of an eraser, I like using an electric eraser that rotates rapidly at the press of a button and does a really thorough job of picking up all traces of any work.
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Make the final changes that you want to, and then sign your drawing. Congratulations, you've drawn the spider monkey.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice a lot.
Study photos of spider monkeys and use them for reference. Go to the zoo if there are any on exhibit and draw from life, as well.
Don't be afraid to mess up.
