How To Draw A Bunny Easy: Draw A Cute Bunny Step By Step

Learn how to draw a cute bunny with this easy step-by-step tutorial.

You’ll learn how to draw a bunny using very simple shapes.

Because we’re using simple shapes, this tutorial of how to draw a bunny will be easy for any age!

Contents show 1 What drawing supplies do you need 2 Step 1: Drawing a bunny head 3 Step 2: Add shape for bunny nose, mouth, and jaw 4 Step 3: Add the bunny ear 5 Step 4: Draw a shape for bunny’s body 6 Step 5: Add a line to connect bunny’s body to head 7 Step 6: Draw the second bunny ear 8 Step 7: Add bunny’s back feet 9 Step 8: Add bunny’s front feet 10 Step 9: Draw a shape for bunny’s tail 11 Step 10: Add details by overlapping shapes 12 Step 11: Draw an eye for the bunny 13 Step 12: Draw final details of the bunny 14 Shading & Lighting Sources 15 Coloring Your Bunny (Traditional Tools) 16 Coloring Your Bunny (Digital Workflow) 17 Expressive Pose / Variation Ideas 18 Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them 19 Style Adaptations 20 Quick Practice Exercises 21 Other Topics to Help You Draw 22 How to Draw a Bunny Printable Guide 22.1 Materials 22.2 Tools 22.3 Instructions 23 Frequently Asked Questions 23.1 What if my bunny looks stiff? 23.2 How long does a complete bunny drawing take? 23.3 Can I follow along with a digital tablet instead of pencil and paper? 23.4 My fur looks scratchy, not fluffy. What am I doing wrong? 23.5 What paper works best for traditional coloring? 23.6 How can I keep the head and body proportions consistent? 23.7 Any tips for shading a white rabbit? 23.8 How do I add a simple background without stealing focus from the bunny?

What drawing supplies do you need

You can use anything to draw this bunny.

As long as you have something to draw with and a piece of paper, you’re in good shape.

I recommend clicking on the following link if you want the best tools for drawing.

Step 1: Drawing a bunny head

Draw an oval at an angle, we want the angle to be facing downwards as this will be guiding where we place the details of the head

Step 2: Add shape for bunny nose, mouth, and jaw

From the bottom of the oval, we will draw another round shape.

Not quite an oval, not quite a circle, more of a U shape with a slight point in the middle to connect the top and bottom of the circle.

Step 3: Add the bunny ear

Now going back to the top of the circle we will create a carrot shape – this will be the ear!

Step 4: Draw a shape for bunny’s body

Moving to the back of the bunny, we will create yet another oval on an angle but this one will be much larger.

Make it at least one and half the size of the head oval and place it behind the ear.

Step 5: Add a line to connect bunny’s body to head

From a little before the bottom of the back oval create an arc towards the chin of the bunny (the U shape) but do not meet the point.

Make sure to leave some space.

Step 6: Draw the second bunny ear

Behind the ear and head create a little line to connect the top of the bigger oval with the smaller oval.

We will also be adding the second ear!

Create an elongated “D” shape next to your first ear.

Make it slightly thinner than the first ear!

Step 7: Add bunny’s back feet

At the base of the larger oval create a foot!

Start with a carrot shape but flatten it out on the bottom (where it meets the ground), and then leave a little space for the heel, creating a soft line upwards to the larger oval.

Now for another, but without the heel halfway up the bottom arc of the bunny.

Step 8: Add bunny’s front feet

Front feet time!

Extend a line in an inward curve from 1/4 of the way into the space of the arc and then bring that inward curve outward for a small bump of the toes before finishing it off in a flat line on the same level as the back feet.

Repeat directly next to this shape.

Step 9: Draw a shape for bunny’s tail

Add a little cottontail right on the butt (the outer side of the larger oval).

Just a half circle will do.

Step 10: Add details by overlapping shapes

Much like with the dragon we will be erasing the overlapping lines, but leave a little bit of them to define the jaw, chin, bottom, where the hip meets the foot.

Do not erase the arc at all for the front foot facing away from us.

Step 11: Draw an eye for the bunny

At the pointed area of that U we made earlier create a short diagonal line – this is your nose! and a little bit further back from that we’re going to make an almond-shaped black dot.

This will be your eye.

Step 12: Draw final details of the bunny

Time for details!

Add the inside of the ears, but do not complete the inside of the ear facing away from us.

Add some small wispy whiskers, and the highlights on the eyes and there you go!

A cute little bunny rabbit!

Shading & Lighting Sources

Mastering light and shadow is what turns a flat sketch into a believable bunny. Use these tips to keep your fur looking fluffy—not flat.

1. Pick a single key light.Decide where the main light comes from (e.g., top-left at 10 o’clock). Mark a tiny arrow on the page if that helps you remember.
2. Block in three zones of value.
   • Light: top planes of the head, spine, and outer ear edges.
   • Mid-tone: side planes of the torso and cheeks.
   • Core shadow: under the chin, belly curve, inside ear folds, and the hind-leg tuck.
3. Soften shadows to mimic fur.Swap your sharp pencil for a kneaded eraser or tortillon. Feather the shadow edges with tiny circular strokes so they fade as softly as real fur.
4. Add reflected light.A subtle rim of lighter tone along the shadow side (especially under the belly) hints at light bouncing off the ground and keeps the form rounded.
5. Finish with a pop of highlight.A crisp white dot on the eye and a thin sliver on the nose instantly brings the bunny to life.

Coloring Your Bunny (Traditional Tools)

1. Base WashLightly cover the entire bunny with a 30 % gray or warm-beige colored pencil, marker, or light watercolor wash. This unifies future layers and hides stray paper grain.
2. Layer Mid-TonesWith a slightly darker pencil or marker, build overlapping strokes that follow the fur’s growth direction—ears upward and outward, body strokes flowing back toward the tail.
3. Deepen the ShadowsSwitch to a cooler brown or muted violet to darken under the chin, belly curve, ear folds, and the hind-leg tuck. Cooler hues keep shadows rich instead of muddy.
4. Create Fur TextureSharpen your pencil for the last pass. Flick in individual hairs along cheeks, ears, and the tail. Vary pressure so some strokes stay soft and others crisp.
5. Add Accent ColorsA touch of muted pink inside the ears and on the nose tip instantly adds life. Keep the saturation low so accents don’t steal the spotlight.

Pro Tip: If you like mixed media, try a light watercolor underpainting for tone, let it dry completely, then build fur with colored pencil on top. The dry surface keeps pencil lines sharp and the texture vibrant.

Coloring Your Bunny (Digital Workflow)

1. Flat Base LayerOn a “Base” layer (Normal mode), fill the bunny with a neutral tan. Lock transparency or clip additional layers above to stay inside the silhouette.
2. Mid-Tone Layer (Multiply)Create a new layer in Multiply mode at 30 – 40 % opacity. Use a textured brush to paint directional fur strokes, building volume without losing the base color.
3. Shadow PassAdd another Multiply layer for broader shadows. Soft-erase edges to keep them fluffy, especially around cheeks and flanks.
4. Detail LayerOn a layer above all shading, use a 1 px brush or a custom “fur strand” stamp. Flick in bright strands where light catches the fur, such as the forehead and ear rims.
5. Accent & Glaze (Overlay)Soft-airbrush a rose hue inside ears and over the nose on an Overlay layer. Dial back opacity (≈ 40 %) until the tint feels natural.

Expressive Pose / Variation Ideas

Try these quick thumbnails to inject personality:

1. Alert & Perky
   • Ears angled forward, body upright on hind legs.
   • Great for practicing foreshortening of front paws.
2. Mid-Hop Action Shot
   • Back legs extended, ears streaming behind.
   • Use a loose gesture line to capture motion first, then build forms.
3. Grooming Moment
   • Bunny tucks its head, licking a front paw.
   • Perfect for studying overlapping shapes and soft curves.
4. Snack Time
   • Head lowered, carrot between paws.
   • Helps you practice drawing tiny hand-like digits and mouth shapes.
5. Side-Sleep Curl
   • Body forms a tight “C”; one ear flops across the face.
   • Focus on smooth contour lines and subtle volume shifts.

Sketch each pose in 2–3 minutes using light lines. Pick your favorite, enlarge it, and take it through the full drawing, shading, and coloring process. Over time you’ll build a library of bunny gestures that keeps your artwork fresh and dynamic.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Ears Too Small or UnevenProblem: The bunny starts to look more like a cat or hamster.Fix: Measure each ear against the head—rabbit ears are usually ½–¾ of the head’s height. Lightly sketch a centerline to mirror both ears before detailing.

Face Too FlatProblem: The profile lacks depth and looks “stuck” to the body.Fix: Add a gentle curve for the brow and a slight bump for the muzzle. Shade under the cheek to separate the head from the neck.

Over-Erasing FurProblem: The paper smudges and the fur appears patchy.Fix: Use a kneaded eraser to lift graphite instead of rubbing it away. Work from light to dark so you erase less overall.

Shadow BandingProblem: Dark stripes appear instead of smooth gradients.Fix: Hold the pencil at a 45° angle and layer with light pressure. Blend in small circles with a tissue or tortillon to soften transitions.

Eyes Too Close TogetherProblem: The expression feels tense or unnatural.Fix: Space the eyes roughly one eye-width apart. Add a small highlight at either 2 o’clock or 10 o’clock to bring the eyes to life.

Style Adaptations

1. Cartoon / Kawaii
   • Key traits: oversized head, big round eyes, shorter ears.
   • Keep lines clean and use flat pastel fills; save shading for a single soft gradient under the chin.
2. Semi-Realistic
   • Combine accurate anatomy with subtle stylization—slightly larger eyes and softened muzzles.
   • Use two or three shadow values, plus a textured brush for fur.
3. Full Realism
   • Emphasize true proportions, fur direction, and subtleties like translucent ear edges.
   • Work in multiple graphite grades (2H to 4B) or layer digital brushes from broad to fine.
4. Graphic/Ink
   • Skip shading; rely on bold contour lines and hatching.
   • Vary line weight to suggest depth: heavier on the shadow side, lighter on the light side.

Quick Practice Exercises

• 30-Second Silhouettes (5 min)Draw only the bunny’s outline—no details. Great warm-up for gesture flow and overall proportions.
• Value Ladder Swatches (3 min)On scrap paper, build a five-step gray scale. This trains your eye to place lights, mid-tones, and core shadows quickly.
• Ear Rotation Sheet (7 min)Sketch one bunny head, then redraw the ears in six positions (forward, back, sideways, etc.). Builds confidence in perspective and expression.
• Texture Tiles (5 min)Fill a 2 × 2 in (5 × 5 cm) square with short fur strokes, then another square with longer strokes. Improves stroke control and layering rhythm.
• Reflective-Light Spotting (5 min)Shade a basic sphere, add a thin rim of bounce light, then repeat on the bunny’s belly curve. Reinforces the concept of reflected light for roundness.

Tip: Set a kitchen timer and complete one or two drills before each full drawing session—small wins add up fast!

Other Topics to Help You Draw

• How to Draw Curly Hair Like a Master
• How to Draw Realistic Trees Like a Pro
• How to Draw a Rose (7 Easy Steps)
• How to Draw Dogs – Easy Step by Step Tutorial for Cute Dogs
• 9+ Things to Avoid When Learning How to Draw a Car
• 8 Tips to Create Simple Flower Drawings (For Beginners)
• Top 10 Tips to Sketching Faces Better

This tutorial is in thanks to @ClazDesign. I’d like to thank Carolyn for sharing her process.

Be sure to check out her social @ClazDesign if you enjoyed her illustrations.

She also has some amazing prints and illustrations available in her shop.

Active Time 20 minutes Total Time 20 minutes Difficulty Easy Estimated Cost $0

Materials

• Pencil
• Paper
• Or tablet and stylus

Tools

• Pencil
• Paper
• Or tablet and stylus

Instructions

Here's a list of drawing tools that are perfect for any beginner.

1. Step 1: Drawing a bunny head. Draw an oval at an angle, we want the angle to be facing downwards as this will be guiding where we place the details of the head
2. Step 2: Add shape for bunny nose, mouth, and jaw. From the bottom of the oval, we will draw another round shape. Not quite an oval, not quite a circle, more of a U shape with a slight point in the middle to connect the top and bottom of the circle.
3. Step 3: Add the bunny ear. Now going back to the top of the circle we will create a carrot shape – this will be the ear!
4. Step 4: Draw a shape for the bunny’s body. Moving to the back of the bunny, we will create yet another oval on an angle but this one will be much larger. Make it at least one and half the size of the head oval and place it behind the ear.
5. Step 5: Add a line to connect the bunny’s body to head. From a little before the bottom of the back oval create an arc towards the chin of the bunny (the U shape) but do not meet the point. Make sure to leave some space.
6. Step 6: Draw the second bunny ear. Behind the ear and head create a little line to connect the top of the bigger oval with the smaller oval. We will also be adding the second ear! Create an elongated “D” shape next to your first ear. Make it slightly thinner than the first ear!
7. Step 7: Add bunny’s back feet. At the base of the larger oval create a foot! start with a carrot shape but flatten it out on the bottom (where it meets the ground), and then leave a little space for the heel, creating a soft line upwards to the larger oval. Now for another, but without the heel halfway up the bottom arc of the bunny.
8. Step 8: Add bunny’s front feet. Front feet time! Extend a line in an inward curve from 1/4 of the way into the space of the arc and then bring that inward curve outward for a small bump of the toes before finishing it off in a flat line on the same level as the back feet. Repeat directly next to this shape.
9. Step 9: Draw a shape for the bunny’s tail. Add a little cottontail right on the butt (the outer side of the larger oval). Just a half circle will do.
10. Step 10: Add details by overlapping shapes Much like with the dragon we will be erasing the overlapping lines, but leave a little bit of them to define the jaw, chin, bottom, where the hip meets the foot BUT do not erase the arc at all for the front foot facing away from us.
11. Step 11: Draw an eye for the bunny. At the pointed area of that U we made earlier create a short diagonal line – this is your nose! and a little bit further back from that we’re going to make an almond-shaped black dot. This will be your eye.
12. Step 12: Draw final details of the bunny. Time for details! Add the inside of the ears, but do not complete the inside of the ear facing away from us. Add some small wispy whiskers, and the highlights on the eyes and there you go! A cute little bunny rabbit!

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my bunny looks stiff?

Try a 30-second gesture sketch before refining the outline. Loose, flowing lines capture movement and stop your final drawing from feeling rigid.

How long does a complete bunny drawing take?

Beginners often spend 30–45 minutes; experienced artists can finish in 15–20. Speed isn’t the goal—focus on clean construction and confident shading.

Can I follow along with a digital tablet instead of pencil and paper?

Absolutely. Use a textured charcoal or soft-pencil brush for the sketch, then build color on clipped layers to keep your outline intact.

My fur looks scratchy, not fluffy. What am I doing wrong?

Vary stroke length and pressure. Lay mid-tones with light, overlapping strokes, then add just a few crisp hairs on top. Over-detailing every strand makes fur look wiry.

What paper works best for traditional coloring?

A smooth Bristol or heavyweight sketch paper (at least 80 lb/130 gsm) handles multiple pencil layers without smudging or tearing.

How can I keep the head and body proportions consistent?

Use a light grid or guide lines: one circle for the head, a larger oval for the torso. Check sizes before you commit to darker lines.

Any tips for shading a white rabbit?

Keep shadows cool and subtle—think light grays and pale violets. Leave plenty of pure paper white for the brightest fur patches.

How do I add a simple background without stealing focus from the bunny?

Fade a soft gradient or a few blurred grass strokes behind the subject. Keep values lighter and edges softer than those on the bunny to maintain the main focal point.