How to Draw an Ear (7 Easy Steps)

Step 1: Start with a sweet potato-like shape

We’re going to start with a shape reminiscent of a sweet potato.

Wider at the top and thinner at the bottom with no sharp edges.

Do not close the shape all the way, leave a gap on the left!

These first two ear sketches in step 1 and step 2 are important to help you create a simple ear drawing.

Step 2: Draw a half heart-like shape on the inside

At the top of the shape create another line in a shape like one side of a heart.

In my example, I lightened up on my pressure so there are some gaps, you can do this or just make a light line without any breaks.

Step 3: Add curved lines within the inner ear

Time to start mapping out the general shape of the ear.

At the widest of the line you just made, closest to the gap we left in the original sweet potato shape, we’re going to curve the line towards the back of the ear.

Stop about 1/3 of the way in and then create a downward curving line to cut that off and create an almond shape.

Now, below that let’s create the cartilage!

At the bottom part of the gap we left in step 1, make a little mountain and extend the top line just a little bit.

At that extension, we’re going to then bring a final line inward to follow the bottom line of the almond shape we made.

Step 4: Draw a u-shape above the almond shape in the ear

Now let’s block off some shading areas. 2 lines in a “u” shape at the top of the ear and right above the almond shape from the last step. Make these lines very light!

Step 5: Draw curve line between almond shape and back of the ear

Now, we’ll make the final shading guideline and close off the ear hole.

Let’s start with the shading line!

The space between the almond and the back of the ear creates a very light curved line with the bowl of the line towards the gap of the ear shape.

Now to close off the ear hold we’ll extend the cartilage line we made.

Make a little dip like a tear drop and then bring it back into a smaller mountain-like line to meet the line right next to it.

It should look like a drop of water falling in slow motion

Step 6: Add more space

At the space above the cartilage fill in a little space completely.

Step 7: Add shading

NOW here’s where your ear takes shape.

Take your time shading, and USE REFERENCES! 

With the help of a reference, you will be able to see how light and shadow play on the ear to give it its recognizable shape!

Whether you’re learning how to draw a realistic ear or how to draw a cartoon ear, starting your sketch with simple shapes will help you get amazing results in end!