How to Draw Flying Squirrel — Free Practice Sheets

A flying squirrel drawing depends on a few clear features: a rounded head with pointed ears and large dark eyes, four limbs joined by a stretched gliding membrane, and a flat bushy tail that curls downward. This page explains how those parts fit together and how to practise them on the free sheets. The aim is a recognisable, well-proportioned squirrel, not a pixel-perfect copy, because several valid drawings can show the same features.

Start with the head and body

Begin with the head as a rounded oval rather than a circle; the slight length gives room for the muzzle and the wide-set eyes. Add two pointed ears on top, angled outward, and place large dark eyes low and forward on the face. The eyes are a defining feature, so keep them generous but symmetrical.

Sketch the torso beneath the head as a soft, slightly elongated shape. Keep it small relative to the membrane, because the outstretched skin is what makes the animal look like a glider. Light pencil lines are easier to adjust than dark ones.

1. Draw a rounded oval for the head.
2. Add two pointed ears angled outward.
3. Place two large dark eyes low and forward on the face.
4. Sketch a small, soft torso beneath the head.

Build the gliding membrane

The membrane is the key structure. Draw four limbs first, then connect each wrist to the matching ankle with a curved line. The line should bow outward slightly, suggesting skin stretched between the limbs rather than a straight bar. Keep the front and rear connections consistent on both sides so the silhouette reads as balanced.

Once the membrane edges are in place, outline them more firmly. Add short fur strokes along the body and the membrane border to soften the shape. Avoid drawing the membrane as a flat triangle; a gentle curve keeps it looking like living tissue.

1. Sketch the four limbs in position.
2. Connect each wrist to the matching ankle with a curved line.
3. Check that both sides of the membrane bow outward similarly.
4. Outline the membrane edges and add short fur strokes.

Add the tail and finish

Draw the flat bushy tail from the rear of the body, curving downward. Keep it broad and flattened rather than round, and let the tip curl gently. The tail balances the wide membrane, so give it enough length to sit visually against the body.

Finish by checking the whole silhouette: head, ears, eyes, four limbs, membrane, and tail. Compare your drawing with the separate full reference sheet, but judge the visible features and proportions rather than exact line placement.

1. Draw a broad, flat tail curving down from the rear.
2. Curl the tip gently and keep the tail bushy.
3. Review the silhouette for all key features.
4. Compare with the full reference sheet and adjust proportions.

Check your work

• The gliding membrane connects wrists to ankles with curved, outward-bowing edges.
• The head is a rounded oval with two pointed ears and large dark eyes placed low and forward.
• Four limbs are visible and positioned consistently on both sides.
• The tail is flat, bushy, and curls downward from the rear.
• Fur strokes soften the body and membrane edges without hiding the silhouette.
• Overall proportions keep the membrane wide relative to the small torso.

Worked example

flying squirrel: Trace the reference outline, then practise the contour independently. Compare with the separate full reference sheet.

Common mistakes

• Drawing the membrane as a straight bar between limbs. Bow each connecting line outward slightly so the skin looks stretched, not rigid.
• Making the tail round instead of flat and bushy. Widen the tail and flatten its profile, then curl the tip downward.
• Placing the eyes too high or too small. Move the eyes low and forward on the face and enlarge them for a clear flying squirrel look.

Questions and answers