Dora the Explorer is a popular animated television series that has been airing since 2000. The show follows the adventures of Dora, a young Latina girl who travels the world with her friend Boots, a monkey. Dora is known for her adventurous spirit and her love of learning. She is also a talented artist, and she often uses her drawing skills to help her and her friends solve problems.
If you are a fan of Dora the Explorer, then you may be interested in learning how to draw her. Drawing Dora is not difficult, and it is a great way to practice your drawing skills. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to draw Dora. We will also provide you with some tips on how to draw other characters from the show, such as Boots and Backpack. So grab your pencils and paper, and let’s get started!
The first step is to draw a circle for Dora’s head. Then, draw two smaller circles inside the head for her eyes. Add a nose and a mouth, and then draw two pigtails coming out of the top of her head. Next, draw Dora’s body. Start by drawing a rectangle for her torso, and then add two arms and two legs. Finally, draw Dora’s clothes. She is usually wearing a pink shirt, a blue skirt, and yellow shoes.
Drawing Dora’s Head
Dora’s head is a fairly simple shape to draw, but it’s important to get the proportions right in order to make her look recognizable. Start by drawing a circle for her head. Then, divide the circle in half with a vertical line. This will be the center of her face.
Next, draw two smaller circles for her eyes, one on either side of the vertical line. Make sure the eyes are level with each other and about halfway down the face.
Below the eyes, draw a small curved line for her nose. The nose should be pointed and slightly upturned.
Below the nose, draw a curved line for her mouth. The mouth should be wide and smiling.
Finally, add two small lines for her eyebrows above the eyes and two small lines for her eyelashes below the eyes.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for drawing Dora’s head:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Draw a circle for the head. |
| 2 | Divide the circle in half with a vertical line. |
| 3 | Draw two smaller circles for the eyes, one on either side of the vertical line. |
| 4 | Draw a small curved line for the nose. |
| 5 | Draw a curved line for the mouth. |
| 6 | Add two small lines for the eyebrows and two small lines for the eyelashes. |
Creating Dora’s Body
Dora’s body is relatively simple to draw, as it mostly consists of basic shapes. Start by drawing a circle for her head and a rectangle for her body. Then, connect the head and body with a short, curved line. Next, draw two arms and two legs, using straight lines and curves. Finally, add some details to her face, such as her eyes, nose, and mouth.
Drawing Dora’s Head
Dora’s head is one of the most important parts of her body, as it is what gives her expression and personality. To draw her head, start by drawing a circle. Then, add two small ovals for her eyes and a small triangle for her nose. Finally, draw a curved line for her mouth. You can also add some hair to her head, if desired.
| Dora’s Body | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head: | Circle | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Body: | Rectangle | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arms: | Straight lines and curves | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Legs: | Straight lines and curves |
| Details |
|---|
| Draw a series of small circles along the edges of the rectangle to represent the backpack’s pockets. |
| Draw a curved line across the front of the rectangle to represent the backpack’s zipper. |
| Draw a label on the backpack, complete with Dora’s name or initials. |
Adding Facial Features
1. Eyes
Use two curved lines to create the eyes. Add small circles inside for the pupils and highlight them with a white dot.
2. Nose
Draw a small, upside-down “V” shape for the nose. Color it in with a light brown.
3. Mouth
Create an arched line for the mouth. Add a smaller, curved line inside for the lower lip. Color the lips in with a reddish-pink.
4. Hair
Begin by drawing a curved line from the top of Dora’s head to the back. This will form the top of her bangs. Use short, curved lines to create the individual strands of the bangs, making them slightly longer as they extend down.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Draw a curved line for the top of Dora’s bangs. |
| 2 | Create short, curved lines to form the individual strands. |
| 3 | Make the strands longer as they extend down. |
Continue drawing the hair by making a curved line that extends from the top of her head to the side. Use a series of short, curved lines to create the appearance of individual strands. Make the strands slightly longer as they reach the bottom of the hair.
Coloring Dora’s Outfit
Dora’s outfit is typically bright and colorful. She often wears a pink dress or top, red pants or shorts, and yellow boots. Her backpack is also often brightly colored.
1. Dora’s Shirt
Dora’s shirt is usually pink, but it can also be purple, blue, or green. Her shirt has short sleeves, and it is typically decorated with a design on the front. The design on Dora’s shirt can be anything from a flower to a animal.
2. Dora’s Pants
Dora’s pants are usually red, but they can also be orange, yellow, or blue. Her pants are long, and they have a flared leg. Dora’s pants are often decorated with a design on the legs or pockets.
3. Dora’s Boots
Dora’s boots are always yellow. Her boots are made of rubber, and they have a thick sole. Dora’s boots are often decorated with a design on the sides or toes.
4. Dora’s Backpack
Dora’s backpack is typically blue or green. Her backpack is made of nylon, and it has a large main compartment and several smaller pockets. Dora’s backpack is often decorated with a design on the front or sides.
5. Color Combinations
Dora’s outfit is often bright and colorful, but it is important to use a variety of colors to create a balanced look. The following table shows some possible color combinations for Dora’s outfit:
| Shirt | Pants | Boots | Backpack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pink | Red | Yellow | Blue |
| Purple | Orange | Yellow | Green |
| Blue | Yellow | Yellow | Blue |
| Green | Orange | Yellow | Green |
Adding Dora’s Eyes
1. Draw two small, almond-shaped eyes in the center of the face.
2. Add a small black dot in the center of each eye for the pupils.
3. Draw a short curved line above each eye to create the eyelids.
4. Add a few extra short lines to the eyelids to create eyelashes.
Adding Dora’s Eyebrows
1. Draw two curved lines above the eyes to create the eyebrows.
2. Make the inner ends of the eyebrows slightly thicker than the outer ends.
3. Add a few short, downward strokes to the eyebrows to create depth.
4. Erase any unnecessary lines from the face.
Eye Details
Here are some additional details you can add to Dora’s eyes to make them more expressive:
| Feature | How to Draw |
|---|---|
| Blink | Erase the upper eyelid line to create the illusion of blinking. |
| Surprise | Enlarge the eyes and add a wide open mouth. |
| Anger | Narrow the eyes and add a furrowed brow. |
Detailing Dora’s Hair
Dora’s iconic hair is a vital element in her character design. Here’s how to draw it:
1. Draw the Base
Start with an oval shape as the base of the head. Draw a curved line down from the center to create a part at the top.
2. Add the Volume
Add wavy lines around the head to create a voluminous effect. Focus on adding more volume at the top and back.
3. Define the Bangs
Draw pointed shapes around the part to create bangs. Keep them slightly irregular in shape and size.
4. Add Layers
To create depth, draw shorter, inner layers within the hair. These can be wavy or straight.
5. Draw the Swirls
Dora’s hair is known for its characteristic swirls. Draw small, curved shapes throughout the hair to create a dynamic effect.
6. Shade and Highlight
Add shading and highlights to give dimension to the hair. Use darker shades at the roots and lighter shades at the tips.
7. Final Touches
To complete the hair, add a small knot at the top (optional). You can also adjust the length and volume to suit your preferences. Consider adding beads or other accessories to personalize it.
Coloring Tips
Dora’s hair is typically colored midnight black. However, you can use other shades of brown or even add highlights to create a unique look.
| Color | Effect |
|---|---|
| Pure black | Classic, bold |
| Dark brown | Subtle, natural |
| Medium brown | Warm, inviting |
| Light brown | Youthful, playful |
Drawing Dora’s Boots
Dora’s signature red boots are a key part of her iconic look. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to draw them:
1. Oval Soles
Start by drawing two ovals, one for each sole, as shown in Step 1 below.
2. Boot Shaft
Connect the ovals with two straight lines, forming the sides of the boot shaft, as seen in Step 2.
3. Cuffs
Draw two rounded rectangles at the top of the shaft to represent the cuffs, as shown in Step 3.
4. Back Side
Connect the top corners of the cuffs with a curved line to form the back side of the boot, as seen in Step 4.
5. Front Side
Draw a curved line from the top of the boot shaft onto the sole, forming the front side of the boot, as shown in Step 5.
6. Laces
Add two short lines at the top of the front side to represent the laces, as seen in Step 6.
7. Outline and Color
Outline the entire boot in black and fill it in with red, leaving the laces white. See Step 7 for an example.
8. Details
Add details to the boots, such as white stitching along the edges, as seen in Step 8.
| Stitch Placement | Direction |
|---|---|
| Around the soles | Clockwise |
| Along the sides of the shaft | Vertical |
| Across the top of the cuffs | Horizontal |
Once you’ve drawn the boots, you can add them to your Dora drawing to complete her iconic look.
Adding Shadows and Highlights
Once you’ve drawn the basic shapes of Dora, it’s time to add shadows and highlights to give her some dimension.
Step 1: Identify the Light Source
Determine where the light is coming from in your drawing. This will help you decide where to place the shadows and highlights.
Step 2: Add Dark Shadows
Start by adding dark shadows to the areas that are furthest from the light source. These shadows will help create depth and make your drawing more realistic.
Step 3: Add Mid-Tone Shadows
Once you’ve added the dark shadows, add mid-tone shadows to the areas that are partially in the light. These shadows will help create a smooth transition between the dark shadows and the highlights.
Step 4: Add Highlights
The final step is to add highlights to the areas that are closest to the light source. These highlights will help create the illusion of light reflecting off of Dora’s skin and clothes.
Step 5: Blend the Shadows and Highlights
Once you’ve added all of the shadows and highlights, blend them together using a soft pencil or brush. This will help create a smooth, realistic look.
Step 6: Add Details
To finish your drawing, add any details that you want, such as Dora’s backpack, her hair, or her eyes. You can also add a background to your drawing to make it more complete.
Step 7: Erase Unnecessary Lines
Once you’re happy with your drawing, erase any unnecessary lines, such as the construction lines that you used to draw the basic shapes of Dora.
Step 8: Ink Your Drawing (Optional)
If you want, you can ink your drawing using a pen or marker. This will help make your drawing more permanent and add a touch of definition.
Step 9: Color Your Drawing (Optional)
Finally, you can color your drawing using colored pencils, markers, or paint. This will help bring Dora to life and make your drawing even more fun. If you want a reference for the colors, you can check this table:
| Skin | Peach |
| Hair | Brown |
| Backpack | Red |
| Shorts | Orange |
| Shoes | Yellow |
Completing the Dora Illustration
Now, let’s give Dora some arms by drawing two curved lines on each side of her body, starting at her shoulders and ending at her hips. Add two short lines at the ends of the curved lines to create her hands, thumbs up!
Next, we’ll work on her legs. Start by drawing two curved lines starting at her hips and going down to her ankles. At the ends of these lines, draw two circles for her feet and add some toes. Make sure her feet are pointing outwards for a fun and dynamic pose.
It’s time to draw her adorable face! Start with two small circles near the top of her head for her eyes, and add two dots for her pupils. Next, draw a short, curved line for her nose and a wide smile below it. Don’t forget her freckles, represented by three small dots on her cheeks.
To complete her iconic look, let’s give Dora her signature backpack and map. For the backpack, draw a rectangle on her back and add two straps coming over her shoulders. Draw a small circle on the backpack to represent her monkey friend, Boots. For the map, draw a small rectangle in her hand and add jagged lines to resemble land and sea.
| Dora’s Backpack | Dora’s Map |
|---|---|
|
Rectangle with two shoulder straps |
Small rectangle with jagged lines |
|
Small circle for Boots |
To add depth and detail, you can shade some areas of the drawing using a pencil or colored pencils. For example, shade Dora’s hair and backpack to give them a sense of volume. You can also add some shading to her face to highlight her features.
Finally, you can outline Dora with a black marker or pen to define her shape and make her stand out on the page. Add any final touches you like, such as coloring her backpack or adding a background.
Dora How To Draw: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dora the Explorer is a popular children’s character, and many kids and adults alike enjoy drawing her. If you’re looking to create your own Dora drawing, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
- Start by drawing a circle for Dora’s head. Add two smaller circles for her eyes, and a curved line for her mouth.
- Next, draw two lines extending from the bottom of the head for her body. Add two short lines for her arms, and two longer lines for her legs.
- Draw a triangle for her nose, and two small circles for her cheeks. Add a few lines for her hair, and a headband with a flower.
- Draw two circles for her eyes, and add pupils and eyelashes. Add a small line for her nose, and a curved line for her mouth.
- Color your Dora drawing and add any additional details you’d like.
