Every artist at some point has experienced the feeling of not knowing what to draw. The scene is a common one, you have a blank sheet of paper in front of you and nothing comes to your mind, or even worse, a lot of ideas come to your mind but none of these ideas seem attractive enough.
In this article, I will present you with a list divided by themes that you can check anytime you run out of ideas of what to draw. My goal with this list is to give you a starting point. Once you are drawing something, whatever it is, your brain is out of this paralysis state and new ideas will come to your mind. So let’s start with the list:
Animals
1. Barn Owl
Art by Veavictis
As our first idea, you can draw a barn Owl standing watching to the side. You can draw it in any style you want but I recommend you grab a photo and try to replicate how it looks in real life. Visit Veavictis Deviantart profile in case you wanna see more of the artwork you can see above.
2. Panther
A Panther resting on a tree branch waiting for its next meal to pass by. You can draw it sleeping on the branch, or watching waiting for some prey to pass by.
3. Hyena
A Hyena head with an evil grin smile on its face. Hyenas are very expressive, so it will be very easy for you to add some facial expression to the Hyena´s face.
4. Squirrel
A cute Squirrel holding a nut with big eyes open and looking at the viewer.
5. Horse
A Horse racing with the wind making its horsehair and its tail floating in the wind. I wrote a tutorial on how to draw a horse in case you are interested. You can check it out by clicking here.
6. Crocodile
A Crocodile in the water with only its eyes, back, and tail visible above the water.
7. Hippos
An Hippo opening it´s mouth or an hippo standing looking frontally. On the image above I drew also a Rhino, which is not the same animal, but they have similar body types.
8. Deer
A deer standing with it´s head turn, watching the viewer.
9. Wolf
A Wolf growling with a mean and angry look on its face. You can draw it in any style you want it´s all up to you.
10. Cows
A herd of cows grazing on a field. You can draw some of them eating grass and others watching around or looking bored.
11. Monkey
A Monkey going from branch to branch, either grabbing one branch and leaving the other or jumping from one to the other, you choose.
12. Lion
A Lion biting a Zebra´s neck( this is a 2×1 animal type of deal ). This can be a tricky drawing to draw, the Lion and Zebra will be in motion, one trying to escape from the other. If it´s too much for you, just start by drawing both animals separated.
Anime Characters
13. Kakashi
Kakashi from the acclaimed manga Naruto. I have a tutorial on how to draw him in case you are interested. Click here in case you wanna check it.
14. Goku
Goku from the classic anime series Dragon Ball. You can check my tutorial on how to draw him clicking here.
15. Izuku
Izuku from my Hero Academia. Izuku has spiky dark hair and wears a green one-piece suit. If you learn how to draw him, check my tutorial here.
16. Yuuki Asuna
Yuuki Asuna from the Sword Art Online series.
17. Android 18
Android 18 from the Dragon Ball series.
18. Saitama
Saitama from the fantastic and hilarious One Punch Man series. Here is my tutorial on how to draw him in case you are interested.
19. Ichigo
Ichigo from the acclaimed anime Bleach. You can find my tutorial on how to draw him, check the free tutorials section in case you are interested.
20. Briareos
Briareos from the Shirow´s all-time classic series Appleseed.
21. Monkey D. Luffy
Monkey D. Luffy from the legendary manga series One Piece. If you are interested you can check my tutorial on how to draw him clicking here.
22. Sasuke Uchiha
Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto series.
23. Meliodas
Meliodas from the anime series Seven Deadly Sins.
24. Charizard
Charizard from the Pokemon series. Clicking here you can find our tutorial on how to draw Charizard.
Athletes Performing
25. Sprinter Running
A sprinter crossing the finish line.
26. Pole Vaulter
A pole vaulter jumping in mid-air.
27. Basketball Player
Art by daredevilnvrdespair
A basketball player running with the ball . If you like the image above don´t forget to visit daredevilnvrdespair´s deviantart page.
28. Football Quarterback
A football quarterback throwing the ball.
29. Gymnast Performing
A gymnast performing on the pommel horse.
30. Track and Field athlete
A track and field athlete performing a hammer or a disc throw, you decide.
31. Soccer Player
Art by eltonpot
A soccer player shooting a penalty. Also, you can draw it in different poses like Eltonpot did in the image above. You should check his work in Deviantart.
32. Goalkeeper
A goalkeeper jumping in mid-air trying to catch the ball.
33. Baseball player
A baseball player hitting a home run with the bat.
34. Hockey player
A hockey player hitting the disc with the stick.
35. Volleyball player
Art by grovyle-n-wolfluvr
A volleyball player jumping and ready to hit the ball. Grovyle-n-wolfluvr did an amazing job drawing this volleyball player. For more of this artist work visit Deviantart.
36. Rugby player
A rugby player tackling another player with the ball in his hands( this is a little bit more difficult than the other ones because involves two athletes interacting).
Buildings
37. The Cadet Chapel in The Air Force Academy in Colorado
38. The Empire State Building in New York
Draw the iconic New York skyscraper. You can draw it sourrunded by buildings, like part of the NY skyline, or by itself. You choose.
39. The Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
This historical castle is part of the group of fantastic castle German and Austrian nobles and kings build in the past. The castle sits on top of a high hill, with a perfect view of it´s surroundings. Draw the castle from any angle you want and try to capture also part of the environment.
40. The Colosseum of Rome
Build in times of the Roman emperor Vespasian, this amphitheater is the most iconic building in the city of Rome. You can draw it slightly from the top, so you can see the interior.
41. La Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona
Designed by the Spanish architect Gaudi, he never live to see it finished. In fact, the cathedral is still in construction. Pick your favorite angle and draw it. You can replicate what elviejomau did in the drawing above. Also, you should check his work in Deviantart.
41. The Forbidden City in Beijing
This magnificent Palace is one of the most iconic sets of buildings in Beijing and also the whole of China. Was build as the Emperor´s Palace, and many Emperors from different dynasties called it his home.
42. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah tower in Dubai
Art by seiyanopegasus
This modern emblematic building is the perfect representation of modernity in the Arab world. You can draw something similar to what Seiyano Pegasus did in the image above. You should check Seyano´s work in Deviantart.
43. The Cathedral of Brasilia
44. The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur
The tallest Kuala Lumpur’s financial district skyscrapers, these Malaysian twin towers are probably the most famous modern buildings in the South Pacific. You can draw them surrounded by a cloud of mist.
45. Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul
You can draw it in Byzantine times, sourunded by ancient buildings.
46. The Hohenzollern Castle in Germany
47. The Chrysler building in New York
A classic skyscraper and probably the most recognizable building of NY´s skyline. You can do something creative and fantastic like 564jake13 did and really draw the Chrysler Building set in a dreamworld type scene.
48. The Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai
This impressive tower is the tallest building in the world. You can draw it from any angle you want.
Construction and Working Tools
49. Chainsaw
Art by ShepnotShepherd
With or without blood on it :), it´s a joke. Draw it like you want.
50. Hammer
You can draw a hammer with some nails laying around it.
51. Screwdriver
52. Utility Knife
Draw a butter knife .
53. Hand Saw
Draw a hand saw cutting a planck of wood.
54. Power Drill
Follow Pentagram-Keeper´s example and draw a power drill. For more inspiration check Pentagram Keeper´s work on Deviantart.
55. Tape Measure
56. Step Ladder
57. Combination Pliers
58. Nail Gun
As a kid, I always dreamed to shoot one. You can draw it shooting a nail and fixing two planks of wood together.
59. Wrench
Draw an adjustable wrench or a normal one, you choose the one you prefer.
Fighters and Martial Artists
60. Boxer
A Boxer punching the Heavy bag.
61. Karate Girl
A Karate girl doing a high kick
62. Muay Thai Fighter
A Muay Thai fighter doing a jumping knee.
63. Judoka
A Judoka doing a hip throw to another Judoka.
64. MMA Fighter
An MMA fighter doing ground and pound to another fighter on the ground.
65. Shaoling Monk
A Shaoling Monk doing a flying kick.
66. Capoira Dancer
A Capoira dancer doing a spin kick.
67. BJJ Fighter
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter doing an armbar to another fighter on the ground.
68. Sumo Wrestler
A Sumo wrestler throwing salt to the ground before a match. Check BowofAnariel´s drawing right above these lines. You can try to draw something similar. Don´t forget to check BowofAnariel Deviantart page.
69. Taekwondo fighter
A Taekwondo fighter doing a jumping back kick
Flowers
70. Campion
Draw a Campion (Silene tomentosa)
71. Tulip
72. Jade Vine
A Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys)
73. Parrot´s Beak
A Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii)
74. Red Rose
75. Chocolate Cosmos
A Chocolate Cosmos flower(Cosmos atrosanguineus)
76. Koki´o
A Koki’o flower (Kokai cookei)
77. Amorphophallus Titanum
A Amorphophallus titanum, also known as the Titan Arum
78. Fire Lily
79. Kadapul
A Kadapul flower also known as Epiphyllum oxypetalum
80. Middlemist’s red
A Camellia japonica, or more commonly known as Middlemist’s red
Heavy Equipment Vehicles
81. Wheeled Bulldozer
Art by TheLafingMan
82. Backhoe Loader
83. Bucket-wheel excavator
Bucket-wheel excavator (BWE) used in surface mining
84. Cargo truck
Cargo truck for transporting goods. The art above was done by EThinnes
85. Semi-Trailer Truck
Semi-Trailer Truck for transporting large amounts of goods.
86. Amphibious excavator
Amphibious excavator with the chassis crawler floating on sealed pontoons.
87. Agricultural Tractor
Agricultural Tractor used in farms.
88. Dumper Truck
Dumper Truck used for taking dumps of construction.
89. Spider excavator
Spider excavator used for ground excavation in difficult terrain.
90. Trencher
Trencher used for digging trenches.
91. Reach stacker
Reach stacker for handling cargo containers.
92. Snowcat
Snowcat for moving on snow.
Home Appliances and Portable Electric devices
93. Mobile Phone
Draw your mobile phone no matter the brand :)
94. Laptop
A laptop, open or close.
95. Microwave Oven
A microwave oven with a bol of soup in it.
96. Refrigerator
Refrigerator with the door open and lots of foods in it
97. Gas Fireplace
A Gas fireplace with a frying pan on it.
98. Air Conditioner
99. Vacuum cleaner
100. Kindle Reader
A kindle reader with the page of a book showing on the screen.
101. Washing Machine
A washing machine with the door open and dirty clothes inside.
102. Console Controller
A wireless console controller, no matter the console. If you like the Console Control drawn above you should check Assyrianic work on Deviantart.
103. Hair Dryer
104. Fan
A fan, could be a ceiling one or a portable one.
105. Radiator
A radiator heater.
Mythological Creatures
106. Werewolf
A werewolf standing growling.
107. Hydra
A Hydra of 8 heads.
108. Pirate Ghost
A Pirate ghost floating on mid air.
109. Bigfoot
A bigfoot walking.
110. Rake
111. Wendigo
A wendigo on a tree looking at you.
112. Zombie
A zombie raising from his grave.
113. Chupacabra
114. Vampire
A vampire showing the fangs
115. Syren
A syren floating in the water
116. Kraken
A kraken attacking a boat
Famous Space Ships
117. USS Enterprise from Star Trek
118. Millenial Falcon from Star Wars
119. Death Star from Star Wars
120. Rocinante from The Expanse series
121. Nostromo from the Aien movie
122. USS Sulaco from the Aliens movie
123. Yamato from the Space Battleship Yamato animation series
124. Event Horizon from the Event Horizon movie
125. Normandy SR-1 from the Mass effect videogames
126. Prometheus from the Prometheus movies
Sailing ships, Cargo ships, and Warships
127. Battleship
A modern battleship shooting to enemy ships.
128. Frigate
A modern frigate.
129. Destroyer
A modern destroyer chasing another ship.
130. Aircraft Carrier
An aircraft carrier with a hornet jet landing on it.
131. Roman Warship
An ancient Roman warship.
132. Carabela
A carabela from the XV century Spanish conquistadors.
133. Line Ship
An XVIII century ship of the line.
134. Viking Ship
A viking ship with some warriors on board
Types of armors
135. Samurai
A Samurai armor. Here you have the tutorial on how to draw a Samurai in full body armor.
136. Knight Armor
An XV century knight armor. Here you have the tutorial on how to draw a Knight in full body armor.
137. Viking armor
A Viking leather body armor.
138. Chainmail armor
A Chainmail armor from an XI century knight.
139. Interceptor Body Armor
An Interceptor body armor from the US Marines
140. Osprey Body Armor
An Osprey assault body armor
141. Mongol Armor
A Mongol Plate armor from the XII century. Here you have the tutorial on how to draw a Mongol warrior in full armor.
142. Roman Legionary armor
143. Quilted Cotton Aztec Armor
Video game characters
144. Geralt of Rivia ( The Witcher )
You can find the tutorial clicking here.
145. Sheppard
Sheppard from the Mass Effect Saga.
146. Kratos
Kratos from the God of war saga. You can check my tutorial on how to draw him clicking here.
147. Sonic
Sonic from the Sega Sonic games. You can check my tutorial on how to draw him clicking here.
148. Tracer
Tracer from the Overwatch game. Here you have the tutorial on how to draw her.
149. Mario
Mario from the Super Mario Bros games. Check our tutorial clicking here.
150. Link
Link from the Zelda games. Check our tutorial clicking here.
151. Wario
Wario from the Super Mario Bros games. Check our tutorial on how to draw him, clicking here.
152. Samus
Samus from the Metroid saga. Here you have the link to our tutorial on how to draw her.
153. Ice King
Ice King from the Fornite videogame. Here is the link to the tutorial.
154. Raptor
Raptor from the Fornite videogame saga. Here is the tutorial on how to draw him.
155. Ryu
Ryu, the protagonist of the Street Fighter saga.
Comic characters
156. Flash
157. Superman
Superman, the man of steel, the iconic superhero.
158. Green Lantern
Green Lantern from the DC comics.
159. Wonder Woman
160. Black Panther
Black Panther from The Marvel comics and movies.
161. Thor
Thor, the Viking God, and his hammer.
162. Daredevil
Daredevil, the superhero from Hell´s Kitchen.
163. Batman
Batman, the Dark knight of Gotham
164. Thanos
Thanos, the archenemy of the Avangers.
165. Captain America
Captain America, the iconic american hero
166. Hulk
168. Wolverine
Wolverine, the mutant with adamantium claws.
Author: Toni Justamante Jacobs, Senior Concept Artist and Illustrator
