GRID STEP. You can print out the base construction lines and start drawing on tracing paper, or you can draw the grid layout yourself using the following steps.1) Draw a rectangle that will define the conditional proportions and boundaries of the chosen drawing. 2) From the middle of the rectangle, draw one vertical and one horizontal line equally dividing the shape. 3) Draw another horizontal line equally dividing the upper half of the rectangle. Similarly, draw a horizontal line equally dividing the bottom half of the rectangle. 4) Draw a vertical line equally dividing the left half of the rectangle. Similarly, draw a vertical line equally dividing the right half of the rectangle.

STEP 1. Mark off the width and height of the platypus. Draw two ovals that will help to define the places for its head and body. Draw a line, which will act as the center of the head.

STEP 2. Draw guidelines for the platypus’s neck and body. Add a guideline for its tale.

STEP 3. Define places for the animal’s legs and mouth.

STEP 4. Mark off the shape of the legs and beak of the platypus.

STEP 5. Detail the shape of the tail. Add the toes of the animal.

STEP 6. Outline the claws, eye and new part of the platypus’ beak.

STEP 7. Work on the figure, paying special attention to detail.

STEP 8. Contour the platypus, trying to vary the thickness and darkness of the line. Add more detail and add the ground. Erase all guidelines.