How to Draw Dexter
Use the video and step-by-step drawing instructions below to learn how to draw Dexter from Cartoon Network's Dexter's Laboratory. A new drawing tutorial is uploaded every week, so stay tooned!
Intro: Start off with a pencil sketch. In the beginning stages, don’t press down too hard. Use light, smooth strokes for sketching.
Step 1: Start by drawing a circle near the top of the page. The circle doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s only a guide for Dexter’s head.
Step 2: Next, draw two intersecting lines across the head, one vertical and one horizontal. The horizontal line should come out of the circle on the right side just a little bit. These construction lines will help you place Dexter’s facial features later on.
Step 3: Below the horizontal construction line and on the right side of the vertical line, draw an angled line for Dexter's nose. The line is similar to a triangle missing a side or a greater-than sign (>).
Step 4: Draw two arcs or half circles that resemble wide letter Us under the horizontal construction line as guides for Dexter's eyes. The arc on the right side of the vertical construction line is behind the nose, so don’t draw over the nose.
Step 5: Under the head draw a line that resembles a square with the top missing as a guide for Dexter's body.
Step 6: Inside the body near the left edge, draw a curved line that resembles the letter J as a guide for Dexter's arm. The line starts right below the circle and is a tiny bit longer than the body.
Step 7: Draw two shapes that resemble trapezoids under the body as guides for Dexter's feet.
Step 8: That’s it for the initial sketch! You have the basic Dexter shape, so now go in and tighten your drawing of this Dexter's Laboratory character. From this point on, press harder with your pencil in order to get darker lines and a more defined sketch.
Step 9: Darken the line for Dexter's nose. Draw a couple more curved lines under the nose to make the mouth.
Step 10: Thicken the arcs that make up his eyes and the horizontal construction line to create Dexter's thick-rimed glasses. Inside each eye, draw a small half circle and shade them in. These are Dexter's pupils.
Step 11: Use the initial circle shape as a guide to draw Dexter's head. A small arc on the left side of the head makes up his ear. The bottom portion of his head (his chin) points downward, looking similar to the letter V. The right side of his head is rounded to create his chin.
Step 12: Draw a series of curved lines on top of Dexter's head for his hair. His hair resembles a fluffy cloud. Use the image above for further reference when drawing.
Step 13: Use the initial J-shaped line as a guide for the hand. Thicken up the top part for Dexter's arm. Then draw a wider portion for the beginning of his glove. Draw a few curved lines at the bottom for Dexter's fingers.
Step 14: Darken the shape of Dexter's body and make it angle to the right a bit more. Draw a vertical line inside near the right edge for the opening of Dexter's lab coat and a two shaded ovals to represent the buttons.
Step 15: Use the original trapezoid-like shapes to draw Dexter's shoes. Draw a small arc on the bottom of each shoe for the heels and make the bases thicker.
Step 16: That’s it! You now have a nice sketch of Dexter from Cartoon Network's Dexter's Laboratory. You can stop at this quick drawing for a rough, sketchy look, or go for a more finished look by continuing to the step below.
Step 17: For a more finished, inked look, carefully draw over the final sketch lines with a pen or marker. Wait for the ink to dry, and then get rid of every pencil mark with an eraser. You now have a finished inked drawing of Dexter! You can stop here or go to the final step to complete your Dexter drawing.
Final Step: For a completely finished drawing of Dexter, you have to color it. You can use markers, color pencils or even crayons! Color Dexter's hair orange and his skin peach. If you don’t have peach, improvise and use light orange or pink. The lenses of his glasses is light blue. His glove is purple, and his shoes are black. That’s it! You now have a completed drawing of Dexter from Cartoon Network’s Dexter’s Laboratory.
