5 Easy Steps to Draw a Dinosaur - A Beginner's Guide
Contents
1. Gather Your Art Supplies
2. Decide on a Dinosaur Type
3. Start With a Basic Sketch
4. Add Color to Your Dinosaur
5. Finalize Your Dinosaur Drawing
If you've ever been fascinated by the majestic creatures that roamed the Earth millions of years ago and wanted to bring them to life on paper, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through an easy draw dinosaur process that is perfect for beginners. You don't need to be a Van Gogh or a Da Vinci to get started—all you need is a little patience, creativity, and the right tools.
1. Gather Your Art Supplies
Before we jump into the world of dinosaurs, let's make sure we have all the necessary gear at our disposal. No, we aren't going on an archaeological dig, but every artist needs their tools!
Choose the Right Paper
Not all papers are created equal when it comes to drawing. For an easy draw dinosaur, a medium-weight drawing paper will do the trick. This type of paper can handle the weight of colored pencils without tearing, and it's smooth enough to allow your pencils to glide effortlessly. Remember, you want your dinosaur to come to life, and the right paper can make a world of difference.
Pick Out Colored Pencils
Next, you'll need to choose your colored pencils. Prismacolor or Faber-Castell brands are known for their high-quality pigments and smooth application—perfect for your dinosaur masterpiece. Aim for a set that includes a variety of greens, browns, and grays. These earthy tones will help make your dinosaur appear more realistic.
Get a Good Eraser
Even the most seasoned artists make mistakes, and that's where a good eraser comes in. Opt for a smudge-free eraser, like the ones made by Staedtler or Pentel. These will cleanly remove your pencil marks without leaving any residue behind—ensuring your dinosaur drawing remains pristine and smudge-free.
Now that we've got our art supplies sorted, we're all set to start our easy draw dinosaur adventure. Let's move onto the next step: choosing your dinosaur!
2. Decide on a Dinosaur Type
With your art supplies ready, it's time to decide which dinosaur you want to draw. There are countless species of dinosaurs, each with its unique characteristics. The choice might seem overwhelming, but don't worry—we're here to help!
Research Different Dinosaur Species
Do a little bit of research before you pick up those colored pencils. Maybe you want to draw a towering, long-necked Brachiosaurus, or perhaps a fierce, sharp-toothed Tyrannosaurus Rex is more your style. You could also consider the three-horned Triceratops or the armored Ankylosaurus. Each dinosaur has its unique traits, which can make your drawing more interesting and fun. A quick Google search or a flip through a dinosaur encyclopedia can help you decide.
Choose a Dinosaur That Inspires You
After you've done your research, pick a dinosaur that sparks your interest. Maybe it's the dinosaur's size, its unique features, or its history that fascinates you. Whatever the reason, choosing a dinosaur that you find intriguing will make the drawing process more enjoyable. After all, isn't it more fun to draw something you love?
Now that you've chosen your dinosaur, let's move on to the next step in our easy draw dinosaur guide: sketching your dinosaur.
3. Start With a Basic Sketch
With your dinosaur of choice in mind, it's time to put pencil to paper. Don't fret about perfection at this stage—the goal is to get the basic shape and details right. So, let's start sketching your dinosaur!
Draw the Basic Shape
Begin with the basic shape of your dinosaur. Is it tall and imposing, or short and stout? Maybe it's long and slender, or perhaps it's round and robust. Start by sketching the body, then add the head, the tail, and finally, the legs. Remember, it's okay if it doesn't look perfect. You're just getting started.
Add Details to Your Sketch
Once you have the basic shape down, you can start adding details. Consider the unique traits of your dinosaur. Does it have horns, spikes, or a long neck? Does it have sharp teeth, a beak, or a bony plate on its back? Adding these details will help your dinosaur come to life. Don't forget to add the eyes, nostrils, and mouth for a touch of personality!
Erase any Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, especially when learning to draw. That's what erasers are for! If something doesn't look right, simply erase it and try again. Drawing is a process of trial and error, so don't be disheartened by a few wrong lines. They're just stepping stones on the path to a great dinosaur drawing.
Now that you have your sketch, the next step in our easy draw dinosaur guide is to add some color. Let's get to it!
4. Add Color to Your Dinosaur
With your sketch complete, it's time to bring your dinosaur to life with color. Applying color can truly transform your sketch into a vibrant work of art. Remember, the choice of colors is entirely up to you. It's your dinosaur, after all!
Choose Your Colors
When it comes to coloring your dinosaur, the sky's the limit. You might want to stick with earthy greens and browns, or you could go for something more daring with purples, blues, or even bright pinks. The important thing is to choose colors that you like and that inspire you.
Fill in the Dinosaur with Color
Now, it's time to fill in your dinosaur with color. Start with the body, then move on to the head, tail, and legs. If your dinosaur has unique features like spikes or plates, consider giving them a contrasting color to make them stand out. Remember to color lightly at first—you can always add more color later if you want to.
Adding color to your sketch is a fun and exciting step in the easy draw dinosaur process. But hold on, we're not done yet. The next step is to finalize your dinosaur drawing. Ready for the finishing touches? Let's go!
5. Finalize Your Dinosaur Drawing
Now that your dinosaur is bursting with color, it's time to add the finishing touches that will make your artwork truly stand out. This final stage involves adding depth with shading and texture, creating an engaging scenery, and signing your masterpiece. Let's dive into the final steps of our easy draw dinosaur guide.
Add Shading and Texture
Shading and texture can give your dinosaur a more rounded and realistic appearance. You can use the side of your pencil to add shading, and create texture with small lines or dots. The key is to think about where the light would naturally hit your dinosaur and shade accordingly. Here is where a good eraser comes handy, to create highlights by removing color where the light hits most.
Give Your Dinosaur a Scenery
No dinosaur drawing would be complete without a little scenery. Whether your dinosaur is stomping through a lush jungle, or roaming a barren desert, adding a background will give context to your artwork. Plus, it's another opportunity to practice your drawing skills and let your creativity shine.
Sign and Date Your Artwork
Finally, don't forget to sign and date your artwork. Not only does this make it uniquely yours, but it also allows you to see your progress as you continue to practice and improve. Congratulations, you've just completed an easy draw dinosaur from scratch!
Remember, drawing is all about patience and practice. So, don't worry if your first few attempts don't turn out exactly as you hoped. Keep trying, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun. Happy drawing!
If you enjoyed learning how to draw a dinosaur and want to further improve your animal drawing skills, don't miss the workshop 'Basic Animal Anatomy for Artists' by Viktoria. This workshop will provide you with a solid understanding of animal anatomy, which is essential for creating realistic and captivating drawings of any creature.