Are you ready to embark on a fun and easy artistic adventure? Join us today as we guide you through the whimsical world of drawing a turkey – a festive symbol of Thanksgiving and autumn. With our step-by-step instructions tailored specifically for the young artists in your life, your little ones will be thrilled to create their very own feathered masterpieces. Gather your crayons, markers, or pencils, and let’s dive into the magical world of turkey art!
To begin our drawing journey, let’s start with the turkey’s body. Picture a large, oval shape in the center of your drawing space – that’s the turkey’s plump belly! Now, draw two smaller ovals on either side – these will form the wings. To make the wings look fabulous, add some triangular feathers along their edges. And don’t forget about the turkey’s neck – a simple curved line extending from the body will do the trick.
Next, it’s time to bring your turkey to life with details that make it unique. Let’s start with the head. Draw a circle above the neck and add two small ovals for the eyes. Don’t forget to give your turkey a friendly beak by drawing a small triangle below the eyes. Now, let’s add some character with a gobbler – a fleshy wattle that hangs under the beak. And to complete the facial features, draw a few lines to indicate the turkey’s snood – the fleshy growth above its beak. Now that your turkey has a face, it’s ready to express itself!
Getting Started: Gather Your Materials
Essential Art Supplies:
Before embarking on your turkey drawing adventure, it’s crucial to assemble the necessary materials. Your young artists will require:
Drawing Paper:
Choose smooth, high-quality drawing paper that is thick enough to prevent tearing while erasing. Consider using a 90 lb (180 gsm) weight or higher for added durability.
Pencils:
A variety of pencils will provide versatility and control over the drawing’s lines. Include a soft pencil, such as a 2B or 4B, for dark, bold lines, and a harder pencil, such as a 2H or 4H, for lighter, more detailed lines.
Eraser:
Kneaded erasers are ideal for erasing small errors without damaging the paper’s surface. They are soft, pliable, and can be molded to lift away unwanted marks precisely.
Ruler or Measuring Tape:
A ruler or measuring tape will assist in drawing straight lines and ensuring proper proportions for the turkey’s body.
Optional Enhancing Materials:
To enhance the drawing experience and add colorful flair, consider providing additional materials such as:
Colored Pencils, Crayons, or Markers:
A selection of colored pencils, crayons, or markers will allow your budding artists to color their turkeys with vibrant hues.
Glitter, Sequins, or Feathers:
Embellishments like glitter, sequins, or feathers can add a touch of festive flair to the turkeys, making them perfect for seasonal projects.
Step 2: Add the Feathers
Now, it’s time to give your turkey its iconic plumage. Feathers are essential for the turkey’s appearance and silhouette. Start by drawing a series of short, wavy lines around the edge of the body, as if you’re adding a fluffy border. Make them vary in length and thickness, creating a natural and textured effect.
Feather Details
Once you have the basic outline of the feathers, you can add some details to make them look more realistic. Here’s how to do it for each specific type of feather:
| Feather Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Tail Feathers | Draw multiple layers of long, flowing lines extending from the base of the tail. These will give your turkey an elegant and graceful appearance. |
| Body Feathers | Add shorter, overlapping lines to the body in the same wavy pattern as the outline. Create variation in the direction of the lines to achieve a natural look. |
| Wing Feathers | Draw angled lines extending from the wings. These feathers will be shorter than the tail feathers but longer than the body feathers. Use varying angles and thicknesses to create depth and texture. |
Remember, the key to drawing realistic feathers is to observe the natural world and mimic their shape, texture, and movement. By taking your time and adding these details, your turkey will come to life with a vibrant and majestic plumage.
Step 4: Add the Eyes and Waddle
For the eyes, draw two small black circles in the middle of the face. Add a tiny white dot to each circle to create the pupils.
Next, draw the waddle by creating a small, rounded shape beneath the beak. Use a curved line to form the drooping part of the waddle. Color the waddle red or pink to match the natural appearance of a turkey’s waddle.
To add depth and realism, draw a few short lines extending from the base of the waddle. This will help create the illusion of folds and wrinkles in the skin.
For a more detailed depiction, consider adding additional features around the eyes and waddle. For example, draw eyebrows above the eyes and a small line around the lower eyelid to create the illusion of eyelashes.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Two small black circles with white pupils |
| Waddle | Round shape with a curved drooping part, colored red or pink |
| Wrinkles | Short lines extending from the base of the waddle |
| Eyebrows | Curved lines above the eyes |
| Eyelashes | Short line around the lower eyelid |
Step 5: Draw the Tail Feathers
Once you have created both wings, it’s time to add the tail feathers. Draw a curved line from the bottom of the body, extending it outward and slightly downward. This will form the base of the tail.
Creating the Individual Feathers:
Now, let’s add the individual tail feathers. Starting from the base of the tail, draw a series of curved lines that extend outward and downward. Each line should be slightly longer and wider than the previous one, creating a graduated effect.
To achieve a realistic look, vary the length and width of the feathers slightly. Some feathers may be shorter and narrower, while others can be longer and wider. This will add depth and texture to the tail.
Shading and Highlights:
Once you have drawn all the tail feathers, add some shading and highlights to give them a sense of dimension. Use a darker color to shade the base of the feathers, where they attach to the body. Gradually lighten the color as you move towards the tips.
To create highlights, use a lighter color to draw thin lines along the edges of the feathers. This will help to define the shape and give the tail a more realistic appearance.
Add feathers to the turkey’s tail, varying the length and width to create a realistic look:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Draw a curved line from the bottom of the body, extending it outward and slightly downward to form the base of the tail. |
| 2 | Starting from the base, draw a series of curved lines that extend outward and downward to create individual feathers. |
| 3 | Vary the length and width of the feathers for a more realistic effect. |
| 4 | Add shading and highlights to the feathers to create depth and dimension. |
Step 6: Decorate Your Turkey
Now comes the fun part: decorating your turkey! Let’s start with the feathers.
Feathers
Use colored markers or crayons to draw feathers all over the turkey’s body. You can use any colors you like, but traditional turkeys have brown, black, and white feathers. Make sure to draw the feathers overlapping each other to create a realistic effect.
Tips:
- For a more textured look, use crayons to color the feathers in different directions.
- To create a fluffy effect, add small white dots or dashes to the edges of the feathers.
Beak and Wattle
Draw a small orange triangle for the beak and a red teardrop shape for the wattle (the fleshy part below the beak). You can also add a few lines on the beak to give it some texture.
Eyes
Add two small black dots for the eyes. If you want to get fancy, you can draw a small white dot inside each black dot to create pupils.
Legs and Feet
Draw two skinny brown legs with three toes each. The toes should have sharp claws.
Table of Feather Colors
| Feather Color | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Brown | Primary body feathers |
| Black | Tail feathers and some wing feathers |
| White | Tips of tail feathers and some breast feathers |
Step 7: Add a Background (Optional)
To make your turkey drawing extra special, you can add a background. This can help create a sense of depth and make your turkey stand out on the page. Here’s how to add a background:
Choose a Background Color or Pattern
The best way to choose a background is to think about the setting you want to create for your turkey. If you want a rustic look, consider using a light brown or beige color. For a more whimsical look, you could use a bright color like pink or blue. You could also use a pattern, such as polka dots or stripes.
Draw the Background
Once you’ve chosen a background, it’s time to draw it. If you’re using a color, simply fill in the area around the turkey with your chosen color. If you’re using a pattern, you can draw it freehand or use a ruler or protractor to create straight lines and even spaces.
Add Details
To make your background more interesting, you can add details such as trees, grass, or even a landscape. Simply draw these details in the background behind the turkey. You can use different colors and patterns to create a variety of looks.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for adding a background to your turkey drawing:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose a background color or pattern. |
| 2 | Draw the background. |
| 3 | Add details, such as trees, grass, or a landscape. |
How to Draw a Turkey For Kids
Tips for Drawing a Realistic Turkey
1. Start with a Basic Shape
Begin by drawing an oval for the body and a smaller half-oval for the head.
2. Add the Legs and Wings
Draw two lines from the bottom of the body for the legs, and two curved lines on either side of the body for the wings.
3. Outline the Feathers
Sketch feathery lines along the outline of the body and wings, starting from the outside and working your way inward.
4. Draw the Facial Features
Add a small beak and eyes to the head. To make them realistic, use curved lines for the beak and dots for the eyes.
5. Add the Tail Feathers
Draw multiple downward-facing lines from the back of the body for the tail feathers. Vary the lengths to create a natural look.
6. Define the Neck and Wattle
Connect the head to the body with a curved neck. Add a small rounded shape underneath the beak for the wattle.
7. Color the Turkey
Choose warm colors like brown, orange, and yellow for the feathers and beak. Use a darker shade for the tail feathers.
8. Add Details
Add texture to the feathers by drawing small lines or dots. Highlight certain areas with a white pencil or eraser for depth.
9. Practice and Refine Your Turkey Drawing
- Pay attention to anatomy: Study reference photos of turkeys to understand their body shape and proportions.
- Experiment with different feather patterns: There are many variations in turkey feather patterns. Observe real turkeys or use images as inspiration.
- Use blending techniques: Combine different shades of colors to create a sense of realism and depth in the feathers.
- Add environmental elements: Place your turkey in a natural setting by adding branches, leaves, or a pumpkin.
- Consider perspectives: Try drawing the turkey from different angles to create interest and variety in your artwork.
How to Draw a Turkey for Kids
Drawing a turkey is a simple and fun activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. With just a few basic steps, you can create a festive and adorable turkey ready for the holiday season.
To draw a turkey for kids:
1. Start by drawing a large oval for the body of the turkey.
2. Add a smaller oval on top of the body for the head.
3. Draw a curved line for the neck, connecting the head to the body.
4. Draw two large circles for the eyes within the head.
5. Add a small triangle for the beak.
6. Draw three curved lines for the tail feathers, extending from the back of the body.
7. Draw two smaller ovals for the feet.
8. Finally, add any desired details, such as feathers, wings, or a gobbler.
People Also Ask About How to Draw a Turkey for Kids
What materials do I need to draw a turkey?
You will need a pencil, eraser, and paper. You can also add colors using crayons, markers, or paint if desired.
What age range is this activity suitable for?
This activity is suitable for kids of all ages. However, younger children may need some assistance with the more complex steps.
Can I use this drawing to make a Thanksgiving craft?
Yes, this drawing can be used to make a variety of Thanksgiving crafts. For example, you can cut out the turkey and glue it to a piece of construction paper to create a greeting card or decoration.
