Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity to master the art of drawing a turkey, but this skill will prove useful year-round. Turkeys can be found in nature all year, so why not try your hand at drawing one today? Whether you want to create a realistic turkey or a cartoon version, the choice is yours.
Types of Turkeys to Draw
Before diving into the drawing process, it’s important to decide which type of turkey you want to create. Here are a few options to consider:
- Realistic Turkey: This type closely resembles a photo and captures the intricate features of a real turkey.
- Cartoon Turkey: Cartoon turkeys are popular in shows and comics, often adopting cute and exaggerated characteristics.
- Hand Turkey: To create a hand turkey, start by tracing your hand and adding turkey-like details.
- Cooked Turkey: Cooked turkeys are a common subject for Thanksgiving art but are often overlooked as a standalone piece.
- Abstract Turkey: Embrace your artistic flair by creating a colorful and abstract representation of a turkey.
Tips for Drawing a Turkey
To ensure your turkey drawing is top-notch, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose a Style that Suits You: Pick a style that resonates with you and allows you to put your heart into your artwork.
- Balance the Wattle: While the hanging wattle deserves attention, ensure it doesn’t overshadow the rest of the turkey.
- Keep the Head Proportionate: Unless you’re drawing a chibi turkey, the head should be no more than half the size of the body.
- Mind the Tailfeathers: Don’t spread the tail feathers out too much; they should not exceed a 180-degree circle.
- Pay Attention to Feet Texture: Adding small ridges to the turkey’s feet will enhance its realistic appearance.
Easy Steps on How to Draw a Turkey for Kids
Drawing a turkey can be a fun and approachable project, especially for kids. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Draw an Oval
Begin by drawing an oval, making sure to leave enough space for the rest of the turkey. The oval should occupy no more than half of the page.
Step 2: Draw a Circle Above It (to the Left)
Next, draw a circle above the oval, towards the top left. Leave room for the neck between the head and the body.
Step 3: Connect the Two
Connect the oval and the circle with two short lines to create the turkey’s neck. Ensure the lines do not overlap the ovals.
Step 4: Draw a Beak
On the side of the smaller oval or circle, facing away from the larger one, draw a simple triangle beak.
Step 5: Draw a Wattle (the Hanging Red Thing)
Add a wattle, the hanging red appendage, extending from the bottom of the beak. You can even make it hang over the beak a little for extra character.
Step 6: Draw Tailfeathers
Shape the turkey’s tail feathers at the back. You can start with a basic oval and refine the shape later. Alternatively, you can draw each feather individually.
Step 7: Draw Legs and Feet
Draw four straight lines extending down from the bottom of the turkey to represent its legs. From these lines, draw the turkey’s feet.
Step 8: Draw Eyes and a Wing
Give the turkey eyes and a partial wing on its side. Adding these details will lend depth and make the drawing appear more lively.
Step 9: Add Details
Enhance your turkey drawing by adding details such as pupils and lines on the tail feathers. Feel free to embellish as desired, but remember that less can sometimes be more.
Step 10: Color It
Bring your turkey to life by adding color. Traditionally, turkeys are brown or grey with red accents, but don’t shy away from getting creative with your palette.
Explore 10 Easy Drawing Projects for Creating Turkeys
Ready for more turkey-drawing adventures? Try out these 10 easy drawing projects. Each type of turkey has its own charm, and following tutorials can help you refine your skills:
How to Draw a Standard Cartoon Turkey:
(Source: Cartooning Club Junior)How to Draw a Semi-Realistic Turkey:
(Source: Art for Kids Hub)How to Draw a Cute Cartoon Turkey:
(Source: Art of Kids Hub)How to Draw a Cooked Turkey:
(Source: Art for Kids Hub)How to Draw a Chibi Turkey:
(Source: Draw So Cute)How to Draw a Realistic Turkey:
(Source: How2DrawAnimals)How to Draw an Artistic Turkey:
(Source: Art Projects for Kids)How to Draw a Turkey Leg:
(Source: Art for Kids Hub)How to Draw the Turkey Emoji:
(Source: Art Land)How to Draw a Turkey Front View:
(Source: Doodleacademy)
How to Draw a Hand Turkey Step-by-Step
Hand turkeys are a classic and nostalgic choice that involves tracing your hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2B Pencil
- Paper
- Colored Pencils or Crayons
Step 1: Use Pencil to Trace Hand
Place your hand on a piece of paper and carefully trace its outline using a pencil. Connect the bottom portion of the traced lines to ensure a complete turkey shape.
Step 2: Add Side Wings and Feet
Draw a wing on the side of the turkey facing you and add two small feet at the bottom. Remember, these details don’t need to be large since the drawing is simplified.
Step 3: Add Beak, Eye, and Wattle
Include the necessary details such as the beak, eyes on the face, and the distinctive hanging wattle.
Step 4: Add Personality
Bring your hand turkey to life by adding color and your own personal touch. This is an excellent opportunity to make your turkey uniquely yours.
Learn How to Draw a Cartoon Turkey
Cartoon turkeys can range from easy to complex, but let’s start with a simple one. Here’s how:
Step 1: Draw Two Ovals (Head and Body)
As with any turkey drawing, begin by outlining the head and body. You can draw one large oval in the center and position the head to the side.
Step 2: Connect the Ovals
Ensure there is enough space between the head and body. If they overlap, erase the head and start again.
Step 3: Add Eyes, Beak, and Wattle Outline
Give your turkey eyes on the face, followed by a beak. Experiment with the positioning of the wattle, either placing it to the side or straight down the center of the chin.
Step 4: Draw Tailfeathers and Feet Outline
Outline the tailfeathers and feet at this stage. Begin with basic shapes to ensure proper proportions.
Step 5: Draw Over Everything with the Correct Shape
Confirm that all elements are properly sized, then refine their shapes. Take your time during this step to achieve desired results.
Step 6: Define Everything
Add pupils, feather lines, wings, and other essential details. Be sure to include any missing elements to complete your turkey’s look.
Step 7: Color It (Optional)
If you prefer, bring your cartoon turkey to life by adding color. Colored pencils or crayons will give your creation an extra touch of vibrancy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drawing Turkeys
Are turkeys hard to draw?
Drawing turkeys is generally not a difficult task, except for realistic renditions that require meticulous attention to detail.
What do turkeys symbolize in art?
Turkeys often symbolize peace and prosperity in art. Though interpretations may vary across different cultures, these symbols remain prevalent.
Why would you need a turkey drawing?
There are various reasons to create a turkey drawing, such as school projects or Thanksgiving-themed artwork. However, the best reason is simply because you want to.
Conclusion
Learning how to draw a turkey is accessible to anyone with time and practice. Start with an easy type of turkey to avoid feeling overwhelmed, then gradually explore more complex variations.
Drawing turkeys can be an enjoyable project for Thanksgiving art classes, inspiring kids and adults alike. So go ahead and unleash your creativity—the result will surely make your guests gobble it up!
