The turkey, a remarkable bird with two distinct species, is a well-known and widely domesticated game bird. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw a turkey, you’re in luck! In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll provide you with nine easy instructions and simple illustrations to guide you through the process. So grab your pencil and paper, let your creativity soar, and let’s get started!
Step 1: Creating the Foundation
Begin by sketching a perfect circle slightly above the center of your paper. To add texture to the top of the turkey’s head, draw a tilted and curved W-shaped line. It’s important to use light strokes for the initial outlines and rough sketches, making it easier to erase any unnecessary lines later. This will help keep your drawing refined and neat.
Step 2: Outlining the Head and Body
Right below the turkey’s head, draw an elongated shape with a narrow upper part and a wider bottom to create the body. Ensure that the bottom part of the body is round, resembling a vase. This shape is the foundation of your turkey’s form.
Step 3: Drawing the Legs
Next, draw thin legs side by side underneath the body. Don’t forget to add three claws at the bottom of each foot. Strive to make the legs and feet as identical as possible, ensuring balance in your turkey’s stance.
Step 4: Sketching the Wings
Enclose a curved line on each side of the turkey’s body to create the appearance of wings. The curved lines should follow the outline of the body, giving the illusion of still wings resting by its side.
Step 5: Adding Feathers (Halfway Through)
The turkey’s feathers are a defining feature. To draw them, start by creating a scalloped line from the left side of the body, extending up to the top of the head. This outline represents the halfway point of the feathers.
Step 6: Completing the Feathers
Continue the previous step until the outline of the feathers forms a full round shape, encompassing the upper part of the turkey’s body. The feathers should span from one side of the body to the other, creating a fan-like appearance.
Step 7: Adding Detail to the Feathers
Draw multiple straight lines emerging from the center of the feathers up to each pointed end. These lines should follow the structure of the feather outline, adding detail and texture.
Step 8: Elaborating on the Feathers
Within the outline of the feathers, draw two parallel figures that surround the upper part of the turkey’s head and body. Leave a slight gap between the edge of the feathers and these figures. This step adds depth and dimension to your drawing.
Step 9: Detailing the Facial Features
Bring your turkey to life by adding facial features. Draw two standing oval shapes inside the turkey’s face to outline the eyes. Within each eye, draw two small circles and shade the entire eyes, leaving the tiny circles unshaded for a sparkling effect. For the beak, draw an irregular rectangular shape with a small curve underneath. Complete the beak with an elongated, curved figure at the top, known as the snood.
Congratulations on successfully drawing a turkey! Now comes the most exciting part—coloring your masterpiece. Although turkey colors vary, white is typically dominant with shades of black and dark grey on the back, wings, and tail feathers.
In the provided illustration, we used different shades of brown to give the turkey a vibrant touch. Feel free to choose your own colors and bring your turkey to life!
Bonus: Adding Color with Crafts and Techniques
In addition to traditional coloring methods, there are unconventional ways to bring color to your turkey drawing. Consider using craft paper to create a unique and eye-catching effect. Thinking outside of the box can yield incredible results, especially for simpler drawings.
Let your imagination run wild as you explore various art tools and mediums to add color to your turkey drawing. The possibilities are endless!
With this step-by-step guide, you now have the knowledge and confidence to draw a turkey like a pro. So grab your pencils, unleash your creativity, and have fun on this artistic adventure!
