How to Draw an Owl Step by Step
Learn how to draw a cartoon or realistic owl with easy, step-by-step instructions for kids and beginners. No art skills needed—just follow simple shapes and have fun!
Owls might look complex to draw, but they are easier than you think. With a few simple steps, anyone can sketch an owl with ease. No fancy tools or skills are required. This guide is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to draw an owl without feeling overwhelmed. We’ll break everything down into small, easy strokes.
Just grab a pencil and some paper. Let’s draw your first owl.
How to Draw a Cartoon Owl (Step-by-Step for Kids)
Cartoon owls are super fun and easy to draw, especially when you break them down into simple steps. With just a few basic shapes, you can create a cute and friendly owl full of personality. Grab your pencil, and let’s have your own cartoon owl drawing!
Step 1: Draw a Big Oval for the Owl's Body
Draw a large vertical oval in the center of the page. This will be the owl’s body. Keep it light so you can modify it later on.
Don’t worry about making it perfect on the first go. If freehand drawing is a bit tricky, use an oval bowl or jar and trace around it to make the body.
Step 2: Add a Circle for the Owl's Head
Now, draw a smaller circle on top of the body. Let it slightly overlap the upper part of the body, as it’s going to be the owl’s head.
To keep it neat, try tracing a cup or a bottle cap. Just make sure the head is centered and is not too small compared to the body.
Step 3: Draw Two Big Eyes of the Owl
Step 4: Draw the Owl's Beak
Between the eyes, add a small, downward-pointing triangle. This triangle will be the beak, right in the center.
For a cuter cartoon owl, round off the corners of the triangle. You can also tilt it slightly for a more playful look.
Step 5: Add Feather Tufts
At the top of the head, draw two curved points, one on each side. These represent feather tufts, which many owl species have.
Think of little curved horns or ears (but they’re actually feathers). You can also skip them for a round-headed owl style. Make sure to add two smaller circles inside the eyes later for pupils.
Step 6: Outline the Wings and Draw the Feet
Draw one wing on each side of the body. Use long, curved shapes that start near the shoulder and end near the belly.
Try a “leaf” shape: narrow from the top, wide in the middle, and pointed at the end. Keep both sides similar for balance.
At the bottom of the body, sketch two simple claw shapes. You can make each foot with three short toes, like a wide "W".
Step 7: Add Details to Your Owl Drawing
To make your drawing a bit more attractive and realistic, you can draw your owl standing on a branch to hide its tricky feet. Just draw the feet gripping a straight line across the bottom.
Inside the body, draw rows of U-shaped curves to show the feather pattern. Start just below the wings and work your way down.
You can alternate the direction of the U-shapes or make them V-shapes for a sharper style. Spacing them evenly makes your owl look neat.
How to Draw a Realistic Owl (Step-by-Step for Beginners)
If you’ve ever wanted to draw a realistic owl but didn’t know where to start, this beginner-friendly guide is here to help. By using simple shapes and gradual steps, you’ll learn how to capture the unique features of an owl—from its big eyes to its detailed feathers. No advanced skills needed—just a pencil, paper, and a bit of patience!
Step 1: Draw the Basic Structure
Begin by lightly sketching the main shapes. Draw an oval for the body and a circle for the head. Then, add a vertical line through the center of both shapes to keep everything balanced.
Next, sketch two curved lines on each side of the body to represent the folded wings. At the bottom, mark where the feet will go.
Step 2: Place the Owl's Facial Features
Owls are known for their big, intense eyes. So, inside the head circle, draw two large eyes spaced evenly. Use a horizontal guideline to help place them correctly.
Between the eyes, draw a small, curved beak. Then, sketch the facial disk-like, rounded feathers to give the owls their unique expression. Then, sketch out the feet gripping onto a branch.
Step 3: Add Owl's Details: Eyes, Beak, and Feathers
The eyes are the focus of your drawing. Add the pupils, irises, and tiny white highlights to give them life. Shade around them gently to create depth.
Now it’s time to add texture. On the chest and belly, draw short, curved strokes to show soft feathers. For the wings and tail, use longer, overlapping lines to mimic the look of flight feathers. Use different pencil grades for softer feathers and deeper textures.
Step 4: Add Shading and Depth to Your Owl Drawing
Shading will make your owl look three-dimensional. Add shadows beneath the wings, around the neck, and under the beak. Use your blending stump or tissue to soften these areas.
Leave some parts of the drawing untouched for highlights. This helps the owl appear lit from one side.
Step 5: Add Color and Background (Optional)
Now, it’s time to bring your owl sketch to life. Use soft browns, warm grays, yellows, or fun colors if you like. Draw some leaves and trees in the background to make it look more attractive and realistic.
Shade lightly under the wings and near the bottom of the belly for depth. Always use colored pencils or markers, whatever you prefer.
Summing Up of the Owl Drawing
And there you have it. That’s exactly how to draw an owl with ease in just a few steps. You began with simple shapes and turned them into a full, feathery owl.
Just remember, your first owl doesn’t have to be perfect. The more you draw, the better it gets. Try different poses, colors, or even draw a whole owl family next time.
If you’re looking for a guide on how to draw a simple bird, we’ve got you covered there as well.
Happy sketching, owl artist!
FAQs on How to Draw an Owl
How can I make my owl look more realistic?
Start by studying real owl photos. Notice feather patterns and shading around the eyes. Then, add small lines to suggest texture. For shadows, use soft pencils. Don’t worry about copying exactly; just capture the key features and shape.
How do I draw feathers without making it messy?
Use simple U or V shapes in rows. Keep your strokes light and consistent. Don’t overdo the details. A few clean lines describe feathers well. Make sure to practice on the side before drawing them on your owl.
What’s the hardest part of drawing an owl?
Most people struggle with the face, especially the eyes. Owls have large, intense eyes that need balance. Use circles and guidelines to place them correctly. Don’t rush; take your time doing it. The head shape and eye size also affect the expression.