Animals · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a cartoon cow: Rectangular Body and Short Horns
Explore cartoon cow through four selected drawing stages. Focus on rectangular body and short horns and a textured crayon finish.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 4 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Practice cartoon cow with attention to rectangular body and short horns.
Shapes and proportions
Use a long box-like torso behind the large muzzle and keep the four legs narrow.
A common mistake
A tiny muzzle makes the cow resemble another hoofed animal.
How to fix it
Set the broad nose shape first and keep the horns above the forehead.
This cartoon cow study focuses on rectangular body and short horns. Use a long box-like torso behind the large muzzle and keep the four legs narrow. The exercise is about keeping these visible shapes readable before adding small marks or color.
These are four selected stages, not a complete stroke-by-stroke sequence. Blue guide lines mark additions in the source images. Compare the pictures for the overall shape changes; use the complete LittlePaper lesson for the smaller steps between them.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil and crayons matching the example. Leave room around the drawing for proportion checks before making the outlines darker.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 4
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Selected stage 2: early shapes
This picture shows source stage 2 of 8 for cartoon cow, not the next single stroke. Use a long box-like torso behind the large muzzle and keep the four legs narrow. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 2: early shapes · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Selected stage 5: building the outline
This picture shows source stage 5 of 8 for cartoon cow, not the next single stroke. Set the broad nose shape first and keep the horns above the forehead. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 5: building the outline · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Complete outline: rectangular body and short horns
Compare the finished cartoon cow outline with the earlier selected stages. A tiny muzzle makes the cow resemble another hoofed animal. Set the broad nose shape first and keep the horns above the forehead.
Complete outline: rectangular body and short horns · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Crayon color: cream white, warm red, warm orange, brown
Use the colored cartoon cow example to compare the palette after checking the outline. The visible palette includes cream white, warm red, warm orange, brown. Keep repeated parts consistent and let small light flecks preserve the crayon texture.
Crayon color: cream white, warm red, warm orange, brown · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
The example uses cream white, warm red, warm orange, brown. Keep matching limbs and repeated parts in a consistent palette. Use light overlapping crayon strokes so the inner outlines stay visible. Set the broad nose shape first and keep the horns above the forehead.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “How to Draw a Cow Step by Step Cow Drawing Instructions Kids and Begin” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
