Fantasy · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a cartoon dragon: a bean shaped body and a curling tail
Draw a small head in side view, then add two curled horns behind it.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 3 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 this visual check: Leave an open space in the center of the curled tail, then place the short arms in front of the neck and body.
Shapes and proportions
Draw a small head in side view, then add two curled horns behind it. Use two curves below the head to enclose a bean shaped body. Curl the tail downward, attach short arms and legs, and build the wings from pointed supports and curved edges.
A common mistake
A tail that is too thick or touches the front claws makes the silhouette hard to read.
How to fix it
Leave an open space in the center of the curled tail, then place the short arms in front of the neck and body.
These three images are key-stage previews: the starting shape, the completed outline, and a new crayon color study. Follow the complete drawing sequence in LittlePaper. On paper, leave room around the first shape for the parts added later.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil or black drawing pen, eraser, and crayons.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
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
Position the first shapes
Draw a small head in side view, then add two curled horns behind it. Leave space around the first shapes for the parts you will add later.
Position the first shapes · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect the outline and place the parts
Use two curves below the head to enclose a bean shaped body. Curl the tail downward, attach short arms and legs, and build the wings from pointed supports and curved edges. Leave an open space in the center of the curled tail, then place the short arms in front of the neck and body.
Connect the outline and place the parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Choose colors for each part
Use blue-purple for the body and limbs, pale blue for the wing membranes, and golden yellow for both horns and the belly. Apply color lightly, keep the outline visible, and use the same color for matching parts.
Choose colors for each part · Preview image 3 of 3
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Draw a Cartoon Dragon” 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.
