Dinosaurs · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a Cute Triceratops from the Side
Learn the horn-and-frill silhouette of a cute triceratops through four selected stages, then add a soft green 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
Separate the horns, face and scalloped frill in a simple triceratops silhouette.
Shapes and proportions
The frill rises behind the face like a broad fan. The nose horn points forward, while the upper horn shapes point upward rather than blending into the frill.
A common mistake
When the horn tips touch the frill edge, the head can look like one tangled zigzag shape.
How to fix it
Leave a small visual gap between horn tips and the frill boundary. Draw the frill first, then add each horn with its own clear direction.
This cute triceratops is built around a low body, a large scalloped head frill and short sturdy legs. The head details identify the character more than the body alone. Keep the horns clear of the frill edge so their directions stay readable.
These four pictures are selected stages, not the complete sequence. The blue guide lines show additions at the illustrated stage. Use the shape notes on paper, or open the full drawing in LittlePaper to follow the smaller steps between these pictures.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil, two green crayons and a dark drawing pencil.
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
The face and scalloped frill
The first selected image shows a low face in front of a broad scalloped frill. Use a small circle for the eye and keep the nose separate from the curved frill edge.
The face and scalloped frill · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Horns and a low body
This later stage has the horns in place and adds a long rounded back and tail. Keep the body lower than the top of the frill to preserve the large-head character.
Horns and a low body · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Sturdy legs under the body
The finished outline adds short legs under the belly. Keep their bottoms at a similar ground level and leave enough space between them to read as separate limbs.
Sturdy legs under the body · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Soft greens for the finish
Color the body and legs green and keep the head slightly lighter. Let light flecks remain between strokes so the result keeps a crayon texture.
Soft greens for the finish · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
Keep all legs in the same green palette. Use a lighter head and a deeper body if you want the frill to stand out without adding extra outline thickness.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Cute Triceratops Drawing” 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.
