Dinosaurs · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a diplodocus: a sweeping neck and a zigzag back pattern
Use a short curve for the small head and mouth, mark the eye, then extend two long curves into a gently bending neck.
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: Connect neck and back with a continuous curve. Locate the tail root at the rear before gradually narrowing its tip.
Shapes and proportions
Use a short curve for the small head and mouth, mark the eye, then extend two long curves into a gently bending neck. Join an oval body behind the neck. Extend a long tapering tail from the rear, place the column-like legs below the belly, and let the zigzag pattern follow the neck, back and tail. Let long, smooth curves suggest a quiet dinosaur rather than adding sharp corners.
A common mistake
A sudden right angle at the neck or a tail growing from the middle of the belly breaks the flowing silhouette.
How to fix it
Connect neck and back with a continuous curve. Locate the tail root at the rear before gradually narrowing its tip.
Join an oval body behind the neck.
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. Draw lightly while comparing the first shapes.
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
Place the first shapes
Use a short curve for the small head and mouth, mark the eye, then extend two long curves into a gently bending neck. Leave space for the parts that appear in the complete outline.
Place the first shapes · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect the parts and compare their positions
Join an oval body behind the neck. Extend a long tapering tail from the rear, place the column-like legs below the belly, and let the zigzag pattern follow the neck, back and tail. Connect neck and back with a continuous curve. Locate the tail root at the rear before gradually narrowing its tip.
Connect the parts and compare their positions · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Choose a consistent crayon palette
Use soft green for the body, neck, tail and all four legs, warm orange for the zigzag back pattern and charcoal for the eye. Apply light pressure so the contour stays readable.
Choose a consistent crayon palette · Preview image 3 of 3
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Long-Necked Diplodocus” 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.
