Holidays · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a mayflower: three masts and curved sails
The long arc hull is connected to the hull which is gradually narrowed layer by layer.
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: Make the central mast higher, the crossbars roughly parallel, and the two sides of the sail surface connected with arcs in the same direction.
Shapes and proportions
The long arc hull is connected to the hull which is gradually narrowed layer by layer. Four round windows are arranged horizontally along the hull, and the three masts are of different heights; the sails are connected by curved quadrilaterals between the horizontal masts.
A common mistake
If the three masts are the same height and the sails are flying left and right, the sailboat will look like a row of flags.
How to fix it
Make the central mast higher, the crossbars roughly parallel, and the two sides of the sail surface connected with arcs in the same direction.
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 or colored pencils for color matching for this lesson.
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 basic shape first
The long arc hull is connected to the hull which is narrowed layer by layer. Observe the position of the starting shape on the paper, leaving space for subsequent outlines and additional components.
Position the basic shape first · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect profiles and arrange parts
Four round windows are arranged horizontally along the hull, and the three masts are of different heights; a curved quadrilateral is used to connect the sails between the horizontal masts. Make the central mast higher, the crossbar roughly parallel, and connect both sides of the sail surface with arcs in the same direction.
Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft
The hull is golden brown, the mast is dark brown, all sails are milky white, the round windows are blue, and the flag is red. Apply the color first with light pressure, leaving the black outline, and then compare pairs of parts using the same color.
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft · Preview image 3 of 3
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Mayflower 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.
