Dinosaurs · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a stegosaurus: leaf shaped back plates and tail spikes
Start with the small arc head on the left.
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: First determine the position along the dorsal arc. The middle plate is larger and gradually shrinks toward the head and tail.
Shapes and proportions
Start with the small arc head on the left side. The arched back and abdominal lines form a long body, supported by four thick legs; the blade-shaped bone plates are arranged along the top line from small to large and then narrowed.
A common mistake
If the back plates are all the same size, or the direction of the back plate has nothing to do with the topline, it will look stiff.
How to fix it
First determine the position along the dorsal arc. The middle plate is larger and gradually shrinks toward the head and tail.
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
Start with the small arc head on the left side. 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
The arched back and abdominal line form a long body, supported by four thick legs; along the topline, the blade-shaped bone plates are arranged from small to large and then narrowed. First determine the position along the dorsal arc, with the middle plate larger and gradually shrinking toward the head and tail.
Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft
The body and limbs of Stegosaurus are green, the back is orange, and the abdomen and tail spines are creamy yellow. 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 “How to Draw a Stegosaurus” 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.
