Dinosaurs · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a triceratops: three horns and a scalloped frill
First define the front of the head with a low, curved muzzle.
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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 of the nose corner and forehead corner, then place the fan-shaped head shield behind the head and repeat the short arc along the edge.
Shapes and proportions
First define the front of the head with a low, curved muzzle. It is followed by a fan-shaped head shield, with two corners arranged above the eyes; a long body and tail are surrounded by upper and lower arcs to the right, and then four thick legs are placed downward.
A common mistake
The three horns are squeezed together, and the head shield is often drawn as small as the head.
How to fix it
First determine the position of the nose corner and forehead corner, then place the fan-shaped head shield behind the head and repeat the short arc along the edge.
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
First define the front of the head with a low, curved muzzle. 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
Followed by a fan-shaped head shield, with two corners arranged above the eyes; a long body and tail surrounded by upper and lower arcs to the right, and then four thick legs placed downward. First determine the position of the nose corner and forehead corner, then place the fan-shaped head shield behind the head and repeat the short arc along the edge.
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 legs of Triceratops are uniformly olive green, and its horns and toenails are creamy white. 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 “Triceratops Drawing (easy)” 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.
