How to draw a dinosaur?

For any artists considering drawing dinosaurs or anyone interested in creating a dinosaurs cartoon or comic strip, the first step is learning how exactly to put together that work of art on paper. This tutorial will offer a guide into the technique of drawing those prehistoric creatures, turning all the hard work into dinosaur fun!

Choose the species

Step one
There are a comprehensive number of dinosaurs out there, from the giant brontosaurus, the fearsome Tyrannosaurus or the tiny Compsognathus.
Each one offers something different and will therefore be challenging to draw in their own way.
It is a good idea to find a picture of the chosen dinosaur and use it as a reference guide.

Sketch the outline

Step two
Prepare the image by sketching a rough outline of what the final image should look like.
Do this lightly in pencil, as these lines will be erased later.
Don't worry about detail for now, concentrate on getting the general sizes and shapes of the head, torso and limbs, or on specific features such as eyes and mouth if the drawing is going to be a head shot.

Building the dinosaur

Step three
Using the outline as a guide, begin drawing the general shape of the dinosaur.
For now, try and keep detail to a minimum, although be sure to include all the curves and divots that make the creatures so distinctive.
Stay within the prepared guidelines to ensure that the drawing is proportional and remember to start light and build depth and boldness slowly.

Adding the detail

Step four
Once the general shape of the dinosaur has been created, it is time to add the detail!
This includes individual traits of the species such as claws and fangs, textures of the body and shading.
Be sure to look at a similar image to figure out exactly where the shadows must be placed and above all, be patient.
Small, intricate details may be difficult and take a long time, but they make the finished product look so much better.

Adding colour

Step five
At this point, the drawing of the dinosaur itself should be complete.
Make sure that all of the detail is added and that the shading is correct.
When ready, colour the dinosaur first by going over the complete image with a light coloured pencil and then shading certain areas in a darker hue.
Remember, be creative here - nobody is entirely certain what dinosaurs actually looked like on the outside, so go wild!