Cute things to draw: easy ideas and step-by-step lessons

In this guide

A good place to begin is a subject you can recognize in a few clear curves: a tulip leaning above its leaves, a koala sitting with its feet turned out, or a flamingo balancing on one leg. Pick one that makes you want to put pencil to paper. You can add a second drawing later.

This collection has 27 complete guided drawing lessons: the original eight Starter, eight Easy and eight Moderate lessons, plus the tulip, koala and flamingo tutorials. There are also 22 finished examples for drawing from observation. Each has a matching outline if you would like to color first. The lessons show new marks separately, so you can see how the finished subject develops rather than guessing what changed between pictures.

Choose a guided drawing

Start with the tulip for a small number of long curves. Choose the koala if you enjoy a face and a seated pose. The flamingo asks for a little more care with narrow spaces and connected legs.

Easy / Six illustrated stages

A tulip with two sweeping leaves

Follow the tulip lesson

Moderate / Six illustrated stages

A koala with a tilted head

Follow the koala lesson

Moderate / Six illustrated stages

A flamingo resting one leg

Follow the flamingo lesson

The difficulty labels describe the shapes in these examples. They are a guide to choosing, not a test of your ability. A larger version of a moderate drawing may feel easier than a tiny version of a simple one.

Gather a simple drawing kit

Use ordinary paper, a pencil and an eraser. A black fineliner is optional: it is useful after you are happy with the pencil outline. Colored pencils give you another way to finish, but they are not needed to learn the shape.

Give the subject more room than you think it needs. Mark a light top, bottom and two side limits on the paper before starting. Leave space for the details that reach outward, such as the koala’s ears or the flamingo’s foot. These quiet boundary marks are easier to adjust than a whole drawing that has reached the edge of the sheet.

Read the new and earlier lines

In the lessons, dark plum lines are the marks to add now. Solid gray lines are the drawing you already have. The tulip, koala and flamingo lessons also use pale dashed lines for temporary construction guides. Erase guides and hidden edges where the instructions say that an overlapping part covers them.

Look at the finished example before starting. Then follow one stage at a time. Notice where the new line begins and ends, not only its general direction. A petal should meet the flower base; a paw should join the body; each leg needs its own attachment point.

Keep your first pencil marks light. Once the shape reads clearly, choose the line you want to keep and erase the spare marks. If you use a pen, let the ink dry before erasing underneath it.

Original 24 drawing lessons

Choose from the original three groups of eight: Starter drawings with four stages, Easy drawings with six, and Moderate drawings with eight. Open a lesson to see every stage, a useful correction and an idea for a second version.

Dark plum marks are new; gray marks show the earlier drawing. Keep earlier visible lines and erase edges hidden behind an overlapping part. The optional color example suggests one palette.

Starter: eight drawing lessons

A curious catAnimals / 4 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Start with a wide cheek curve, then give it two ears. The little gap between the eyes and the nose keeps the face readable when you draw it small.

Practise: Open curves and pointed corners

Step 1: Draw a wide U for the cheeks, leaving the top open. — **Step 1**Draw a wide U for the cheeks, leaving the top open.

Step 2: Add two pointed ears and a shallow curve between them. Join the ends to the cheeks. — **Step 2**Add two pointed ears and a shallow curve between them. Join the ends to the cheeks.

Step 3: Place two eyes inside the face. Add a small nose and two short mouth curves. — **Step 3**Place two eyes inside the face. Add a small nose and two short mouth curves.

Step 4: Add short whiskers and a small mark inside each ear. — **Step 4**Add short whiskers and a small mark inside each ear.

A curious cat: one color idea — One color idea

A curious cat: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the cat looks stretched, bring the eyes a little closer together before adding whiskers. Keep both eyes at a similar height.

Make it yours: Make one ear slightly lower, or swap the round eyes for two sleepy curves.

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A little frogAnimals / 4 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

The two raised eye bumps make this face work. You can keep the rest simple: a broad lower curve, two dots and a relaxed smile.

Practise: Wide curves and paired bumps

Step 1: Draw a broad U, wider than it is tall. — **Step 1**Draw a broad U, wider than it is tall.

Step 2Close the top with two rounded eye bumps and a shallow dip between them.

Step 3: Put an eye in each bump. Add a small smile lower down. — **Step 3**Put an eye in each bump. Add a small smile lower down.

Step 4: Add a pair of cheek circles. Keep them smaller than the eye bumps. — **Step 4**Add a pair of cheek circles. Keep them smaller than the eye bumps.

A little frog: one color idea — One color idea

A little frog: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If it looks like a bear, make the eye bumps wider and put the eyes higher inside them.

Make it yours: Try a tiny straight mouth, then a bigger curved smile. Compare the expression before adding anything else.

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A cheerful teacupObjects / 4 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

A cup gives you a useful lesson in placing one shape beside another. The handle belongs outside the cup; the face belongs inside it.

Practise: Curved rectangles and an oval rim

Step 1: Draw a cup with gently sloping sides and a curved bottom. Leave the top open. — **Step 1**Draw a cup with gently sloping sides and a curved bottom. Leave the top open.

Step 2: Draw a narrow oval rim. Add a looping handle on the right with a smaller opening inside. — **Step 2**Draw a narrow oval rim. Add a looping handle on the right with a smaller opening inside.

Step 3: Place two eyes and a smile between the rim and the bottom. — **Step 3**Place two eyes and a smile between the rim and the bottom.

Step 4: Add two rising steam curves and a shallow saucer underneath. — **Step 4**Add two rising steam curves and a shallow saucer underneath.

A cheerful teacup: one color idea — One color idea

A cheerful teacup: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the handle looks like a second cup, make its opening smaller and attach both ends to the cup side.

Make it yours: Leave out the steam and decorate the cup with one stripe instead.

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A cactus in a potObjects / 4 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Build the pot first so the plant has somewhere to sit. Short branch lines and a face are enough to turn a few shapes into a tiny desk character.

Practise: Straight edges and one rounded top

Step 1: Draw a wide pot rim, then two sloping sides and a flat bottom. — **Step 1**Draw a wide pot rim, then two sloping sides and a flat bottom.

Step 2: From inside the rim, draw two upright sides joined by a rounded top. — **Step 2**From inside the rim, draw two upright sides joined by a rounded top.

Step 3: Add a short bent arm on each side. Stop the arms well above the pot. — **Step 3**Add a short bent arm on each side. Stop the arms well above the pot.

Step 4: Add two eyes and a smile. Try a small stripe on the pot. — **Step 4**Add two eyes and a smile. Try a small stripe on the pot.

A cactus in a pot: one color idea — One color idea

A cactus in a pot: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the cactus looks crowded, shorten the arms or widen the gap between the plant and pot edges.

Make it yours: Try a tall cactus and a short cactus in the same pot shape.

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A small strawberryNature / 4 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

A strawberry can be made from one open-topped shape and a leafy crown. The seeds give you a way to practise spacing without filling every gap.

Practise: A soft point and a zigzag crown

Step 1: Draw two curved sides meeting at a soft point. Leave the top open. — **Step 1**Draw two curved sides meeting at a soft point. Leave the top open.

Step 2: Join the open ends with a zigzag crown of leaves. Make the middle leaf tallest. — **Step 2**Join the open ends with a zigzag crown of leaves. Make the middle leaf tallest.

Step 3: Add a few short seed marks, leaving room near the middle. — **Step 3**Add a few short seed marks, leaving room near the middle.

Step 4: Put a small face in that clear space. Stop before the seeds crowd the eyes. — **Step 4**Put a small face in that clear space. Stop before the seeds crowd the eyes.

A small strawberry: one color idea — One color idea

A small strawberry: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If it looks like a carrot, widen the shoulders and shorten the point. The fruit should be broad near the leaves.

Make it yours: Replace the face with a few more seeds for a simple botanical version.

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A spotted mushroomNature / 4 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Make the cap much wider than the stem. That single proportion makes the mushroom recognizable before you add spots or a face.

Practise: A broad arch over a short stem

Step 1: Draw a broad arch and join its ends with a straight line for the cap. — **Step 1**Draw a broad arch and join its ends with a straight line for the cap.

Step 2: Add a short stem underneath with a gently curved bottom. — **Step 2**Add a short stem underneath with a gently curved bottom.

Step 3: Place three spots inside the cap. Leave some plain space around them. — **Step 3**Place three spots inside the cap. Leave some plain space around them.

Step 4: Draw a little face on the stem. Keep it clear of the cap edge. — **Step 4**Draw a little face on the stem. Keep it clear of the cap edge.

A spotted mushroom: one color idea — One color idea

A spotted mushroom: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If it looks like an umbrella, shorten and widen the stem, then soften the cap corners.

Make it yours: Use uneven spots or leave the face off. Keep the large cap-to-small-stem relationship.

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A little rain cloudNature / 4 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

A flat bottom gives the cloud a simple anchor. Let the top bumps vary slightly so it feels soft rather than like a row of equal circles.

Practise: Joining round bumps to a baseline

Step 1: Draw a short horizontal line for the bottom of the cloud. — **Step 1**Draw a short horizontal line for the bottom of the cloud.

Step 2: Join its ends with a series of soft bumps, making one near the middle taller. — **Step 2**Join its ends with a series of soft bumps, making one near the middle taller.

Step 3: Add two eyes and a small smile inside the outline. — **Step 3**Add two eyes and a small smile inside the outline.

Step 4: Add three short rain marks below. Keep gaps between the rain and the cloud. — **Step 4**Add three short rain marks below. Keep gaps between the rain and the cloud.

A little rain cloud: one color idea — One color idea

A little rain cloud: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the outline looks busy, remove a bump. Three or four clear lobes are enough.

Make it yours: Try sleepy eyes and no rain, or draw a small sun beside the cloud.

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A floating balloonObjects / 4 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

This is a good place to begin if you want fewer lines. The string can be uneven; its loose curve makes the balloon feel lighter.

Practise: An oval, a tiny triangle and a loose curve

Step 1: Draw an upright oval, slightly narrower at the bottom if you like. — **Step 1**Draw an upright oval, slightly narrower at the bottom if you like.

Step 2: Add a small triangle touching the bottom for the tied neck. — **Step 2**Add a small triangle touching the bottom for the tied neck.

Step 3: Put two eyes and a smile inside the oval. — **Step 3**Put two eyes and a smile inside the oval.

Step 4: Add a loose string below the knot and a curved highlight near the upper left. — **Step 4**Add a loose string below the knot and a curved highlight near the upper left.

A floating balloon: one color idea — One color idea

A floating balloon: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the knot takes over, make the triangle much smaller than the balloon. Let the string begin at the knot.

Make it yours: Change the string into a gentle S, or draw two balloons at different heights.

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Easy: eight drawing lessons

A sitting foxAnimals / 6 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Keep the head wide and the seated body short. The tail sits beside the body rather than crossing the face.

Practise: A pointed face, seated body and wrapped tail

Step 1: Draw a low, pointed face, leaving its upper edge open. — **Step 1**Draw a low, pointed face, leaving its upper edge open.

Step 2Close the head with two upright ears and a dip between them.

Step 3: Add a rounded seated body below the head. — **Step 3**Add a rounded seated body below the head.

Step 4: Draw a broad tail beside the body and a small tip inside it. — **Step 4**Draw a broad tail beside the body and a small tip inside it.

Step 5: Add two eyes, a small nose and short inner-ear lines. — **Step 5**Add two eyes, a small nose and short inner-ear lines.

Step 6: Mark a chest patch and two front paws. Leave the rest uncluttered. — **Step 6**Mark a chest patch and two front paws. Leave the rest uncluttered.

A sitting fox: one color idea — One color idea

A sitting fox: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the fox looks like a cat, lengthen the cheek points slightly and make the tail broader.

Make it yours: Tilt one ear or swap the tail tip from pale cream to white.

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A tucked-in bunnyAnimals / 6 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Make the ears tall and the body compact. A pair of small feet shows how the bunny is sitting.

Practise: Long ears over a compact body

Step 1: Draw a rounded head, leaving a small gap at the top. — **Step 1**Draw a rounded head, leaving a small gap at the top.

Step 2: Add two long ears. Bring both back to the head. — **Step 2**Add two long ears. Bring both back to the head.

Step 3: Draw a low, rounded body below the head. — **Step 3**Draw a low, rounded body below the head.

Step 4: Add two oval feet, erasing the body edge behind them. Join a small tail to the side. — **Step 4**Add two oval feet, erasing the body edge behind them. Join a small tail to the side.

Step 5: Place the eyes, a tiny nose and two short mouth curves. — **Step 5**Place the eyes, a tiny nose and two short mouth curves.

Step 6: Add one line inside each ear and two small toe marks per foot. — **Step 6**Add one line inside each ear and two small toe marks per foot.

A tucked-in bunny: one color idea — One color idea

A tucked-in bunny: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the ears look heavy, narrow them rather than making the head larger.

Make it yours: Bend the end of one ear, or use closed sleepy eyes.

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A patterned turtleAnimals / 6 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

The shell is the largest shape. Add the small head and feet around it before filling the shell with a pattern.

Practise: A shell, side profile and simple pattern

Step 1Draw a low arch and close it with a gently curved bottom.

Step 2: Add a small head at the right, joined to the shell edge. — **Step 2**Add a small head at the right, joined to the shell edge.

Step 3: Place two rounded feet underneath the shell. — **Step 3**Place two rounded feet underneath the shell.

Step 4: Add a small tail at the left and a curved shell border. — **Step 4**Add a small tail at the left and a curved shell border.

Step 5: Draw one central shell patch with short lines toward the border. — **Step 5**Draw one central shell patch with short lines toward the border.

Step 6: Add a single eye and a small smile on the visible side of the head. — **Step 6**Add a single eye and a small smile on the visible side of the head.

A patterned turtle: one color idea — One color idea

A patterned turtle: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If it looks top-heavy, flatten the arch and keep the head below the shell top.

Make it yours: Fill the shell with broad stripes instead of patches.

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A leaf-side snailAnimals / 6 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Give the snail a long foot and a generous shell. A loose spiral is enough to suggest the shell without packing it with lines.

Practise: A spiral inside a rounded shell

Step 1: Draw the long foot and raised head. Leave a gap along the back for the shell. — **Step 1**Draw the long foot and raised head. Leave a gap along the back for the shell.

Step 2: Add a round shell resting on the back. — **Step 2**Add a round shell resting on the back.

Step 3: Draw a loose spiral inside the shell, working inward. — **Step 3**Draw a loose spiral inside the shell, working inward.

Step 4: Add two short feelers above the head with dots at their tips. — **Step 4**Add two short feelers above the head with dots at their tips.

Step 5: Place a small smile near the front. Add a short line along the foot. — **Step 5**Place a small smile near the front. Add a short line along the foot.

Step 6: Draw a leaf beside the snail with a central vein and two side veins. — **Step 6**Draw a leaf beside the snail with a central vein and two side veins.

A leaf-side snail: one color idea — One color idea

A leaf-side snail: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: Leave a gap between the spiral turns. If they touch, make the shell larger on the next attempt.

Make it yours: Change the shell to a striped pattern, keeping the body shape.

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A patterned butterflyNature / 6 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

The wings do not have to be perfect mirror images. Keep their sizes similar and leave broad spaces for coloring.

Practise: Paired wings with room for color

Step 1: Draw a narrow body and a small round head above it. — **Step 1**Draw a narrow body and a small round head above it.

Step 2: Add a broad upper wing on each side, meeting behind the body. — **Step 2**Add a broad upper wing on each side, meeting behind the body.

Step 3: Add two smaller lower wings, curving back toward the body. — **Step 3**Add two smaller lower wings, curving back toward the body.

Step 4: Place one large patch inside each upper wing. — **Step 4**Place one large patch inside each upper wing.

Step 5: Add a smaller patch inside each lower wing. — **Step 5**Add a smaller patch inside each lower wing.

Step 6: Finish with curved antennae and a few small wing dots. — **Step 6**Finish with curved antennae and a few small wing dots.

A patterned butterfly: one color idea — One color idea

A patterned butterfly: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the wings feel cramped, make the outer shapes larger before adding pattern.

Make it yours: Use stripes in one pair of wings and spots in the other.

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A small watering canObjects / 6 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Think of the can as three pieces: the container, the spout and the handle. Clear gaps make the construction easy to read.

Practise: A vessel, angled spout and open handle

Step 1: Draw the can body with a flat bottom and gently sloping sides. — **Step 1**Draw the can body with a flat bottom and gently sloping sides.

Step 2: Add a narrow oval at the top and a small oval opening inside it. — **Step 2**Add a narrow oval at the top and a small oval opening inside it.

Step 3: Draw a wide curved handle outside the left side. — **Step 3**Draw a wide curved handle outside the left side.

Step 4: Add an angled spout on the right, wider at its base. — **Step 4**Add an angled spout on the right, wider at its base.

Step 5: Put a small oval rose at the spout end with three holes. — **Step 5**Put a small oval rose at the spout end with three holes.

Step 6: Decorate the can with a stem and two leaves. — **Step 6**Decorate the can with a stem and two leaves.

A small watering can: one color idea — One color idea

A small watering can: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the handle looks solid, widen its inner opening. Keep the spout clear of the top rim.

Make it yours: Try broad stripes or leave the body plain.

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A strawberry ice creamObjects / 6 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Keep the scoop wider than the cone. The crisscross lines can be irregular and still suggest a waffle texture.

Practise: A scalloped scoop over a pointed cone

Step 1: Draw a long triangular cone, keeping the two sides similar in length. — **Step 1**Draw a long triangular cone, keeping the two sides similar in length.

Step 2: Add a wide rounded scoop with three soft bumps. Erase the cone edge hidden behind it. — **Step 2**Add a wide rounded scoop with three soft bumps. Erase the cone edge hidden behind it.

Step 3: Draw three sloping lines across the cone. — **Step 3**Draw three sloping lines across the cone.

Step 4: Cross those lines with three lines sloping the other way. — **Step 4**Cross those lines with three lines sloping the other way.

Step 5: Add a small berry shape on top with two little leaves. — **Step 5**Add a small berry shape on top with two little leaves.

Step 6: Add a few short sprinkles. Leave most of the scoop open for color. — **Step 6**Add a few short sprinkles. Leave most of the scoop open for color.

A strawberry ice cream: one color idea — One color idea

A strawberry ice cream: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: Keep the waffle lines inside the cone. Shorten them as you approach the point.

Make it yours: Change the scoop color or replace the berry with a small cherry.

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A little garden birdAnimals / 6 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Build a side view from one rounded outline. A small beak and one visible eye are enough to show the direction the bird faces.

Practise: A side silhouette and a folded wing

Step 1: Draw a rounded back and breast, leaving a gap for the tail. — **Step 1**Draw a rounded back and breast, leaving a gap for the tail.

Step 2Close the gap with a short tail pointing left.

Step 3: Add a small triangular beak on the right side of the head. — **Step 3**Add a small triangular beak on the right side of the head.

Step 4: Draw a teardrop-shaped folded wing inside the body. — **Step 4**Draw a teardrop-shaped folded wing inside the body.

Step 5: Add one eye and two short legs ending in small toes. — **Step 5**Add one eye and two short legs ending in small toes.

Step 6: Add two light feather marks on the wing and a short perch below the feet. — **Step 6**Add two light feather marks on the wing and a short perch below the feet.

A little garden bird: one color idea — One color idea

A little garden bird: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the bird looks flat, round the breast more and shorten the tail.

Make it yours: Raise the tail slightly or turn the beak in the other direction by mirroring the whole silhouette.

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Moderate: eight drawing lessons

A curled-up catAnimals / 8 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

The back, face and tail each have a clear place. Keep the tail on the right so its curve can wrap around the sleeping body.

Practise: A sleeping pose built around a broad curl

Step 1: Draw a broad back curving down toward the floor, leaving the front open. — **Step 1**Draw a broad back curving down toward the floor, leaving the front open.

Step 2: Add a small pointed-eared head at the left end. — **Step 2**Add a small pointed-eared head at the left end.

Step 3Draw the cheek and chin to close the lower head.

Step 4: Add the broad curled tail on the right. Erase the body and chin edges hidden behind it. — **Step 4**Add the broad curled tail on the right. Erase the body and chin edges hidden behind it.

Step 5: Draw two closed eyes and a tiny nose on the tilted face. — **Step 5**Draw two closed eyes and a tiny nose on the tilted face.

Step 6: Add a front paw under the chin and one folded rear-paw line. — **Step 6**Add a front paw under the chin and one folded rear-paw line.

Step 7: Add a few short fur marks, keeping the face and tail clear. — **Step 7**Add a few short fur marks, keeping the face and tail clear.

Step 8: Draw a shallow cushion underneath, leaving a small gap around the cat. — **Step 8**Draw a shallow cushion underneath, leaving a small gap around the cat.

A curled-up cat: one color idea — One color idea

A curled-up cat: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the pose is hard to read, enlarge the tail curl and remove extra body marks. The back should be one clear arc.

Make it yours: Use stripes on the tail or a patch over one ear.

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An owl on a branchAnimals / 8 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

The owl has a clear center line without needing a drawn guide. Keep the eyes at the same height and let the branch carry the feet.

Practise: Face discs, folded wings and a leafy perch

Step 1: Draw the upper head with two small ear points and a shallow dip. — **Step 1**Draw the upper head with two small ear points and a shallow dip.

Step 2: Continue the sides into a rounded body, leaving small gaps at the feet. — **Step 2**Continue the sides into a rounded body, leaving small gaps at the feet.

Step 3: Draw two large face discs inside the head. — **Step 3**Draw two large face discs inside the head.

Step 4: Add pupils and a small pointed beak between the discs. — **Step 4**Add pupils and a small pointed beak between the discs.

Step 5: Draw a long folded wing along each side of the body. — **Step 5**Draw a long folded wing along each side of the body.

Step 6: Add three short feather curves on the belly and three toes on each foot. — **Step 6**Add three short feather curves on the belly and three toes on each foot.

Step 7: Draw a branch passing below the feet, with a smaller fork at the right. — **Step 7**Draw a branch passing below the feet, with a smaller fork at the right.

Step 8: Add two leaves to the fork and short vein lines inside them. — **Step 8**Add two leaves to the fork and short vein lines inside them.

An owl on a branch: one color idea — One color idea

An owl on a branch: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the eyes feel crowded, reduce the pupils before changing the face discs. Keep the beak between, not inside, the discs.

Make it yours: Turn one leaf downward or try crescent-shaped sleepy eyes.

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A fox sitting in profileAnimals / 8 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

This fox is sitting quietly, facing left. Its front paw points down, the rounded haunch stays behind it, and the bushy tail rests on the ground beside the body.

Practise: A seated silhouette, a pointed muzzle and a resting tail

Step 1: Draw a seated pear-shaped body, wider at the bottom, with a short flat base. — **Step 1**Draw a seated pear-shaped body, wider at the bottom, with a short flat base.

Step 2: Add the pointed muzzle and two tall ears. Erase the body edge hidden behind the head. — **Step 2**Add the pointed muzzle and two tall ears. Erase the body edge hidden behind the head.

Step 3: Draw two lines down the chest to make one visible front leg and a rounded paw. — **Step 3**Draw two lines down the chest to make one visible front leg and a rounded paw.

Step 4: Add a curved haunch behind the front leg, ending at the base of the body. — **Step 4**Add a curved haunch behind the front leg, ending at the base of the body.

Step 5: Draw the bushy tail resting beside the fox. Erase the body edge hidden behind it. — **Step 5**Draw the bushy tail resting beside the fox. Erase the body edge hidden behind it.

Step 6: Add a pale cheek patch and a small pointed chest patch. — **Step 6**Add a pale cheek patch and a small pointed chest patch.

Step 7: Place one eye and a dark nose. Add a short mouth and one inner-ear line. — **Step 7**Place one eye and a dark nose. Add a short mouth and one inner-ear line.

Step 8: Divide the pale tail tip with a small zigzag and add one short toe mark. — **Step 8**Divide the pale tail tip with a small zigzag and add one short toe mark.

One color idea

Outline to color your way

If it looks different: Keep the chest upright and the paw directly below it. The haunch should be rounded, and the tail should rest on the same ground level as the body.

Make it yours: Try a closed eye for a sleepy expression, or add a small leaf beside the resting tail.

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A cottage with a little pathScenes / 8 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Use one front wall and a narrow side wall to suggest depth. The path grows wider toward the bottom of the page.

Practise: A roof, side wall and simple depth

Step 1: Draw a triangle for the front roof, keeping its bottom level. — **Step 1**Draw a triangle for the front roof, keeping its bottom level.

Step 2: Add the front wall beneath the roof with two upright sides and a base. — **Step 2**Add the front wall beneath the roof with two upright sides and a base.

Step 3: Extend the roof to the right and add a narrow side wall. — **Step 3**Extend the roof to the right and add a narrow side wall.

Step 4: Draw a door with a rounded top and a small handle. — **Step 4**Draw a door with a rounded top and a small handle.

Step 5: Add a front window with a frame and a cross inside. — **Step 5**Add a front window with a frame and a cross inside.

Step 6: Draw a chimney and a smaller window on the side wall. — **Step 6**Draw a chimney and a smaller window on the side wall.

Step 7: Draw a path that widens toward the bottom. Add two short ground lines. — **Step 7**Draw a path that widens toward the bottom. Add two short ground lines.

Step 8: Add a small bush, a few roof marks and a puff of smoke. — **Step 8**Add a small bush, a few roof marks and a puff of smoke.

A cottage with a little path: one color idea — One color idea

A cottage with a little path: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the side wall looks too wide, bring its far edge closer. Keep the front wall as the main face of the house.

Make it yours: Change the door color or replace the bush with a small pot.

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Books and a quiet teacupScenes / 8 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Two broad books support a modest teacup. A small plant sits beside the stack, with a clear gap around its leaves and the cup handle.

Practise: Recognizable book spines, page blocks and a small still life

Step 1: Draw the lower book with a gently rounded spine on the left and a straight right edge. — **Step 1**Draw the lower book with a gently rounded spine on the left and a straight right edge.

Step 2: Add a slightly shorter book above it, this time with its rounded spine on the right. — **Step 2**Add a slightly shorter book above it, this time with its rounded spine on the right.

Step 3: Draw a small cup resting on the top book. Erase the book edge hidden behind the cup. — **Step 3**Draw a small cup resting on the top book. Erase the book edge hidden behind the cup.

Step 4: Add a narrow oval rim and an open handle attached to the cup side. — **Step 4**Add a narrow oval rim and an open handle attached to the cup side.

Step 5: Draw a small tapered pot beside the books, with a narrow rim. — **Step 5**Draw a small tapered pot beside the books, with a narrow rim.

Step 6: Grow a short stem from the pot and attach three small pointed leaves. — **Step 6**Grow a short stem from the pot and attach three small pointed leaves.

Step 7: Add inset page blocks and short page lines. Keep the lines away from the rounded spines. — **Step 7**Add inset page blocks and short page lines. Keep the lines away from the rounded spines.

Step 8: Add two steam curls above the cup and one small heart on its front. — **Step 8**Add two steam curls above the cup and one small heart on its front.

Books and a quiet teacup: one color idea — One color idea

Books and a quiet teacup: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: Keep each book wider than the cup. Page lines belong between the covers, and the little plant should not reach above the steam.

Make it yours: Use contrasting book covers and a plain cup, or change the cup decoration to a small initial.

A4 lesson and coloring PDF US Letter lesson and coloring PDF Coloring outline SVG

A patterned hot-air balloonObjects / 8 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

Give the balloon a broad top and a narrower lower edge. The curved panel lines describe its volume before any pattern is added.

Practise: A rounded envelope, panels and suspended basket

Step 1: Draw a broad rounded balloon shape that narrows near the bottom. — **Step 1**Draw a broad rounded balloon shape that narrows near the bottom.

Step 2: Add a short band along its lower edge. — **Step 2**Add a short band along its lower edge.

Step 3: Draw two curved vertical panel lines inside the balloon. — **Step 3**Draw two curved vertical panel lines inside the balloon.

Step 4: Add a broad curved stripe across the middle. — **Step 4**Add a broad curved stripe across the middle.

Step 5: Draw two ropes descending from the lower band. — **Step 5**Draw two ropes descending from the lower band.

Step 6: Join the ropes to a small basket with a shallow top edge. — **Step 6**Join the ropes to a small basket with a shallow top edge.

Step 7: Add a few short woven lines inside the basket. — **Step 7**Add a few short woven lines inside the basket.

Step 8: Add small decorative marks on the balloon, leaving broad areas for color. — **Step 8**Add small decorative marks on the balloon, leaving broad areas for color.

A patterned hot-air balloon: one color idea — One color idea

A patterned hot-air balloon: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the balloon looks flat, curve the panel lines toward the outer edges instead of drawing them straight.

Make it yours: Use alternating panel colors or one large stripe.

A4 lesson and coloring PDF US Letter lesson and coloring PDF Coloring outline SVG

A tiny mushroom houseScenes / 8 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

The cap becomes a roof and the stem becomes a tiny room. Keep the windows and door large enough to color comfortably.

Practise: A cap roof, curved walls and a winding path

Step 1: Draw a broad mushroom cap with a gently curved lower edge. — **Step 1**Draw a broad mushroom cap with a gently curved lower edge.

Step 2: Add two curved walls below the cap and join them at the ground. — **Step 2**Add two curved walls below the cap and join them at the ground.

Step 3: Draw an arched door in the lower part of the wall. — **Step 3**Draw an arched door in the lower part of the wall.

Step 4: Add two round windows, each with a cross inside. — **Step 4**Add two round windows, each with a cross inside.

Step 5: Place three large patches on the roof. — **Step 5**Place three large patches on the roof.

Step 6: Draw two curved path edges that widen toward the bottom. — **Step 6**Draw two curved path edges that widen toward the bottom.

Step 7: Add a small leaf on either side and a short stem under each. — **Step 7**Add a small leaf on either side and a short stem under each.

Step 8: Mark the door planks and add a small handle. Stop every plank at the arched door edge. — **Step 8**Mark the door planks and add a small handle. Stop every plank at the arched door edge.

A tiny mushroom house: one color idea — One color idea

A tiny mushroom house: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the house feels cramped, reduce the roof spots and enlarge the door. Keep a clear border around the windows.

Make it yours: Use a plain roof with stripes or change the path to stepping stones.

A4 lesson and coloring PDF US Letter lesson and coloring PDF Coloring outline SVG

A teapot and a lemonScenes / 8 illustrated stagesOpen the lesson

The teapot is a rounded body with three attached parts: the lid, handle and spout. A lemon gives the scene a second shape without crowding it.

Practise: A rounded vessel with an open handle and spout

Step 1: Draw the rounded body, leaving a small opening at the top. — **Step 1**Draw the rounded body, leaving a small opening at the top.

Step 2: Add a shallow lid and a small knob above it. — **Step 2**Add a shallow lid and a small knob above it.

Step 3: Draw a curved spout at the left, ending in a small opening. — **Step 3**Draw a curved spout at the left, ending in a small opening.

Step 4: Add a loop handle on the right with a smaller opening inside. — **Step 4**Add a loop handle on the right with a smaller opening inside.

Step 5: Draw a short foot under the pot and a line for the tabletop. — **Step 5**Draw a short foot under the pot and a line for the tabletop.

Step 6: Place a small lemon beside the pot with a pointed end at each side. — **Step 6**Place a small lemon beside the pot with a pointed end at each side.

Step 7: Add a leaf to the lemon and a curved highlight on the teapot. — **Step 7**Add a leaf to the lemon and a curved highlight on the teapot.

Step 8: Decorate the pot with a simple stem and two leaves. — **Step 8**Decorate the pot with a simple stem and two leaves.

A teapot and a lemon: one color idea — One color idea

A teapot and a lemon: coloring outline — Outline to color your way

If it looks different: If the handle merges into the pot, move its outer curve farther right. Leave a clear gap inside the loop.

Make it yours: Choose a plain pot and patterned tabletop, or keep the table blank and decorate the pot.

A4 lesson and coloring PDF US Letter lesson and coloring PDF Coloring outline SVG

Mark the center first, then spread five petals around it and extend the stamen outward.

SVG outline PNG outline

Make the drawing your own

Copy a subject once to understand how it fits together. On your next attempt, change one visible feature while keeping the important connections: fold the rabbit’s other ear, shift the flower’s leaf, turn a smile into a quiet closed mouth, or make the pumpkin wider.

Change one thing at a time. If you alter the head, body, pose and expression together, it becomes harder to work out which choice caused an awkward result. A small series of three related drawings can be more useful than three unrelated attempts.

Try putting a finished doodle to work. A flower can sit beside a short note; a small animal can mark a journal section. If you want a gift to go with it, add a drawing to a card beside a pressed-flower bookmark or tuck the card into a fabric-wrapped book.

Print a lesson or coloring page

PDF links open in a new tab, so you can keep this guide open while you print.

Choose the paper size that matches your printer. The original practice workbook has one page for each of the 24 lessons, with stages, tracing and space for your own attempts. Its matching coloring book has 24 large outlines. Each expandable lesson above also has an individual two-page lesson and coloring PDF.

Original 24 practice lessons / A4 Original 24 practice lessons / US Letter Original 24 coloring outlines / A4 Original 24 coloring outlines / US Letter

The separate three-lesson pack contains the tulip, koala and flamingo teaching sequences and their large matching coloring outlines. For all the original and newer coloring collections in one place, use the 58 printable coloring pages.

Three lessons and coloring pages / A4 Three lessons and coloring pages / US Letter 22 additional outlines / SVG and PNG

For these drawing exercises, fitting the page to your printer’s printable area is fine: no part depends on an exact physical scale. Start in grayscale if you want an economical lesson copy. On screen, the gray and plum colors help distinguish the marks; the instructions also describe what to add.

When a drawing looks awkward

The subject feels squeezed. Compare its overall width and height with the example before changing small details. Move the main outline first; a better eye will not fix a body that has run out of room.

The parts look detached. Find the actual join. Does the stem enter the flower? Does the tail disappear behind the body? Extend or shorten that joining contour before adding more decoration.

Two lines run together. Draw the subject larger and widen the white space between the contours. This is especially helpful for a narrow stem, a curled tail or the flamingo’s neck.

The face looks different from the example. Check where both eyes sit relative to the head’s tilt. Place the nose and mouth only after the eye spacing feels settled. Keep the expression simple while you work on the proportions.

Keep your first attempt beside the next one. The useful comparison is whether you can now see and draw the connection that was difficult before.