Learn how to draw a great looking Archaeopteryx with easy, step-by-step drawing instructions, and video tutorial.
By following the simple steps, you too can easily draw a perfect Archaeopteryx.
Jump to the step-by-step instructions.
Would you like to learn how to draw an archaeopteryx? This easy, step-by-step cartoon dinosaur drawing guide can show you how.
Archaeopteryx was a carnivorous dinosaur with a body similar to that of the velociraptor. You can learn how to draw a velociraptor here.
Scroll down for a downloadable PDF of this tutorial.
Interestingly, archaeopteryx fossils show that the animal was covered in feathers. You can learn more from this detailed feather drawing.
You can even draw a nest to give the archaeopteryx a family.
For more easy and fun guides, see the How to Draw a Dilophosaurus or Plesiosaurus Drawing tutorials.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Drawing an Archaeopteryx
How to Draw a Great Looking Archaeopteryx for Kids, Beginners, and Adults - Step 1
1. Begin the Archaeopteryx outline by sketching the dinosaur’s head. Use curved lines for the back and top of the head, the eye ridge, the teardrop-shaped eye, and the upper and lower jaws.
Shade a small oval inside the eye to indicate the pupil.
Easy Archaeopteryx Drawing - Step 2
2. Contour the head and nostril with short lines. Draw a series of small, triangle-shaped teeth inside the mouth. Use two curved lines that meet at gentle points to enclose the tongue.
Then, use a series of curved lines to draw the neck and chest. Extend the back of the head to form the back of the neck, then draw another curved line below it.
Easy Archaeopteryx Drawing - Step 3
3. Draw the feathered, birdlike wing. Use a long curved line for the front and side of the wing.
Then, use overlapping curved lines to draw the flight feathers. Sketch two more rows of shorter feathers within the wing.
Easy Archaeopteryx Drawing - Step 4
4. Complete the wing with a series of connected “U” shaped lines, enclosing the base of the wing. Then, use a series of curved lines that meet at jagged points to draw the upper leg just below the wing.
Extend curved lines below it to form the unfeathered portion of the leg. At the front of the wing, use a series of curved lines to sketch two clawed fingers.
Easy Archaeopteryx Drawing - Step 5
5. Use overlapping curved lines to draw the toes and talons of the foot. Then, begin sketching the remaining leg.
Easy Archaeopteryx Drawing - Step 6
6. Complete the rear leg, using overlapping curved lines for the toes and curved triangles for the talons. Then, use a series of curved lines to sketch a forearm emerging from beyond the beast’s chest.
Easy Archaeopteryx Drawing - Step 7
7. Enclose curved triangle-shaped claws at the tips of the fingers. Then, use a series of “U” shaped lines to sketch the feathers of the wing.
From the base of the neck, extend a series of curved lines that meet at jagged points to outline the back.
Add More Details to Your Archaeopteryx Picture - Step 8
8. Extend a long curved line from the back to trace the top of the tail. Then use curved lines that meet at jagged points to draw the bottom of the tail, the crest on the back of the head, and more feathers on the wing.
Complete the Outline of Your Archaeopteryx Drawing - Step 9
9. Texture the feathers of the body, wing, and tail with curved lines.
Color Your Archaeopteryx Drawing
Your archaeopteryx outline is now complete. Color your feathered dinosaur. What color was Archaeopteryx? No one knows for sure.
We’ve colored ours in shades of brown like many birds today. But this creature might have had bright colors like a parrot or a peacock!
For more great reptile drawing tutorials, see the collection of Easy How to Draw Reptiles Tutorials.
Archaeopteryx Drawing Tutorial - Easy & Fun Printable Pages
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