How to Draw an Owl Step by Step
Follow each step in order. Look for the red line in each picture — that’s the part you draw in that step.
Step 1: Draw the Head Shape
Start with a large, wide oval near the top half of your paper. Make it wider than it is tall — owls have broad, flat faces. Leave plenty of space below for the body.
Step 2: Add the Big Eyes
Draw two circles inside the head, one on each side. Add a second circle inside each one, then a dark pupil. Leave a small white dot in each pupil for shine — this makes your owl look alive.
Tip: Draw both eyes at the same height and the same size. Uneven eyes are the most common beginner mistake.
Step 3: Draw the Beak
Between and slightly below the eyes, draw a small rounded shape that comes down to a sharp point. Owl beaks curve downward, like a little hook.
Step 4: Add the Ear Tufts
Draw two pointed tufts on the top corners of the head, then connect them with a gently wavy line across the top. These tufts aren’t real ears — they’re feathers!
Step 5: Draw the Facial Disk
From the inside of each ear tuft, draw a curved line down toward the beak. These lines frame the eyes and create the owl’s famous heart-shaped face.
Step 6: Draw the Left Wing
Below the head on the left side, draw a long curved shape that comes down and ends in a point. The outer edge should bulge outward, and the inner edge should curve in slightly.
Step 7: Draw the Right Wing
Now draw the same wing on the right side, like a mirror image. Try to make both wings the same length.
Step 8: Close the Body
Connect the bottoms of both wings with a round, curved line. Your owl now has a full, chubby body shape.
Step 9: Add Belly Feathers
Inside the body, draw small “U” shapes in neat rows. Start near the top of the chest and work your way down. Keep them small and light — they suggest fluffy feathers.
Step 10: Draw the Left Foot
At the bottom left of the body, draw three short, rounded toes. They should peek out from under the belly.
Step 11: Draw the Right Foot
Add the matching foot on the right side. Your owl is now complete! The next steps add a tree branch to make a full scene.
Step 12: Draw the Tree Branch
Draw two long lines on the left side for a tree trunk. Then draw a branch going across under the owl, splitting into small twigs at the end. Redraw the toes so they wrap over the branch, as if the owl is holding on.
Step 13: Add Bark Texture
Add short vertical lines along the trunk and branch. Draw a small swirl or oval for a knot in the wood. This makes the tree look real.
Step 14: Add Leaves
Draw a few pointed leaves on the twigs — some on the trunk and some at the end of the branch. Add a center line in each leaf for detail.
Step 15: Finish Your Owl Drawing
Trace over your final lines with a black marker or pen. Let the ink dry, then gently erase any pencil lines. Your owl drawing is done!
How to Color Your Owl
Coloring is where your owl gets its personality. Here are three easy color ideas:
- Realistic brown owl – light brown body, darker brown wings and ear tufts, cream belly, yellow or orange eyes, and a gray or yellow beak.
- Snowy owl – leave the body mostly white, add a few light gray spots, and color the eyes bright yellow.
- Rainbow owl – give every row of belly feathers a different color. Kids love this one!
Color the tree branch brown and the leaves green — or orange and red for a fall look.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Eyes are uneven. Draw a light horizontal guideline across the head first, then place both eyes on it.
- Head is too small. Owls have big heads compared to their bodies. If the head looks tiny, make it wider.
- Wings look stuck on. Start each wing right under the head so it looks like part of the body.
- Belly feathers look messy. Keep the “U” shapes small and in straight rows. Fewer, neater feathers look better than many crowded ones.
- Pressing too hard. Use light pencil lines until the last step. Dark lines are hard to erase.
- Skipping the eye shine. That tiny white dot makes a big difference — don’t color over it.
More Owl Drawing Ideas
Once you’ve mastered this owl, try these:
Fun Owl Facts
- Owls can turn their heads about 270 degrees, because their eyes can’t move in their sockets.
- The “horns” on owls like the great horned owl are actually feather tufts, not ears.
- Special soft edges on their feathers let owls fly almost silently.
- Most owls are nocturnal, which means they hunt at night.
- There are more than 200 species of owls around the world.
FAQ
Is drawing an owl easy for kids?
Yes. An owl is one of the easiest animals to draw because it’s made from simple shapes — an oval head, round eyes and a rounded body. Kids aged 5 and up can follow this 15-step guide.
What shapes make an owl?
An owl is mostly ovals and circles. Use a wide oval for the head, circles for the eyes, a small rounded triangle for the beak, curved teardrop shapes for the wings, and small “U” shapes for feathers.
How do you draw owl eyes?
Draw a large circle, then a smaller circle inside it, then a dark pupil. Leave a small white dot in the pupil for shine. Keep both eyes the same size and at the same height.
How long does it take to draw an owl?
About 15–20 minutes for the outline, plus extra time for coloring.
What colors are owls?
Most owls are brown, gray or white, with cream or white bellies and yellow, orange or dark eyes. For a fun drawing, you can use any colors you like.
How do I make my owl drawing look more realistic?
Add more feather texture, use several shades of brown, and shade under the wings and head. Try our realistic owl tutorial for a detailed version.