Learn to Draw a Turtle

Well-armored and roaming the seas

For all ocean and water lovers, we have a very special animal in this drawing tutorial: the turtle. With its thick shell, it has survived through the millennia. Turtles existed even during the time of the dinosaurs! They may seem slow and sluggish when crawling on land, but don’t be fooled! In the oceans, they are in their element and can swim fast and dive for long periods. Want your own turtle? Then just draw one! Grab your pencils, and let’s get started!

From Shell to Swim: A Fun Guide to Drawing a Turtle

Drawing this armored animal isn’t too difficult—just follow the step-by-step instructions carefully. You’ll see that it consists mainly of simple basic shapes: circles, triangles, and lines. The only exceptions are the patterns in steps 5 and 6. The pattern on the shell is important to make your turtle recognizable and realistic. The spots on the head, fins, and legs are optional, but if you add them, they look beautiful and impactful. Your drawing will instantly look more detailed and intricate. If you’ve followed all the steps, you’ll surely have drawn a lovely turtle. Then, outline it with a black fineliner and erase all pencil lines.

What’s Next?

Now that your turtle is drawn, why not take your creativity even further? The possibilities are endless! How about adding some color? Use different shades of yellow and brown to bring your turtle’s shell to life. Or, why not create an entire underwater scene with other sea creatures and vibrant plants? You can check out our tutorial for dolphins for inspiration. If you love patterns, why not try filling the shell with Zen Doodle designs? The turtle’s shell is the perfect place to get creative with intricate details. What will you add to your turtle masterpiece? The ocean is your canvas!