How to Draw a Calf (Easy Step by Step)
This little calf is round and very easy to love. It is built almost entirely from ovals and circles: a big oval head, a round body, and oval legs and feet. Once you can draw an oval, you can draw this calf.
- Easy
- 12 minutes
- 11 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a calf step by step
How to Draw a Calf · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: The big head
Draw a large wide oval near the top of your page. Leave a tiny gap at the bottom where the chin will be.
Step 3: Shoulders and seat
Under the head, draw two short curves that sweep out and down from the bottom of the head, like shoulders. Then draw a small curved line near the bottom of the page for the seat.
Step 4: The muzzle
Inside the lower part of the head, draw a smaller wide oval for the nose and mouth area. Let its bottom touch the chin.
Step 5: Front legs
Draw a tall oval on each side of the body for the front legs. Tuck the top of each oval against the shoulder and let the bottom reach down toward the seat.
Step 6: Feet and tail
At the bottom, draw two wide ovals for the feet, one on each side, and a small oval inside each one for the hoof. Then draw a wavy line curling up from behind the right foot for the start of the tail.
Step 7: Ears and horns
Add a leaf-shaped ear sticking out on each side of the head. Then draw two little rounded horns poking up from the top.
Step 8: Eyes and smile
Draw two round dots for eyes. Then add two tiny nostril dots on the muzzle and a happy curved smile below them.
Step 9: Tail tip
Near the right foot, add a short wavy line to finish the tail. It joins the tail to the body and ends in a small curl.
Step 10: The spot
Draw a round, slightly lumpy ring on the upper right side of the head. Make it a little uneven, like a real cow patch.
Step 11: Collar and bell
Across the chest, draw a curved band for the collar. Hang a little loop from it and add a small teardrop shape at the bottom for the bell.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your calf? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a foal or how to draw a golden retriever next.
Tips for drawing a calf
- Draw the head oval wider than it is tall. A wide head is what makes the calf look cute and chubby.
- The muzzle can be tricky. Start it in the middle of the lower head and let its bottom curve touch the chin line.
- Draw the leg ovals and foot ovals so they overlap the body a little. Overlaps make the calf look like it is sitting, not floating.
Free calf coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this calf coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your calf drawing
Try cream or white with soft brown patches, a pink muzzle, and a bright yellow bell. For a creative twist, give your calf rainbow spots instead of brown ones.
Calf fun fact for kids
A calf can stand up and walk within an hour or so of being born.
Questions about drawing a calf
What shapes do I need to draw a calf?
You only need ovals and circles. Use a big oval for the head, a round shape for the body, ovals for the legs and feet, and small dots for the eyes and nose.
How do I make my calf look cuter?
Make the head extra big and the eyes small and far apart. A curved smile and a little bell on the collar help too.
How do I draw a cow spot?
Draw a lumpy ring with a wobbly edge instead of a perfect round one. Uneven spots look the most like real cow patches.
