How to Draw a Greek Column (Easy Step by Step)
Learn to draw a Greek column with a cheerful bird using easy step-by-step instructions. You'll break down the drawing into simple shapes like circles, scrolls, and straight lines.
- You can draw a Greek column using simple shapes.
- Form the bird's head with a round shape.
- Create the column's top with two curly scrolls.
- Use long straight lines for the main column structure.
- Finish your drawing with two flat shapes at the base.
This Greek column has a cheerful little bird perched on top, which makes an old kind of building feel friendly. It is built from simple shapes: a round head for the bird, two curly scrolls, long straight lines for the column, and two flat shapes at the bottom.
- Medium
- 15 minutes
- 9 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawing
In this article (7 sections)
How to draw a Greek column step by step
How to Draw a Greek Column · 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: Bird head and beak
Draw a round head shape that is a little wider at the bottom. On the right side, bring the line out to a small pointed beak, then curve back in underneath.
Step 3: Eyes and smile
Near the top left, make a short dash and a small dot for the eyes. Under them, draw a curved smile like a little bowl.
Step 4: The top slab
Under the bird, draw a long wide shape like a loaf of bread. Let both ends curl down and then turn inward, leaving a small gap at each end.
Step 5: Inner scroll curls
Inside the top slab, draw a short straight line across the middle. At each end, curl the line up and around into a tiny hook, like a snail shell.
Step 6: Column sides
From under each scroll, draw a tall straight line going down. Make the two lines the same height so the column stands up straight.
Step 7: Column grooves
Between the two sides, draw two more long straight lines going down. Keep them the same distance apart, like train tracks.
Step 8: The base step
At the bottom of the column, draw a short wide shape with a flat top and rounded corners. It sits across the bottom of the four vertical lines.
Step 9: The bottom slab
Finish with a long flat rectangle with rounded corners under the step, a bit wider than the step above it, for the column to stand on.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your Greek column? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a rocket or how to draw a shooting star next.
Tips for drawing a Greek column
- Draw the two outer column lines first and check that they are the same height. The two lines between them are then easy to space evenly.
- The scrolls are the trickiest part. Take your time and curl the line around slowly, like winding a snail shell.
- Start the bird lightly so its round bottom can sit right on top of the slab.
Free Greek column coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this Greek column 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 Greek column drawing
Try warm stone colors like cream, light gray and sand for the column, and make the bird bright yellow or blue. For a twist, color the column in rainbow stripes.
Greek column fun fact for kids
The curly scrolls at the top of this kind of column are called volutes, and the style is named Ionic. Ancient Greeks built Ionic columns in stone more than 2,500 years ago, and many are still standing today.
Questions about drawing a Greek column
What shapes do I need to draw a Greek column?
You need a round head shape, a wide loaf shape with curls, several long straight lines, and two flat shapes at the bottom. Everything else is built from those.
How do I draw the scrolls at the top of the column?
Let the ends of the wide slab curl down and inward, then add a short line inside with a tiny hook at each end. Go slowly, and it is fine if the first try is wobbly.
How do I keep my column straight?
Draw the two outer side lines first and look at both to check they are the same length. Then add the two lines between them before you draw the base.
