Drawing a simple Christmas owl can be a fun holiday activity for both kids and adults. With just a few basic shapes and some creative details, anyone can create a cute cartoon-style owl to help spread some seasonal cheer. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw a Christmas owl in an easy, beginner-friendly way.
Supplies Needed
To draw a Christmas owl, you’ll need just a few basic art supplies:
- Paper – Construction paper or cardstock works well for a bold, graphic look.
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black marker or pen
- Colored pencils, markers, or crayons for decorating (red, green, yellow, orange, brown)
That’s it! With just paper, pencil, and some coloring supplies, you’ll be ready to create your own cute Christmas owl.
Step 1: Draw the Basic Oval Shape
Let’s start by drawing the basic body of the owl:
- Use your pencil to lightly draw a large vertical oval shape near the middle of your paper. This will be the owl’s body.
- Make the oval a little wider at the bottom than at the top.
- Keep the lines light at this stage as you’ll likely need to erase and adjust them as you go.
It should look something like this:
![](https://i.imgur.com/8RR7M0j.png) |
Tips for Step 1
- If you’re using cardstock or construction paper, draw the oval shape before cutting your paper so you can center it nicely.
- Make the oval shape about 5-6 inches tall.
- Don’t worry about making it perfect – a little asymmetry adds character!
Step 2: Add the Facial Features
Now it’s time to add the basic facial features – the eyes and beak:
- Draw two large oval shapes near the top of the head for the eyes. Leave some space between them.
- Below the eyes, draw a sideways U shape for the beak.
- Erase any sketch lines you don’t need.
At this point, your drawing should resemble an owl:
![](https://i.imgur.com/gWO5LoF.png) |
Tips for Step 2
- Place the eyes about halfway down from the top of the head.
- Make the beak slightly narrower than the widest part of the head.
- Lightly sketch the shapes at first so you can tweak their placement.
Step 3: Draw the Wing Shapes
The wings are next. Draw these two curved shapes on either side of the oval body:
- On the left side, draw a wide U shape for the wing.
- On the right, draw another U shape mirroring the left wing.
- Let the wings overlap the body slightly.
- Erase any unnecessary sketch lines.
Your owl is really taking shape now:
![](https://i.imgur.com/8MQCPKm.png) |
Tips for Step 3:
- Make the wings slightly curved rather than pointy.
- Draw the left wing a little lower than the right wing.
- The wings should be similar in size but don’t have to match exactly.
Step 4: Draw the Feet
Next, let’s add some talon-like feet:
- Draw a sideways V shape on the left for one foot.
- Draw another V on the right, slightly higher than the left foot.
- Add a few talon lines inside each foot.
Take a look at how the feet should be positioned:
![](https://i.imgur.com/g5Ao2pB.png) |
Tips for Step 4:
- Make the toe-like lines point inward slightly.
- Keep the feet near the bottom corners of the oval.
- You can add 3-4 little lines in each foot for talons.
Step 5: Draw the Tree Branch
Let’s give our little owl someone to perch on – a festive Christmas tree branch!
- On the left side, draw a straight vertical line for the tree trunk.
- Draw a short horizontal line to the right for a branch.
- Draw 3-4 lines at an upward angle for pine needles.
- Erase any excess sketch marks.
Here’s how the tree branch should look:
![](https://i.imgur.com/VNNsUjV.png) |
Tips for Step 5:
- Make the branch a little below the owl’s feet.
- Draw the pine needles in a fanned out pattern.
- Add as many needles as you want – the more the merrier!
Step 6: Add Color and Details
Our Christmas owl is almost complete! All that’s left is to add color and decorative details. Get creative with patterns, shapes, and color combinations. Here are some ideas:
- Color the eyes and beak orange or yellow
- Use green, brown, and red for the tree branch
- Add holiday patterns like stripes, dots, geometric shapes
- Draw a Santa hat on the owl’s head
- Use glitter, sequins, or other craft materials to decorate
- Outline with a black marker for definition
And here is a completed example:
![](https://i.imgur.com/2HNhhLu.jpg) |
Tips for Step 6:
- Start coloring with light, even layers of color.
- Use complementary color combinations like red-green and blue-orange.
- Try mixing patterns and textures like dots, stripes, and glitter.
- Outline in black once done coloring for bold definition.
Conclusion
Drawing a cute Christmas owl is an easy, fun art project for both children and adults. With simple oval and U shapes, curved wings, and creative coloring, you can create your own unique holiday owl in no time. Personalize it by adding Santa hats, garlands, candy canes, and other festive designs.
Hang your finished Christmas owl on the fridge or use it as a handmade card or ornament. However you choose to use your owl drawing, it’s sure to “owl-brighten” up your home with some seasonal spirit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies do I need to draw a Christmas owl?
You just need a few basic supplies: paper, pencil, eraser, colored pencils/markers/crayons, and a black marker or pen for outlining details. Construction paper or cardstock works well for a bold, graphic look.
What are the key steps in drawing the owl?
The main steps are:
- Draw a large vertical oval for the body
- Add facial features like eyes and a beak
- Draw curved wing shapes on both sides
- Add feet near the base
- Draw a tree branch for perching on
- Color and decorate with holiday patterns and details
What are some ideas for decorating the Christmas owl?
Get creative with colors, patterns, textures, and shapes! Some ideas include:
- Red, green, white color scheme
- Polka dots, stripes, plaid, or argyle patterns
- Glitter, sequins, pom poms
- Santa hat or scarf
- Candy canes, ornaments, pine cones, snowflakes
- holiday wreath around head or neck
What type of paper works best?
Construction paper, cardstock, or mixed media paper are all good choices. Avoid thin computer paper as it may wrinkle. Choose brighter white or cream colored paper for the best color vibrancy.
What do I do after my owl is complete?
Hang your finished Christmas owl drawing on the fridge or use it as a handmade card or ornament. You can frame it as holiday wall art or even make a wreath by attaching several owls in a circle. However you choose to use it, your owl drawing will add a whimsical touch to your seasonal decor!