How to Draw a Cow Step-By-Step
Drawing a cow with its distinct look and strong lines can be a challenging but rewarding experience. There’s something special about committing to paper an animal that has been around for so long in many forms and guises. Here, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, so before you know it, you’ll have a cow of your own.
Take a deep breath and then, let’s get started!
1. Getting the Proportions Right
Before we get into details, let’s look at the overall shape of the cow. Start by lightly sketching an oval for the body, sketching the shape of the head and adding a few lines to represent the legs. You should make sure that the head is proportionally smaller than the body, as cows have a big and bulky look to them. Adding two oval-shaped humps at the top of the body is a good way to get the human-like shape of the cow.
2. Adding Details to the Head and Neck
Now it’s time to give your cow an identifiable face. Start by drawing two large almond-shaped eyes, then add a curved line for the nose, and a circle for the muzzle. Adding a few diagonal lines that start in the muzzle will help you draw the mouth in. Then add some ears, one just below the eye and the other between the eye and the muzzle.
Finally, draw a curved line from the muzzle to the neck that thickens towards the bottom. This line will indicate the size of the neck.
3. Working on the Legs and Hooves
Time to move on to the legs! Start by drawing two line that extend from the belly of the cow and go down, then draw a line for the back legs that goes all the way down to the hooves. The front legs should appear shorter than the back. Give each of the legs a triangular-shaped hoof at the end.
4. Adding the Finishing Touches
It’s the final stretch! Now you need to finish your cow drawing by adding the details that will make it look complete. Start by adding two small circles for the nostrils, and some lines for the beard and the hair. Then give your cow some horns by drawing two curved lines starting from the top of head and curving backwards.
Add some shading to give your cow a more realistic look and you’re done! You now have a delightfully detailed cow of your own!
5. Making Your Cow Come to Life
We want to emphasize that there are no wrong answers when it comes to drawing a cow. Even if you make mistakes, it’s great to learn from them and apply what you learn to the next cow you will draw.
An important tip we must give you is to draw your cow using movement. Cows have a wide range of movements to choose from. From grazing and sleeping to walking and running, it’s lovely to draw a cow in motion. Drawing your cow with its head up, running, or just walking about adds an extra layer of realism to your work.
6. Drawing Details and Fur Patterns
Adding details to the hair and fur of your cow can give it a more life-like look. Texture gives the cow depth and makes it even more fascinating. Long fur coats are the norm for cows, with wavy and curly patterns being popular. Spending time on the details of the fur and the patterning will help you to create a cow drawing that really stands out.
7. Different Colors and Markings of Cows
Cows come in different fun and vibrant colors. The most common color is black and white, but you can also find them in yellow, brown, red, or even mocha. Sometimes you may also find cows with unique markings. Adding some of the cow’s color to your drawing can add a touch of fantasy, creative expression, or realism to your work. So why not give it a try?
8. Be Creative and Have Fun with Your Drawing
Drawing a cow should be an exciting and joyful experience. Don’t feel limited to the steps we provided and don’t feel pressured to get things exactly right as it often doesn’t work that way. Instead, leave something to the imagination. Let your works of art overflow with creativity, humor, and a bit of your own personality. Don’t be afraid to go outside the box and have fun!
