How to Draw an Ornithomimus Dinosaur (Perfected Guide)

Materials: Pencil, eraser, paper, optional fine liner/shading tools.

1. Light Sketching & Basic Shapes

• Body:

  • Draw a sideways teardrop shape (rounded at the chest, tapered toward the tail). Angle the tail slightly downward.

• Head:

  • A small circle for the skull with a triangle attached for the beak (think bird-like).

• Neck & Tail:

  • Both should be as long as the body. Use smooth, curved lines to connect the head to the body and extend the tail.

2. Stick Figure Posing

• Legs:

  • Use two joints: Bend the knee forward and the ankle backward (like a bird’s leg).

  • Add a long metatarsal bone below the ankle (key for Ornithomimus’ posture).

• Arms:

  • Sketch thin, slightly bent stick lines for arms (hands will have three claws).

3. Fleshing Out the Body

• Legs:

  • Thick at the hips, tapering toward the ankles. Add muscle definition with gentle curves.

• Arms:

  • Keep them skinny and delicate. Draw three slender fingers with small claws.

• Feet:

  • Three toes—middle toe longest, others shorter. Simplify by overlapping toes or hiding partial views.

  • Tip: Add grass or pebbles to obscure feet if needed.

4. Head Details

• Beak: Refine the triangle into a smooth, slightly curved beak (no teeth).

• Eye: Large and round, placed midway along the head circle. Add a tiny highlight dot for life.

• Feathers (Optional): Lightly suggest fluff along the neck or tail with wispy lines.

5. Shading & Depth

• Light Source: Assume light from one side (e.g., top-left).

  • Near Side: Leave lighter; add minimal shading.

  • Far Side: Darken the arm, leg, and underside of the tail/neck to show depth.

• Texture: Use short, parallel lines on legs for scaly skin; smoother strokes for the beak.

6. Final Touches

• Refine Lines: Trace over the final sketch with a darker pencil or pen. Erase guidelines.

• Background: Add sparse grass or a desert horizon to ground the dinosaur.

Scientific Note: Ornithomimus was feather-covered, so consider adding a fringe of feathers along the arms/tail for accuracy.

Pro Tip: Study ostrich legs for reference—their posture is similar!

This method keeps the original simplicity while elevating realism. Happy drawing! 🦖✏️

Credit: Inspired by drawing lessons for the young artist.blogspot.com.