How to Draw a Dove: Easy 10-Step Guide for Beginners

Looking for a calming, creative project? This dove drawing tutorial is perfect for artists ages 5 and up. You will only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to bring this symbol of peace to life while practicing your line control and symmetry.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A completed, friendly-looking dove drawing holding an olive branch, perfect for beginners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Head and Beak

Line drawing of a dove head and beak showing initial circular shapes and eye placement.

Start by drawing the dove's head using soft, rounded lines. Add a small teardrop shape for the beak. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily erase any overlapping lines later.

Step 2: Defining the Wing Structure

Drawing the top edge of the dove wing with U-shaped feather details.

Extend a long, graceful curve from the neck to create the top of the wing. At the tip, add a series of 'U' shapes to represent the flight feathers. Tip: Make these 'U' shapes consistent in size to give the wing a balanced look.

Step 3: Adding Wing Texture

Adding texture to the dove wing using V-shaped contour lines.

Use a combination of curved and 'V' shaped lines to define the bottom of the wing. These small details add depth. Tip: Think of these as overlapping layers to make the bird look like it's ready for flight.

Step 4: Shaping the Tail

Outlining the dove tail feathers with long curved lines.

Extend a curved line from the body to start the tail. Double it back to form a large 'U' shape for the primary tail feather. Tip: Use long, sweeping strokes to keep the tail looking smooth and elegant.

Step 5: Detailing the Tail

Adding detail and volume to the dove tail feathers.

Add more 'U' shaped lines to widen the tail and create a fanned-out effect. Add a few curved lines inside to show the texture of the feathers. Tip: Vary the length of your lines slightly to make it look natural.

Step 6: Drawing the Feet

Drawing the small feet of the dove tucked against the body.

Draw two small 'U' shapes for the feet tucked under the body. Connect them to the belly with a short, clean line. Tip: Keep the feet small so the dove looks light and graceful.

Step 7: Completing the Second Wing

Adding the second wing to the dove to create depth and perspective.

Add the second wing using overlapping curved lines to show perspective. This gives your drawing a 3D feel. Tip: Ensure the feathers on this wing align with the first one for a realistic look.

Step 8: Adding the Olive Branch

Drawing an olive branch being held in the dove's beak.

Draw a thin, curved line held in the beak for the olive branch. Add a small teardrop shape at the end for the first leaf. Tip: Keep the branch thin so it doesn't overpower the bird's face.

Step 9: Finishing the Olive Branch

Adding multiple leaves to the olive branch held by the dove.

Add four more teardrop-shaped leaves along the branch. Tip: Vary the angle of the leaves to make the branch look like it's swaying in the wind.

Step 10: Coloring Your Masterpiece

Final colored illustration of a dove holding an olive branch.

Time to color! Use soft whites and greys for the dove, and a vibrant green for the olive branch. Tip: Use light pressure with your colored pencils to create a soft, feathery texture.