How to Draw a Chicken Step-by-Step

A classic farm animal that is fun to draw is the chicken. Chickens are fun to draw because of their round bodies, unique wattles, and bright feathers. This is true for both new and experienced artists. This step-by-step guide will teach you different ways to draw chickens with pencils, paints, or digital tools.

Gather Your Drawing Materials

Before starting your chicken drawing, assemble the tools you’ll need. For a simple pencil sketch, any pencil and paper will do. Mechanical pencils provide consistent lines, while softer pencils create deeper shadows. For painted chickens, acrylics or watercolors work well. You’ll also need paintbrushes. If drawing digitally, use a graphics tablet and art software like Photoshop or Procreate.

Start with Basic Shapes

The key to accurately depicting a chicken’s proportions is to begin with simple geometric shapes. Draw a large oval for the body and a smaller oval for the head. Add a tapered cone at the bottom for the tail. Circle the head for placement of the beak and eyes. Starting with these base shapes ensures the proper perspective and dimensions.

Build the Body

Once the foundation is mapped out, refine the chicken’s contours. Soften the body’s edges and add the tail’s feathered shape. Draw lines that look like feathers on the body and wings. Don’t worry about detail yet—just indicate the major forms. Light, sketchy lines allow for easy erasing and revisions.

Draw the Head and Beak

Pay attention to how the beak angles down and the eyes sit on either side of the head. Chickens’ faces have fleshy red combs and wattles. Hens have small combs, while roosters have larger, floppier ones. Draw a line around the comb and add a wattle that hangs below the beak.

Add Legs and Feet

Chickens have slender legs that typically bend at an inward angle Draw two bent lines to form each leg, erasing as needed. Add feet with four toes, three pointing forward and one back Make sure to leave space between the legs so the chicken doesn’t look like it’s doing the splits.

Refine the Details

Once the structure is set, get rid of the lines and make your chicken drawing better. Scratch in feather details, crisscrossing lines to show layers. Add scales on the feet and claws on the toes. Define the eye with small concentric circles and dots. Boldly outline the comb and wattle. Vary your pencil pressure for darker values in the shadows.

Consider Composition

With the chicken formed, consider overall composition. Balance your drawing by tilting the head to offset the body. Overlap parts to convey depth—extend the tail behind the wing, overlap the feet. Add elements like grass tufts or barn boards to ground the chicken in its environment. Varying line weights and values creates interest.

Apply Color

To take your drawing further, experiment with paints or digital color. Basecoat the chicken in warm buff tones. Paint the comb and wattle bright red, blending softly at the edges. Deepen the shadows with umber and black, keeping it subtle. Add pops of color on the head, wings and tail. Leave highlighted areas white for striking contrast. Details like scales on the feet add realism.

Practice Makes Perfect

Drawing chickens takes patience and practice. Don’t get discouraged—every attempt will boost your skills. Study photos and life drawings to understand chicken anatomy and feathers. Start with simple standing poses, then try more active positions like pecking, scratching or spreading wings. Most importantly, relax and have fun bringing these quirky birds to life on paper!