How to Draw a Cooked Turkey Step-by-Step

Drawing a cooked turkey may seem challenging, but with some simple techniques, you can create a realistic and appetizing turkey illustration. In this article, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of drawing a cooked turkey from start to finish using easy-to-follow instructions.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Drawing paper – use thick paper like cardstock or watercolor paper
• Drawing pencil – HB or No. 2 pencil
• Kneaded or rubber eraser
• Black marker or pen
• Colored pencils, markers, or crayons (brown, yellow, orange, red)

Step 1 – Outline the Basic Shape

First, lightly sketch the basic shape of the turkey using a pencil. Draw a large oval shape for the body, with a slightly narrower oval for the breast. Add a small circle near the top for the head. Then draw a long, narrow triangle shape extending from the body for the tail feathers. Don’t press too hard – you’ll refine the shapes later.

Step 2 – Add the Legs

On each side of the body oval, draw two long parallel lines for the drumsticks Angle them slightly outward Draw the feet at the bottom using short, blocky rectangular shapes.

Step 3 – Define the Wings

On either side of the body, sketch two large oval shapes that droop downward slightly for the wings. Draw a line across each wing to separate the sections

Step 4 – Draw the Neck and Head

Extend a long, slightly curved line from the body to form the neck. At the top, draw a small circle for the head. Add a sideways V-shape on the front of the face for the beak. Draw a small dot on each side of the head for the eyes.

Step 5 – Refine the Body Shape

Once you have the basic form mapped out, go over the body outlines with a darker pencil line. Refine the shape, erasing guidelines as needed. Define the oval breast shape and add a line down the center of the body for the backbone.

Step 6 – Add Details to the Wings and Tail

Go over the wing outlines with darker lines and divide each wing into sections with multiple lines across them. Do the same for the tail feathers. Add some ruffled feather textures.

Step 7 – Shade the Body and Wings

Use colored pencils or crayons to shade the body. Apply light, uniform pressure to color the breast, then use heavier pressure and darker color for the back and wings. Blend with your finger for smooth gradients.

Step 8 – Color the Head, Legs, and Tail

Switch to brown, yellow, orange and red pencils to add color to the head, legs, and tail feathers. Keep the colors vibrant but blend them softly. Add smaller details like lines for the wattle under the beck.

Step 9 – Shade the Serving Platter

Lightly draw a large oval shape under the turkey’s body for the serving platter. Color it with grays, browns, and muted yellows, adding circular motions to show reflections.

Step 10 – Draw Accompaniments (Optional)

If desired, draw some traditional Thanksgiving foods on the platter like cranberries, roasted vegetables, or stuffing. Quickly sketch some simple shapes and colors.

Step 11 – Add Finishing Touches

To finish, go over the outlines with a black pen or marker for crisp, defined lines. Erase any visible pencil marks. Darken and refine any shapes or details that need it.

And there you have it – a delicious looking cooked turkey illustration! With these step-by-step instructions, you can draw this festive centerpiece for your next Thanksgiving artwork. Just take it slow, follow each step carefully, and don’t be afraid to erase and redo any parts that need more work. In no time you’ll have a turkey drawing worthy of framing! What Thanksgiving foods will you add to your turkey platter drawing? Get creative and have fun with it.

Here is a quick recap of the drawing steps:

• Lightly sketch the basic body, head, legs, wings and tail
• Refine the shapes and add legs, feet, neck and head details
• Define the wings and tail sections
• Shade the body and wings
• Color the head, legs, tail and serving platter
• Add any desired foods around the turkey
• Finish with black outlines and final details

I hope you found this cooked turkey drawing tutorial helpful. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create your own appealing turkey illustrations to use for Thanksgiving crafts, recipes, cooking blogs, and more. Turkey drawings also make fun and unique Thanksgiving cards for family and friends. For more drawing tips and holiday inspiration, be sure to check out my drawing blog at www.happydrawings.com. Happy Thanksgiving and happy drawing!

Tips for Drawing a Realistic Cooked Turkey

Here are some extra tips to take your turkey drawing to the next level:

• Look at photo references of cooked turkeys to get the shapes and colors accurate

• Draw individual feathers on the wings, tail and body using flowing, overlapping lines

• Shade gradually from dark to light and blur edges for a soft, rounded, 3D effect

• Use browns and tans for the cooked skin, adding gradients of color

• Add highlights and reflections to make the turkey skin look moist and juicy

• Draw the platter at an angle, not flat, to add perspective

• Include tiny details like the turkey legs tendons, textured skin, or fine feathers

• Practice drawing different poses – turkey upright, turkey sliced, close-ups of just the head

• Experiment with using colored pencils, watercolor pencils, markers, even painting!

• Pay attention to the beak, wattle, and snood shapes that make a turkey unique

• Capture the glossy, cooked look of the skin by keeping your pencil strokes smooth

With some focused practice on turkey anatomy and color, your drawings will become lifelike and professional. But remember – even simple, cartoon turkey sketches can capture the spirit of Thanksgiving. Don’t worry about perfection. Dive in and have fun bringing these festive birds to life on paper!