How to Draw a Turtle – Simple Step-by-Step Tutorial
Jan 09, 2026
How to draw a turtle: step-by-step illustrations
Step 1: Draw a medium-sized half-circle shape.

Step 2: Draw a half-circle shape again, beginning from the right end of the half-circle that you have already drawn. Remember not to join the left ends of the circles.

Step 3: Now, draw a semi-oval shape, beginning from the left end of the half circle that you have drawn first, for the turtle’s shell.

Step 4: Now close the semi-oval shape with a slightly curved line.

Step 5: Again, draw a curved line just below the one that you have just drawn.

Step 6: Now draw two of the four legs and a small tail as shown in the image.

Step 7: Again, draw a curved line between the legs for the neck and belly, as shown in the image. Also, again, pull the remaining two legs.

Step 8: Draw some small lines under the shell as shown in the image for detailing.

Step 9: Now draw a hexagon shape inside the shell.

Step 10: Draw three half-pentagon shapes inside the shell as given in the image.

Step 11: Again, repeat the same thing as shown in the image.

Step 12: Now draw three small lines inside the neck portion of the turtle.

Step 13: Draw the nails inside the legs.

Step 14: Draw the mouth of the turtle.

Step 15: Add small curved lines for the eyebrows and chin, and two dots for the nose.

Step 16: Draw two small round shapes for the eyes of the turtle.

Step 17: Darken the eyeballs as shown in the image.

Step 18: Hurray! Your adorable little turtle is ready for the race.


How to Draw a Turtle Simply: A Fun Way to Start Drawing
Turtles are slow, peaceful, and full of charm. This is why children are so fond of them. Their round shells, soft faces, and calm nature make them an ideal drawing partner for budding artists. Learning to draw a turtle doesn't need to be difficult. It can actually be among the simplest and most joyful ways for children to start their journey into drawing.
Here at Monkey Pen, our drawing videos are designed to help make art enjoyable. If kids are looking for ways to draw a turtle quickly, they're typically searching for something simple, fun, easy, and relaxing. A turtle is nothing more than the same as it sounds: simple designs, smooth lines, and plenty of space for imagination.
Why Turtles Are Great for Young Artists
Turtles are simple shapes. The shell's round shape, tiny legs, and happy face can help children feel comfortable. This is the reason why many children love learning to draw simple turtles before progressing to more intricate creatures.
Drawing turtles can help children practice:
· Hand control
· Recognition of shape
· Innovative thinking
· Evoke interest in art
It also helps develop patience, much like the real turtle! When kids try drawing turtles and learn to draw, they discover that art doesn't need to be flawless. It's all about having fun.
Learning Through Videos Feels Like Play
Kids love watching their drawings appear on the screen. Monkey Pen's drawing videos are brief, colorful, and designed especially for young viewers. We offer drawing ideas without pressure and help children learn to draw turtle images in their own style. Also, our step-by-step illustrated worksheets are simple enough to follow and to get engaged.
The parents can pair the videos with simple worksheets of the same videos that encourage children to draw offline. This combination of screen-based learning and paper-and-pencil play helps children retain what they have seen and practice it again with confidence.
One Turtle, Many Styles
A few of the thrilling aspects of drawing turtles are that there are no rules. No two turtles can look identical. Some children prefer big eyes and happy smiles. Others love large shells and small feet. These are the reasons ideas like drawing cute turtles or cute cartoon turtles come into being.
A turtle's shell can be delightful to look at. Patterns, circles, and lines make every shell distinct. Drawing a turtle's shell helps kids learn patterns and enjoy their creativity.
Diving Into the Ocean with Sea Turtles
Sea turtles offer a whole new world of drawing and fun. They swim in blue waters, gliding past coral and appearing to float underwater. Many kids are interested in drawing sea turtles because it is a thrilling experience.
Easy sea turtle illustrations can help children to imagine life in the ocean. Ideas for drawing simple sea turtles, such as the green sea turtle, are a way to connect art and the natural world. Children will love adding waves, bubbles, or fish to drawings without having to be taught what to draw.
Growing Skills Without Pressure
Curious children may want to delve deeper into the world of detail as they grow. Some prefer keeping drawings simple. Both are excellent. The child who is searching for the best way to draw a turtle might wonder how simple it is to draw a turtle, with our step-by-step worksheets. The most important thing is not speed or precision. Drawing repeatedly will strengthen hands and help ideas flow more smoothly. Monkey Pen’s easy to draw worksheets let kids develop at their own speed, without feeling pressured.
Drawing Time Is Family Time
Drawing turtles is an enjoyable family game. Parents can relax with their children, enjoy hilarious shapes, and enjoy each drawing. Making a workbook together or watching an online video together transforms drawing into a fun moment and not just a chore.
A Small Turtle, A Big Creative Start
The art of drawing the turtle is not just about sketching an animal. It's about gaining confidence, having fun, and discovering that drawing can be serene and enjoyable. It doesn't matter whether it's a land turtle or a sea turtle; every drawing inspires children to trust their own ideas.
We at Monkey Pen believe even the most basic turtle can be the beginning of a lifelong passion for drawing. That's a journey worth beginning.