How to Draw a Coelophysis

Step 1: Long narrow head

Near the top left, draw a long egg lying on its side, with a long narrow snout at the front.

Tip The snout end is much thinner than the back of the head.

Step 2: Big eye

High at the back of the head, draw a big oval eye with a black dot. Dot a nostril.

Tip Leave a little white shine in the eye.

Step 3: Friendly grin

Start at the tip of the snout. Draw one long smile back under the eye, curling up at the end.

Step 4: Neck and back

Start behind the head. Draw down a long curved neck and over a slim back. Stop at the hip.

Tip One smooth line: the neck is much longer than the head is tall.

Step 5: Long whip tail

Start where the back stopped. Draw a long thin tail to a point, then back underneath. Stop under the hip.

Tip Think carrot: fat at the hip, thin at the tip.

Step 6: Throat and tummy

Start under the head. Draw one line down the thin neck and round the tummy. Stop at the tail.

Step 7: Tummy patch

Start high on the throat line. Draw a second line beside it, down to the tummy.

Tip Keep the two lines close, like a long thin leaf.

Step 8: Grabbing arm

From the patch line, draw an arm reaching forward, thinner at the hand. End it with 3 pointy claws.

Tip Rub out the lines inside the arm.

Step 9: Long running leg

Under the hip, draw a round thigh, a bent knee, a thin shin and a foot with 3 toes.

Tip Rub out the tummy line inside the thigh.

Step 10: Far leg and ground

Start behind the first leg. Draw the other leg down to 3 toes. Stop at the tail. Add the ground.

Tip Most of this leg hides behind the first one.

Step 11: Back stripes

Draw 4 long oval stripes in a row, along the back and onto the tail.

Tip Keep every stripe inside the body.

Step 12: Light brown and cream

Colour the tummy patch cream. Colour the rest light brown, around the stripes. Leave the eye white.

Step 13: Dark brown stripes

Colour the 4 stripes dark brown, and your coelophysis is ready to run.