How to Draw a Compsognathus

Step 1: Small head

Near the top left, draw a small egg lying on its side, narrower at the front for the snout.

Tip Keep it small: this dinosaur is only as big as a chicken.

Step 2: Big eye

High on the head, draw one big oval eye with a black dot. Dot a nostril on the snout.

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 thin neck and over a small back. Stop at the hip.

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

Step 5: Long thin 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: Little arm

From the patch line, draw a little arm reaching forward, thinner at the hand. End it with 2 pointy claws.

Tip Rub out the lines inside the arm.

Step 9: Long strong 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 spots

Draw 3 oval spots in a row along the back, above the thigh.

Step 12: Leaf green and cream

Colour the tummy patch cream. Colour the rest leaf green, around the spots. Leave the eye white.

Step 13: Dark green spots

Colour the 3 spots dark green, and your compsognathus is ready to run.