Desert Drawing for Kids
Let’s explore how to draw a desert scene! In this lesson, you will learn to outline the desert terrain and add special features like different types of cactus and the sun. You’ll start by creating the shapes that make up the landscape, focusing on elements that make a desert unique.
As you work on your drawing, think about how to represent the prickly pear cactus and the tall columnar cactus. These plants are important parts of the desert environment. You will also outline the sun, which adds warmth to your scene.
Once you have your outlines ready, it’s time to add color. You can choose your favorite shades to fill in the sand, sky, and plants. This lesson is all about understanding how to capture the essence of a desert landscape through your drawing!
Materials
- Pencil
- Drawing Paper
- Crayons or Colored Pencils or Markers
- Black Marker (optional)
To create your desert scene, you’ll want to pay close attention to the lines and angles as you draw. Start by imagining the sandy terrain, with its gentle waves that shape the ground. Think about how the prickly pear cactus stands proudly in the foreground, while tall columnar cactus reach for the sky in the background. As you outline these plants, remember to include their unique features, like the spines on the cactus that show how they thrive in this dry environment. Don’t forget about the sun shining brightly above; it’s an important part of your scene that adds warmth and light. Once your outlines are complete, you can let your imagination run wild with colors! Choose shades that reflect the beauty of a desert landscape, from the soft oranges of the sand to the bright blue of the sky. This is your chance to make your drawing special and full of life!
Time Needed: 30 minutes
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Outline the Desert Terrain

First, draw wavy horizontal lines to outline the sandy desert terrain.
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Add a Prickly Pear

Next, draw a small prickly pear cactus in the foreground. Make sure to erase overlapping lines.
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Draw the Columnar Cacti

Draw two tall columnar cacti as shown. Add a small patch of grass beneath the cactus.
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Attach the Spines

Attach short spines all over the cacti to show their prickly texture.
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Outline the Sun

Draw a circular outline of the sun in the sky.
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Color the Desert Drawing for Kids

First, use light orange to color the foreground sand. Now, use shades of brown for the sandy desert background. Next, color the columnar cacti dark green. Then, use light green for the prickly pear and the small patch of grass. Finally, color the sky light blue and the sun yellow.
Desert Drawing for Kids PDF Download
Check out the link below to see or download this drawing lesson. The PDF is a handy resource you can print out. On the last page, you’ll find a coloring page with outlines and an extra exercise to spark your imagination!
