If you want to learn how to draw a skeleton, I can show you how to do it step by step. Together we’ll draw the spine, the ribcage, the pelvis, the arms and legs—every bone simplified and explained!
The thing about skeletons is that they are, of course, incredibly detailed. Even a pro would probably sweat at the thought of trying to draw a skeleton with all the bones included.
That doesn’t mean though that skeletons have to be off limits for children. OR that they can’t learn how to draw one that is a bit more realistic.
This tutorial is made to show older elementary students how to draw a skeleton with bones that look a little more like the real thing, without getting too overwhelming. It starts with a simple skull that includes the cheek bones, and works down, always matching one side to the other. The pose is symmetrical, which helps when trying to draw new shapes.
If any of your students look a little hesitant about taking this on, encourage them to just simplify things as needed. The point is, even generalizing some of those shapes a bit will help them learn a LOT more than if they never even tried at all.
It’s a bit strange that skeletons have become a symbol of spookiness and horror when you think about it, because we all have one inside our bodies!
These complex structures keep us together and keep us going, and because of all 206 bones it can be quite hard to draw!
Even though they serve such an important purpose in our bodies, they have become associated with Halloween and scary movies.
If you’re a spook enthusiast and would like to learn how to draw one, then read on!
Skeleton drawing Step by Step
- Draw a vertical line and divide it into five parts—these will be the lumbar vertebrae. Remember to keep these first lines light, so that you can cover them later with the final lines.
- Draw 12 more sections, making them smaller as you finish.
- Outline the discs between the vertebrae.
- Give a shape to each vertebra.
- The ribcage will start three vertebrae from the bottom. Here, draw two squares, with a side five vertebrae long.
- From this place, draw a curve going right over the whole spine. This will be the basic outline of the ribcage.
- We’re going to the front of the ribcage now. Draw the sternum.
Some Skeleton drawing Pictures
Now you know how to draw skeleton from scratch! Do you want to draw other fun things? Check out our other tutorials.
You have reached the end of our step-by-step guide on how to draw a skeleton!
There were some tricky elements to this drawing, so you should be very proud that you finished up with such an incredible drawing.
Even when a drawing is complicated, it can be made so much easier when you have it broken down into steps. We hope that this guide was helpful and fun for you to use!
Now that you can draw this skeleton, how will you finish it off? Will you have it in a spooky setting or make it bright and colorful with your favorite colors and art mediums?
There’s no limit to the fun ways you can complete this image, and we can’t wait to see what you do!
Our website is the place to be if you would like even more step-by-step drawing guides like this one! Be sure to check out our site often, as we upload new ones frequently.
We would love to see your spooky skeleton drawing, so once it’s finished please share it on our Facebook and Pinterest pages so we can see how it turned out!
