Helicopters are exciting vehicles that kids love to draw, especially since they are associated with rescues and adventure. This step-by-step guide will help kids learn to draw a simple helicopter using basic shapes and some creative details.
Materials Needed
- Basic Supplies: Paper, pencil, and eraser.
- Coloring Tools: Crayons, colored pencils, or markers.
- Optional Items: Ruler for straight lines and a fine pen for outlining.
Identifying the Shapes of a Helicopter
A helicopter is made of several basic shapes:
- Ovals: For the body and windows.
- Rectangles: For the tail and rotor blades.
- Circles: For the wheels or skids.
Step-by-Step Guide for Drawing a Helicopter
Step 1: Drawing the Main Body
Start by drawing an elongated oval shape for the main body of the helicopter.
Make it slightly pointed at the front to represent the nose of the helicopter.
Step 2: Adding the Tail
At the back of the helicopter, draw a small rectangle extending out for the tail section.
Make sure the tail is proportional to the body.
Step 3: Drawing the Rotor Blades
Draw a large rectangle above the helicopter’s body to represent the main rotor.
Extend a few lines from the rectangle to create the rotor blades, making them thin and long.
Step 4: Adding the Skids or Wheels
Draw two long oval shapes at the bottom of the helicopter for the skids or wheels.
This will allow the helicopter to appear grounded or ready for takeoff.
Step 5: Drawing the Windows
Add small oval shapes on the body to represent the windows.
Place one or two near the front and a larger one on the side to indicate the cockpit.
Step 6: Adding the Details
Add extra details like a small propeller at the front or the engine area on top.
Consider drawing a small exhaust pipe at the back of the helicopter.
Step 7: Coloring the Helicopter
Color the body of the helicopter a bold color, like bright yellow, red, or blue.
The rotor blades can be grey, while the windows should be a light blue or grey.
Use black or dark grey for the skids or wheels.
Guidelines for Enhancing Your Helicopter Drawing
- Light Pencil Strokes: Start with light pencil strokes to make adjustments easier.
- Use a Ruler for Straight Lines: A ruler helps you draw clean lines for the tail and rotor blades.
- Add Details: The more details you add, such as rotor details or exhaust pipes, the more realistic the helicopter will look.
Fun Variations of Helicopter Drawings
Helicopter in Action
Show the helicopter in flight with rotor blades spinning and the sky in the background.
You could add clouds, birds, or even a rescue scene.
Cartoon Helicopter
Give the helicopter a cartoonish look with exaggerated features like large windows and a smiling face.
Military Helicopter
Design a military helicopter with camouflage patterns, additional weaponry, and large propellers.
Futuristic Helicopter
Create a flying, futuristic helicopter with sleek lines, neon lights, and a modern design.
Common Errors to Avoid
- Proportions: Ensure the body and tail are proportional to each other, as well as the size of the rotor blades.
- Rotor Blades: Make sure the blades are long enough to match the size of the helicopter body.
- Symmetry: Check that the skids or wheels are aligned evenly with the helicopter body.
Educational Benefits of Drawing a Helicopter
- Fine Motor Skills: Drawing helps children practice fine motor skills by creating controlled lines and shapes.
- Spatial Awareness: Helps kids understand proportions and balance by drawing large objects like helicopters.
- Imagination: Encourages kids to create scenarios such as rescues, air shows, or transportation in the sky.
Recap of Drawing the Helicopter
- Draw the body of the helicopter using an elongated oval.
- Add the tail as a small rectangle extending out from the body.
- Draw the rotor blades extending from the rectangle.
- Add the skids or wheels at the bottom.
- Add windows and details like the propeller and exhaust pipe.
- Color the helicopter in bright colors like yellow, red, or blue.
Interesting Facts About Helicopters
- The first helicopter flight was made by Paul Cornu in 1907 in France.
- Modern helicopters are used in many fields, including medical rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement.
Where to Display Your Helicopter Artwork
- Display it on a wall for a themed aviation art gallery.
- Use it for a school project on transport or emergency services.
Words of Encouragement for Continued Practice
Encourage children to practice drawing helicopters from different angles, such as top-down or side-view, to develop their skills further. Remind them that the more they draw, the better they will get.
Further Learning Resources
- Helicopter Tutorials: Find step-by-step online tutorials that break down how to draw different kinds of helicopters.
- Helicopter Facts: Watch videos on helicopters to learn more about how they work and the different types.
FAQs: Drawing a Helicopter for Kids
1. Is it hard to draw a helicopter?
No! Drawing a helicopter is easy when you break it down into basic shapes like ovals and rectangles. Kids can start simple and then add more details as they go.
2. What color should a helicopter be?
Helicopters can be many colors, but they are often bright colors like yellow, red, or blue, especially for rescue helicopters.
3. Can kids add people inside the helicopter?
Absolutely! Adding a pilot or passengers inside the windows makes the drawing more dynamic and realistic.
4. How can I help kids with proportions?
Start by helping them draw basic shapes and then gradually build up to the more complex elements, like the rotor blades and tail. This will help them maintain good proportions.
5. What other vehicles can I draw alongside the helicopter?
You can pair the helicopter with airplanes, rescue boats, or even a police car for a dramatic scene.
