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Easy How to Draw a Ladybug Tutorial and Ladybug Coloring Page

Below you’ll find an easy step-by-step tutorial for how to draw a Ladybug and a Ladybug Coloring Page. Learn how to draw a ladybug with a side view to show off all those lovely spots on her back.

A drawing of a ladybug, made with the help of an easy step by step tutorial.

This how to draw a ladybug tutorial shows how some strategic lines can make a flat oval look dimensional. The key is the curved wing line along the back, and spots that seem to be evenly divided on both sides. It’s a clear example of how LINES can make a SHAPE look like it has more FORM, all Elements of Arts, by the way.

Did you ever wonder where the name “ladybug” came from? After all, it doesn’t really sound very scientific. It was actually coined by European farmers who prayed to the Virgin Mary when pests began eating their crops. After ladybugs came and wiped out the invading insects, the farmers named them “beetle of Our Lady.” This eventually was shortened to “lady beetle” and “ladybug.”

Most ladybugs have oval, dome-shaped bodies with six short legs. Depending on the species, they can have spots, stripes, or no markings at all. Seven-spotted ladybugs are red or orange with three spots on each side and one in the middle.

Getting Started with Drawing Guides

The best way to get students off to a good start to any drawing lesson is to show them how to use guides as a reference point.

You may have noticed that all of the tutorials on this site have a dashed line running through the center of each step, both in the horizontal and vertical direction. If students make their own centered lines on their own paper, before drawing, they will have an easy reference to follow.

For instance, as seen in Step 1 below, the large oval for the body needs to be sitting near the top of the paper, and a little to the left of center. It’s important to draw that shape big enough and high enough on the sheet of paper so that there’s room for the head and legs underneath.

When students get their drawing off to a good start, there’s a better chance of them feeling successful by the time they are done. Drawing skills are all about getting the size and placement of lines on paper, so having some visual reference point to get started, will always help anyone learn how to be a little more accurate.

So does that mean students need to get out a ruler to draw a big fat line down the center of their paper before they start? Goodness no, please don’t! That will most likely be hard to erase and distract from any finished art. No, simply fold the sheet of paper in half both ways, make a crease, and unfold. The beauty is that by the time the drawing is done and colored in, the creases will disappear.

And now, on to the ladybug drawing project.

Preview of the Step by Step Ladybug Tutorial

A step by step tutorial for how to draw an easy ladybug, also available as a free download.

Ladybug Coloring Page

Ladybug Coloring page, available as a free download.

Ladybug Tracing Page

Ladybug Tracing page, available as a free download.
Trace with a black marker to make your own coloring page

Materials

  • Drawing Paper. This is the good stuff you can buy in bulk for a good price.
  • Pencils. I like how this brand always makes nice dark lines.
  • Black Marker. A permanent marker will give you a dark black color.
  • Crayons. The larger packs are nice for more color choices.
  • Note: All of the above are Amazon affiliate links.

Step by Step Directions

Time needed: 45 minutes

How to Draw a Ladybug Step by Step

  1. Draw a large oval for the body.

  2. Add a small bump for the head.

  3. Draw a curve on the back.

  4. Add the seven spots on the back as shown.

  5. Draw two antennae on the head.

  6. Add the two front legs bending forward.

  7. Draw the two middle legs bending back.

  8. Add the two back legs bending backwards.

  9. Trace with a marker and color.

More Ladybug Projects

How to draw a ladybug

More Ladybug Inspiration

ladybug drawing
For beginners, using a template, permanent marker and watercolor paint
ladybug craft
Make a collage with construction paper and black marker

Save me to Your Pinterest Board

More Fun Insects to Draw

Cartoon Bugs
Draw an Easy Caterpillar
Grasshopper
Draw a Moth

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