Please PAUSE the "How to Draw a Macaw" video after each step to draw at your own pace.

Time-Lapse (Speed Drawing) video:

Written step-by-step video tutorial:

For the first few steps, don't press down too hard with your pencil. Use light, smooth strokes to begin.

Step 1: Draw a circle near the top of the page as a guide for the first part of the macaw's body. First draw four small marks to indicate the height and width of the circle, then connect the marks using curved lines. Sketch lightly at first so that it's easy to erase if you make a mistake. But the circle doesn't have to be perfect. It's just a guide. If you do want to draw a perfect circle, trace the outer rim of a cup, a lid or any other object with a circular edge.

Step 2: Draw a big U-shaped arc on the lower right side of the circle as a guide for the middle part of the macaw's body. Pay attention to the size of the arc in relation to the circle. Don't make the arc too short.

Step 3: Draw another circle on the top left side as a guide for the macaw's head. This circle should be smaller than the first one, about half the size. Don't place the circle too far away from the body, otherwise the bird's neck will be too long.

Step 4: Draw two intersecting lines inside the head to help you place the macaw's facial features later.

Step 5: Draw a short vertical line under the head that connects to the body for the first part of the neck. Now draw a curved line from the top of the head to the right side of the macaw's body to complete the neck.