If you’ve ever picked up one of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, you’re probably familiar with the adorable, quirky pigeon character that has stolen the hearts of kids and adults alike. The pigeon, with its expressive eyes, simplistic shape, and hilarious antics, has become an iconic figure in children’s literature.
But have you ever wondered how to draw the pigeon yourself? In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of drawing the pigeon just like Mo Willems—with a focus on keeping it simple, fun, and full of personality. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this step-by-step tutorial will help you recreate the pigeon from Mo Willems’ beloved books.
Why Draw Mo Willems’ Pigeon?
Mo Willems’ pigeon character is an example of how minimalistic design can be used to convey rich emotion and storytelling. The pigeon, while simple in form, communicates so much through its expressions, body language, and even its posture. By learning to draw the pigeon in the style of Mo Willems, you’ll not only be improving your drawing skills but also tapping into the magic of simple yet powerful character design.
Materials You’ll Need
Before we dive into drawing the pigeon, let’s gather a few materials:
- Paper (any kind will do, but a sketchbook or drawing paper is ideal)
- Pencil (for sketching)
- Eraser
- Black Marker or Pen (for outlining)
- Colored Pencils, Markers, or Crayons (if you want to add color)
Draw the Pigeon’s Body Shape
Start by drawing a large oval shape for the pigeon’s body. Mo Willems’ pigeon is very simple in terms of shapes—no complicated curves or intricate lines. The body should be wide in the middle and slightly tapering towards the bottom. Don’t worry if the oval is a little wonky—that’s part of the charm of Willems’ style.
- Tip: Keep your lines light and loose; you’ll refine them later.
Draw the Head
Now, draw a smaller oval or circle on top of the body to form the pigeon’s head. Make sure the head is proportionally smaller than the body, as the pigeon’s head is not too large in Mo Willems’ style. Position the head slightly to the left or right of the body for a more dynamic and fun look.
- Tip: The head should sit directly on top of the body, not floating in the air, to keep things grounded and simple.
Add the Eyes
Mo Willems’ pigeons have large, expressive eyes, which are key to their charm. To draw the eyes:
- Draw two big circles near the center of the pigeon’s head, slightly towards the top.
- Inside each circle, add smaller black circles to create the pupils, making sure they’re not perfectly centered, which will add to the pigeon’s playful and emotional look.
You can add a little shine mark in each pupil to make the eyes more lively and realistic.
- Tip: The eyes are one of the most important features for capturing the pigeon’s personality, so don’t be afraid to go big!
Add the Beak
The pigeon’s beak is small and simple, just a tiny triangle that points outward. Position it in the center of the face, just below the eyes. It doesn’t need to be too detailed—just a few lines to suggest the shape.
- Tip: Make sure the beak is small in proportion to the head, staying true to the minimalist style of Mo Willems.
Draw the Wings
For the wings, Mo Willems keeps things very simple. Draw two curved lines on each side of the pigeon’s body to create the wings. These should be slightly curved, not too long or exaggerated. The wings can be placed towards the upper part of the body.
- Tip: The wings are not overly detailed, just basic shapes that suggest movement and the character’s flight potential. The pigeon’s personality is in its posture and expression rather than its anatomy.
Draw the Legs
Now, let’s move on to the legs and feet. The pigeon’s legs are quite simple, with just two thin lines extending downward from the body. At the bottom of each line, draw three short “toes” that fan out in a V shape for each foot. The legs should look very straightforward and proportional to the pigeon’s body.
- Tip: The pigeon’s feet are small compared to the body, so avoid making them too large. Keep it simple!
Add the Tail Feathers
For the tail feathers, Mo Willems’ pigeon usually has a small, fan-shaped tail. Draw just a few curved lines at the back of the body to suggest the tail feathers. These lines should radiate slightly outwards and shouldn’t be too elaborate. Just a few strokes are enough.
Outline and Clean Up
Now that you’ve drawn the basic structure of your pigeon, it’s time to go over your lines with a black pen or marker. This will give the pigeon its bold, comic-style outline that is characteristic of Mo Willems’ illustrations.
Once the ink is dry, erase any pencil lines that are still visible.
- Tip: Be sure to give the eyes, wings, and tail feathers extra attention while outlining to make them stand out.
Add Color
Mo Willems’ pigeon is typically gray with blue undertones, but feel free to get creative with your coloring! To color your pigeon:
- Use light gray for the body.
- Light blue or darker gray can be used to add shading on the wings and head.
- Yellow or orange for the beak.
- Black for the eyes and legs.
Add some light shading to give your pigeon some dimension, but keep the overall design simple and fun.
Add Expression
One of the best parts of drawing a Mo Willems pigeon is giving it personality through its expression! Depending on the mood of the pigeon, you can change the way its eyes or beak are drawn. Is the pigeon excited? Sad? Angry? Perhaps it’s throwing a dramatic tantrum!
- Tip: Play with the positioning of the eyebrows and the shape of the beak to show emotion. A downturned beak and wide eyes could express surprise, while a furrowed brow and tight beak might show frustration.
Conclusion: You’ve Drawn Your Mo Willems Pigeon!
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to draw Mo Willems’ iconic pigeon. Whether you’re using it for a creative project, a fun drawing session, or just to practice your skills, this simple yet expressive character is sure to bring a smile to your face.
The beauty of Willems’ style is in its simplicity, making it a perfect character to recreate, no matter your drawing experience. Keep practicing and experimenting with different poses and emotions to bring your pigeon to life!