How to draw a moon, step by step
- Easy
- 9 min
- 6 steps
- 4 materials
How to draw a moon: this free lesson draws a smiling crescent moon in 6 easy steps, with a picture for every step, and it suits beginners and kids. You block in a large circle, mark where a small planet will sit, and trace the big crescent. Then you draw the ringed planet beside it, a few small stars and tiny dots for sparkles around the sky. It makes a calm bedtime picture to color in afterwards. Draw it on paper, or trace each step in the Pencilbloom app.
Trace this lesson on your own paper
What you’ll need
- HB pencil
- Eraser
- Drawing paper
- Colored pencils (optional)
Draw it step by step
Step 1 of 6
new lines in red
- done
- this step
Step 1: Block in the moon circle
Lightly draw a large circle in the center of the page for the moon's outer curve, leaving room for stars around it.
Step 2: Mark the planet position
Draw a small light ellipse to the right of the moon's inner curve, tilted slightly upward to the right.
Step 3: Draw the outer moon edge
Trace the big crescent outline, sweeping from the top tip down around the left and bottom to the lower right tip.
Tip: Draw with long, smooth strokes from your shoulder.
Step 4: Draw the planet
Draw the round planet body, then add the tilted ring crossing it, with the ring tips extending past both sides.
Step 5: Add the small stars
Draw the small wobbly five-point stars: one top left, one right of the moon, and one bottom left.
Step 6: Dot in the tiny sparkles
Place small round dots scattered around the moon, filling the empty spaces in the sky.
Tip: Vary the spacing so it feels natural.
swipe the drawing to change step
Done! Now on paper?
You’ve seen every step. Trace it on real paper with Pencilbloom; your phone shows each step right on the page.
Trace this lesson on your own paper
Pencilbloom shows each step through your camera, right on the page.
FAQ
What paper and pencil should I use for tracing?
With the camera, any plain paper works, from printer paper to a sketchbook. For Trace on screen, use thin paper so the picture shines through. An HB pencil is good for guide lines and a softer 2B for darker final lines. Tape the paper down so it doesn't move.
How do the step-by-step drawing lessons work?
Each lesson builds a drawing in small steps, big shapes first and details last, with a picture for every step. You can draw along on paper while looking at the steps, or trace each step in the app. Many lessons are free, and you'll find them all on our Learn page.