12 Easy Thanksgiving Drawing Ideas

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, delicious food. As the scent of roasting turkey and pumpkin pie fills the air, it’s also a perfect moment to get creative.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun activity to do with the kids, drawing is a wonderful way to capture the spirit of the holiday.

I’ve always found that putting pencil to paper is a great way to slow down and appreciate the little things.

So, I thought it would be fitting to share some simple and fun Thanksgiving drawing ideas. This list is all about celebrating the classic symbols of the holiday. Let’s grab some paper and get started!

1. The Classic Turkey

What’s Thanksgiving without a turkey? This is probably the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason. You can draw the iconic hand-turkey, or a cartoon turkey which is always a hit with kids, or you can try for a more realistic-looking bird.

My personal tip is to focus on the fan of tail feathers. Use warm colors like red, orange, brown, and yellow to make them pop. Don’t worry about making it perfect; even a simple, cartoonish turkey can have a lot of personality.

2. A Pilgrim’s Hat

The pilgrim’s hat is a simple yet instantly recognizable symbol of Thanksgiving. It’s a great subject for beginners because of its straightforward shapes. You’re basically drawing a tall black hat with a band and a buckle.

To make it more interesting, try adding some texture to the hat. A few light gray lines can give it a worn, felt-like appearance. For the buckle, use a bright yellow or gold to make it stand out against the dark hat. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

3. A Horn of Plenty (Cornucopia)

The cornucopia, or “horn of plenty,” is a beautiful symbol of abundance and harvest. This one might seem a bit more complex, but it’s really just a collection of simple shapes. Start with the horn itself, which is a curved, cone-like shape.

Then, have fun filling it with all the bounties of the season. Draw pumpkins, gourds, apples, grapes, and ears of corn spilling out of the opening. The key here is to layer the items, with some partially hidden behind others, to create a sense of fullness.

4. A Slice of Pumpkin Pie

Is there anything more comforting than a slice of pumpkin pie? This is another easy and satisfying subject to draw. Start with a simple triangle for the slice. Then, add a curved line for the back crust and a wavy, dolloped shape on top for the whipped cream.

I love using a rich, deep orange for the filling and a golden brown for the crust. You can even add a little cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra detail. It almost makes you want to take a bite.

5. An Ear of Corn

Indian corn, with its multicolored kernels, is a staple of fall decorations. Drawing an ear of corn can be a very relaxing and almost meditative process. Begin with a long, rounded cylinder shape.

Instead of drawing every single kernel, you can suggest them with a grid-like pattern of small ovals or squares. Use a mix of yellows, oranges, deep reds, and even purples to bring the colorful kernels to life. Don’t forget the green and brown husks peeling back at the top.

6. A Majestic Pumpkin

Long before it became the star of Halloween, the pumpkin was a symbol of the harvest season. It’s a fantastic subject for drawing because pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes. You don’t have to stick to a perfect sphere. Make it short and squat, or tall and oblong.

The real character comes from the vertical lines, or ribs, that run from the stem to the base. Make these lines curved to give your pumpkin a nice, round, three-dimensional feel. A twisty little stem on top is the perfect finishing touch.

7. Autumn Leaves

Falling leaves in shades of red, yellow, and orange are the essence of autumn. Drawing different types of leaves is excellent practice for capturing organic shapes. You could draw a maple leaf with its distinct points, a rounded oak leaf, or a slender willow leaf.

Try gathering a few leaves from your own backyard for inspiration. You can even try leaf rubbing by placing a leaf under your paper and coloring over it with the side of a crayon. It creates a beautiful and detailed impression.

8. A Simple Scarecrow

A friendly scarecrow is a charming and whimsical addition to any Thanksgiving drawing collection. Building a scarecrow is all about basic shapes: a circle for the head, rectangles for the body and arms, and triangles for the hat.

Give your scarecrow a cheerful, stitched-on smile and some button eyes. Add some straw sticking out from the cuffs and collar. It’s a fun character that brings a bit of countryside charm to your artwork.

9. A Cute Squirrel with an Acorn

What’s cuter than a squirrel gathering nuts for the winter? This little creature is a perfect, adorable addition to your Thanksgiving drawings.

Start with a rounded, pear-like shape for the body and a circle for the head. Add a big, bushy, S-shaped tail—the fluffier, the better! Put a little acorn in its paws, give it some wide, curious eyes, and a tiny nose. This drawing adds a touch of playful, autumnal charm to your collection.

10. A Native American Headdress

As we reflect on the history of Thanksgiving, it’s important to acknowledge the role of Native Americans. A headdress, or war bonnet, is a powerful and beautiful symbol. It’s also a complex one, filled with intricate details.

When drawing a headdress, focus on the flow and layering of the feathers. Start with the main feathers at the top and work your way down. Take your time to draw the individual barbs on a few key feathers to add realism. This subject is a good opportunity to use a variety of earthy tones and bright accent colors.

11. A Basket of Apples

Apples are a core part of the fall harvest, from apple picking to apple pie. A simple basket filled with apples is a classic and appealing image. Start by sketching a woven basket, using crisscrossing lines to create the texture.

Then, fill it with round, shiny apples. Remember that they won’t all be perfect spheres. Add a little stem and a leaf to a few of them. Using different shades of red and green will make your basket of apples look delicious and plentiful.

12. “Give Thanks” Lettering

Finally, why not try your hand at some decorative lettering? Drawing the words “Give Thanks” or “Gratitude” can be a beautiful way to express the holiday’s central theme. You can experiment with different fonts, from elegant cursive to bold block letters.

Try embellishing your letters with fall-themed elements. Weave some vines and leaves around them, or draw a small pumpkin or turkey alongside the words. This turns a simple phrase into a unique piece of art.

Drawing is about more than just making a picture; it’s about creating memories and celebrating the moment. I hope these ideas inspire you to create something special this Thanksgiving.