How to Draw a Merry-Go-Round

Merry-go-rounds have their origin as early as the 12th century and are also known as carousels and roundabouts. In medieval times, knights used a crude relative of the merry-go-round to train for jousting. The carousel evolved into a work of art in the 1800s. The ride generally has many elaborate animals and beautiful designs painted on it.

Instructions

1. 

   Draw a squat can shape the approximate size you want for your merry go round.

2. 

   Draw a small cone shape on the top of the can.

3. 

   Erase the inner lines. To make the bottom look 3D, draw two small lines on either side of the oval and place another oval on top.

4. 

   Erase the inner lines on the bottom oval platform. Find the center of the bottom and draw the column of the merry-go-round on top of that.

5. 

   Draw three poles spaced evenly around the merry-go-round. Draw a party-hat shape for the top of the ride.

6. 

   Add a scalloped edge on the top rim of the oval. Extend lines from the top cap down to the scallops to make the stripes.

7. 

   Make circles on the front edge of the top and bottom for lights.

8. 

   For the horses, draw oval shapes to create the bodies and the heads.

9. 

   Add ears and legs to the horses.

10. 

    Draw ovals for the eyes of the horses and a puffy mane and tail. Add rectangles to make the saddles and thin lines to make the bridles.

11. 

    Trace the drawing with a pen to complete. Once the ink is dry, erase the pencil lines.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment by drawing different designs and animals on the carousel.

References

• The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
• History of the Merry-Go-Round