Drawing birds can be both challenging and rewarding. With practice and patience, you can create realistic images of your feathered friends. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of drawing a realistic bird from start to finish. So, let’s get started!
Materials you’ll need for Drawing
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Paper
- Reference photo of your bird (optional)
Step 1: Start with Basic Shapes
Begin by drawing basic shapes to form the body of your bird, such as circles, squares, and triangles. Use light pressure with your pencil, so it’s easy to erase the lines later.
Step 1.1: Draw an Oval Shape
Draw an oval shape to form the body of your bird. Make sure the oval shape is tilted slightly forward to give the bird a more realistic posture.
Step 1.2: Sketch the Head and Beak
Sketch a circle for the head, slightly overlap the circle with the larger oval shape. Next, draw a small triangle that extends out from the circle; this will form the beak of your bird.
Step 1.3: Add the Tail and Wings
Add the wings by drawing two long triangular shapes; make sure to position them symmetrically with respect to the body. Lastly, add a forked tail shape at the end of the oval body.
Step 2: Refine the Shape of Your Bird
Now that you have the basic shapes, you can use them as a guide to create the outline of your bird.
Step 2.1: Sketch the Outline Using Your Pencil
Sketch the outline of the bird using your pencil. Try to capture the curves and tapering shapes of the wings, tail, and the body.
Step 2.2: Smooth Out Your Lines
Once you have the outline, use your pencil to smooth out any rough lines. Use an eraser to remove any unnecessary marks.
Step 3: Add Details to Your Bird Drawing
Now that you have a basic outline of your bird, you can begin adding more details to make it look more realistic.
Step 3.1: Draw the Feathers
Start drawing the feathers by creating small, intersecting lines that form the feather shapes. Use the reference photo (if you have one) to guide you in this process.
Step 3.2: Draw the Eyes
Sketch the eyes of your bird, remember to add the eyelids. Birds have a unique look of an intense stare, so try to capture that.
Step 3.3: Add the Details to Your Bird’s Head and Beak
Add the details to your bird’s head and beak. Sketch the nostrils, and the grooves around the beak and eyes.
Step 4: Start to Shade Your Bird Drawing
Now that you have the initial drawing of your bird, it’s time to shade it to give it a three-dimensional look.
Step 4.1: Start Shading the Feathers
Start shading the feathers by making the shading softer near the base of the feather. Use small, circular motions to blend the shading with the rest of the feather, which will create a more realistic look.
Step 4.2: Shade the Eyes and the Beak
Shade the eyes and add highlights to make them appear more lifelike. Shade the beak and add some texture to give it a more realistic look.
Step 4.3: Add More Shading to Create Depth
Add more shading to the rest of your bird. Try to create shadow areas where the wings and body overlap to show the depth of the drawing.
Step 5: Final touches to your Drawing
Now that you have your bird drawing almost complete, it’s time to add some final touches.
Step 5.1: Blending the Shading
Use a blending tool or your finger to blend the shading in the drawing so that it looks smooth and more realistic.
Step 5.2: Finish the Background
Add a background to complete your drawing, like a sky or a tree layer behind the bird.
Step 5.3: Sign Your Drawing
Once you’re happy with your drawing, sign it and show it to everyone!
Summary
Drawing a realistic bird may seem like a daunting task, but you can achieve it with practice and determination. Start by eschewing basic shapes and building up the drawing from there. Refine the shape, add detail, and start to shade to create a three-dimensional look. Finally, add the final touches to your drawing to complete this magical experience.
Realistic Bird Drawing: FAQ
Q1: How can I make my bird’s feathers look realistic?
Start by making short, intersecting lines to create the feather shapes. Use shading to create a sense of depth. Lastly, use a blending tool to make the shading appear smoother.
Q2: How long does it take to draw a realistic bird?
It depends on the complexity of the bird, how much detail you want to include, and your level of skill as an artist. It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Q3: Is it necessary to use a reference photo?
No, it is not essential to use a reference photo, but it will aid you in creating a more realistic drawing.
Q4: What type of paper should I use for bird drawing?
You can use any paper type you feel comfortable with, as long as it’s not too thin to prevent smudging and allows for erasing any mistakes quickly. You may want to consider a high-quality drawing paper for a more professional finish.
Q5: How do I avoid smudging my drawing?
Place a sheet of clean paper under your hand to avoid smudging.
Q6: Can I use color in my bird drawing?
Yes, you can use colors to enhance the realism of your bird drawing. It just requires more skill and a different approach to shading.
Q7: Which birds are suitable for beginners to draw?
You can begin any bird that has a basic shape such as Sparrow, Chickadee, Wren, and Bluejay. They are easier to draw due to their straightforward appearance.