Drawing birds can seem daunting, but with some basic knowledge of bird anatomy and the right techniques, anyone can learn how to draw birds step by step. Birds have a complex structure of feathers, wings, tails and feet that may appear difficult to recreate on paper. However, by following some simple steps, you can break down the drawing process into easy-to-follow stages. All you need is a pencil, eraser, paper, and the desire to create a beautiful bird drawing.
Step 1: Sketch the Basic Shape
The first step is to lightly sketch the basic shape of the bird. Start with a circle or oval for the body, with a cone shape for the tail. Extend lines from the body to represent the wings and head. The body should be about 2/3rds of the entire length, with the tail taking up the remaining 1/3rd.
Keep your initial sketch very light and basic, as this will allow you to easily erase and make changes as the drawing develops. The basic body shape will provide a guide for the details to come. Don’t worry about accuracy at this early stage, simply focus on lightly sketching the foundations.
Step 2: Add the Head and Beak
Now you can start adding more definition to the basic shape. Draw a circle on the end of the extended neck line to represent the head. From here, sketch the beak shape pointing downwards. Most bird beaks are either short and pointed for seed-eating birds, or longer and more curved for fish-eating water birds. Consider the type of bird you want to draw and shape the beak accordingly.
You can also add an eye about halfway down the side of the head. Draw a small oval shape for the eye. Again, keep your lines light so you can adjust them later.
Step 3: Sketch the Wings and Feathers
The next step is to sketch the wings and basic feather shapes. Draw two long ovals extending from the body to represent the wings. From the top of the wing, make small rounded lines going downward to indicate larger feathers at the top, getting gradually smaller toward the bottom of the wing. Add similar feather texture on the tail, with the longest feathers in the middle flowing out to smaller feathers at the sides.
Consider the shape and length of the feathers based on the type of bird. Longer wing and tail feathers indicate larger birds like seagulls, while smaller songbirds have much shorter feather groups.
Step 4: Add the Feet and Legs
Now you can sketch the basic shape of the legs and feet at the bottom of the body. Draw two short lines descending diagonally from the base of the body, with small triangular feet shapes at the ends. Add two or three thin lines on each foot to indicate toes. The length and thickness of the legs and feet can vary greatly depending on the species. Larger predatory birds have thicker legs with longer talons, while smaller birds have very thin legs.
Step 5: Refine the Body and Head
At this point you have the basic bird structure sketched. Now you can start refining the body, head and beak shape, erasing any early lines that need adjustment. Define the shape and curvature of the beak according to your specific bird species. Add a slight crease where the beak meets the head.
Refine the body shape as needed, erasing your initial sketch lines. Define the rounded chest and tapered abdomen typical of bird anatomy. Add a short tail at the back if needed, or extend the existing tail further.
Step 6: Add Details to Wings, Tail and Feathers
Once you are satisfied with the refined head, body, feet and legs, you can start adding finer detail to the wings, tail and feather groupings. Consider which feathers overlap one another at the edges of the wings and tail. Draw the individual feathers in each direction using short strokes that follow the curve of the form. The smaller feathers toward the body can be drawn using parallel lines in the direction they grow.
Look at photos of the bird species and replicate the patterning and textures of the feathers. The fine details really bring the drawing to life.
Step 7: Clean up Lines and Begin Shading
Now you can erase any remaining sketch lines and start shading your drawing. Use a kneaded eraser to gently remove lighter guidelines. Then use your pencil to start adding value, gradually building up the shading. Apply darker shading underneath the body, tail and head, adding lighter tones toward the top of the wings. This creates a rounded, three dimensional form.
Add darker values to the eyes, feet and separation between feathers for definition. For a realistic effect, blend the tones by gently brushing with a blending stump or tissue. Work slowly and patiently on the shading to enhance your details.
Step 8: Add Final Touches and Texture
The final step is to accentuate textures and details with finer shading and techniques. Use a sharp pencil or erasing techniques to add texture and patterns to the finer feathers. Create the illusion of fluffy downy feathers near the body with light, quick strokes of your pencil. Use circular motions with a blending stump to shade the eyes.
With some practice and observation of birds, you will start to notice the textures and patterns in feathers and recreate them in your drawings. Add any final darks and lights that make the details pop. Sign your finished art and you have a completed bird drawing!
Tips and Techniques for Drawing Birds
Here are some additional tips and techniques to help you succeed when drawing birds:
Focus on Proportion and Anatomy
Accurately draw the body, head, beak and feet proportions before adding details. Sketch lightly and focus on anatomy.
Use Photos for Reference
Use bird photos and illustrations to better understand the anatomy. Observing the small details will make your drawings more realistic.
Start Lightly Then Build Up
Always start with light sketch lines first. You can then lay in your darks and shadows on top to gradually build up shading.
Practice Makes Perfect
Drawing birds takes plenty of practice, so don’t get discouraged. Study your subject and reference photos and keep practicing to improve.
Use the Right Drawing Materials
Use soft pencils like 2B-6B so you can create smooth shading and textures for feathers, beaks and feet. Blending stumps are also great for smooth shading.
Common Problems When Drawing Birds
Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Not Accurately Depicting the Feather Groups
Study photos of birds carefully to understand how feathers are structured on different parts of the body and wings.
Proportions are Off
Take time to lightly sketch and measure the proportions and place the body parts accurately before drawing details.
Lack of Contrast in Values
Use a full range of values, starting light and gradually layering in darker shades. This creates form and realism.
Missing Important Details
Observe reference photos to include important textures of feathers, feet and beaks that identify bird species.
Unnatural Poses
Study birds in natural poses and adopt these in your drawings rather than unrealistic stiff stances.
Conclusion
Drawing birds can be a fun and rewarding challenge for an artist. Follow the basic steps for the structure and proportions, then take your time adding details and textures. Train your artistic eye by continually observing live birds or bird photography to sharpen your skills. With practice and patience, you will be able to recreate nature’s feathered creatures in your own unique, artistic style.
