How to Draw a Majestic Bird: Tips and Techniques

Are you looking to draw a big bird, but don’t know where to start? Drawing birds can be a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity, but the task can be daunting for many. There’s no need to worry though – with practice and patience, anyone can draw a majestic bird that will leave others in awe. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of drawing a big bird step-by-step, in a relaxed and easy-to-understand language.

First, it’s important to understand the basic shapes and proportions of a bird’s body. Begin by sketching a rough outline of the bird’s shape, paying attention to the size and shape of its head, body, wings, and tail. Once you have the basic outline in place, you can start to add more details, like the bird’s feathers and features such as its beak and eyes. With a little time and patience, you’ll have a gorgeous bird drawing that is sure to impress. So, get your pencils ready, and let’s learn how to draw a big bird together!

Section 1: Materials Needed

Get Ready with The Required Materials

Before starting with the drawing, you must ensure to have the proper materials to make your artwork flawless. Here are the items you need to prepare beforehand:

Paper

Choose an appropriate paper that suits your drawing colors. A heavier paper with a rough texture allows for more layering of color and blending.

Drawing Pencils

Use pencils ranging from 2B to 8B for sketching. It will help you to achieve contrasting dark and light lines.

Eraser

Get a kneaded or a vinyl eraser that can cleanly remove the lines you don’t need. It allows for blending and softening the lines.

Sharpener

A good sharpener is essential for keeping your pencils sharp and precise.

Drawing Board

A drawing board supports your paper and pencil and prevents smudging or unwanted smears. You can get an easel or a clipboard to hold it in place.

Coloring Materials

You can use watercolors, acrylics, pastels, markers, or colored pencils as per your preference and skill level.

Reference Picture

Look for a reference picture of a big bird species. Observe its details and anatomy, such as wings, beak, feathers, and body shape. It will help you to create a realistic drawing.

Patience and Practice

Remember that drawing takes practice and patience. Be kind to yourself, take your time, and enjoy the process of honing your skills.

Section 2: Sketching a Big Bird

Sketch the Big Bird Drawing

With all the materials ready, let’s move on to sketching the big bird.

Step 1: Observe the Reference Picture

Take your time to observe the reference picture of the bird species you chose. Look at its wings, beak, eyes, feathers, and body shape. Pay attention to the lines and proportions.

Step 2: Sketch Basic Shapes

Start sketching the basic shapes of the bird with a 2B or 4B pencil. Draw an oval for the head, and a large circle for the body. Sketch two parallel lines for the beak and smaller circles for the eyes.

Step 3: Add Details

Add details to the basic shapes of the bird. Sketch the wings, legs, and tail feathers. Draw the feathers with light and repetitive strokes. Take your time and work slowly.

Step 4: Darken the Lines

Darken the necessary lines with an 8B pencil. It will create depth in the drawing. Erase the unnecessary lines with a kneaded eraser.

Step 5: Add Shadows and Shading

Add shadows and shading to the drawing with a 6B pencil. Create shading for a three-dimensional look. Use cross-hatching techniques in areas where shadows occur.

Step 6: Finish the Drawing

Finish the drawing by adding the necessary details. It includes the scales of the beak, the texture of feathers, and the eyes of the bird. Use light and repetitive strokes. Erase any remaining pencil marks.

With these easy steps, you can create a beautiful and realistic drawing of a big bird. Remember that sketching and drawing take practice, so don’t give up if it doesn’t look perfect the first time. Keep practicing, and you’ll get there.

Section 3: Coloring the Big Bird

Color the Big Bird Drawing

Now that you have sketched your big bird, it’s time to add some color to it! Here are the steps on how to color your bird drawing.

Step 1: Decide on the Color Scheme

Decide on the color scheme you want to use for your drawing. Look at the reference picture and take inspiration from the bird’s natural colors. You can also have fun with complementary or contrasting hues.

Step 2: Add Base Color

Use light shades to add the base color in the bird body. It will provide a smooth canvas for you to add darker shades later.

Step 3: Add Details and Highlights

Use darker shades to add details to the bird. Add feather texture with short lines. Use a white pencil or an eraser to create highlights in the eyes and beak.

Step 4: Work on the Wings and Feathers

Work on the wings, feathers, and tail of the bird by adding texture and gradient shades. Use various shades of the same color to create a glossy and realistic look.

Step 5: Finish the Drawing

Finish the coloring by adding the required details and last touches. If you feel like it needs a bit more depth, add extra shades to the dark areas. But remember to use light strokes and build it up gradually.

With these steps, you’ll have a beautiful and colorful big bird drawing. Remember to have fun and try experimenting with colors!

Section 4: Final Thoughts

Practice and Enjoy the Process

Drawing a big bird can be a fun and exciting experience. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfect the first time. Remember, drawing and coloring take practice and patience. Keep practicing, experiment with new materials, and watch your progress grow! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your artwork with others. The world is waiting to see your talent!

Section 2: Tips and Techniques for Drawing a Big Bird

1. Start with Basic Shapes

The first step to drawing a big bird is to identify the basic shapes of its body. Sketch out the head, neck, body, and wings using simple shapes like circles, ovals, and triangles. You can use these shapes as guidelines to create the outline of your bird.

2. Use Light Pencil Sketches

When drawing a big bird, it’s better to start with light pencil sketches. It allows you to make changes and adjust the proportions of the body without leaving any trace behind. Use a 2B or 4B pencil and sketch lightly. You can always darken the lines later.

3. Observe Real Birds

Observing real birds in their natural habitat is a great way to learn to draw them. It helps you understand the anatomy and posture of the bird, which is important to create a lifelike drawing. Take a sketchbook and draw the birds you see in the park or garden.

4. Add Details Gradually

Once you have the outline of your big bird, you can start adding details. Begin with the eyes, beak, and feet, then move on to the feathers. Use short, curved lines to create the appearance of feathers. Add shading and texture to make the drawing more realistic.

5. Use Reference Photos

Reference photos can be a great help when drawing big birds. Look for high-quality photos of the bird you want to draw, from different angles, and use them as a guide. It’s essential to choose good quality images to get a clear idea of the details and textures.

6. Use a Good Quality Paper

Choosing the right paper can make a significant difference in how your drawing turns out. A good quality paper like Bristol board or heavyweight drawing paper will help your image look sharp and prevent smudging. Use paper with a medium or heavy texture to create a more natural look.

7. Practice Consistently

Drawing is a skill that requires consistent practice. Drawing big birds regularly can help you improve your skills and gain confidence. Try different poses and perspectives to keep challenging yourself. Set aside some time every day to practice and improve.

8. Use a Variety of Pencils

Using a variety of pencils can help you achieve different shades and textures in your drawing. Use a 2H or 3H pencil to create light shades and a 2B or 4B pencil for darker lines. You can also use shading tools like charcoal or pastels to add depth and texture.

9. Experiment with Different Techniques

Experiment with different drawing techniques to find the ones that work best for you. Try cross-hatching, stippling, or blending techniques to create different textures. Use a variety of strokes to create different types of feathers and textures.

10. Don’t be Afraid to Start Over

Drawing takes practice, and it’s normal to make mistakes. If you’re not happy with your drawing, don’t be afraid to start over. It’s better to spend some extra time refining your skills than to settle for a subpar drawing. Remember that practice makes perfect, and you’ll get better with time.

Materials Needed for Drawing a Big Bird

Before you get started on drawing a big bird, you will need to gather some materials. Here are the things you will need:

Sketching the Basic Shape of the Big Bird

Once you have all the materials ready, you can start drawing the big bird. The first step is to sketch the basic shape of the bird. This can be done using a light pencil such as 2H or HB. Look at your reference image and map out the basic shapes and proportions.

Start with the head of the bird and draw its beak, eyes and feathers. Then move to its body and sketch its wings and tail feathers. Keep in mind the size of the bird and its body structure. Take your time and make sure the proportions are correct before moving to the next step.

Adding Details and Shading

Once you have the basic shape of the big bird, it’s time to add details and shading. Use a darker pencil such as 4B or 6B to add texture and shading. Start with the darkest parts of the bird such as its eyes, beak and feathers. Then work your way to the lighter areas.

Use a blending tool to smoothen out your shading and create a more realistic texture. Don’t forget to add shadows to create depth and dimension in your drawing. Take breaks and step back from your drawing to make sure you’re on the right track.

Finishing Touches

After you’ve completed the details and shading of your big bird, you can add some finishing touches. This can be anything from highlights to more detailed texture. Use a white pencil or eraser to add highlights to the bird’s feathers and eyes.

You can also add more details such as small feathers or veins on the wings. Take your time and don’t rush this step. It’s the little details that make your drawing stand out.

Practice and Patience

Drawing a big bird can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Just remember to practice and be patient. Don’t get discouraged if your drawing doesn’t turn out the way you want it to. Keep practicing and try different bird species to challenge yourself.

With time and practice, you’ll be able to draw big birds like a pro. So grab your materials and start drawing today!

Thank You for Reading and Happy Drawing!

I hope you found these tips helpful in drawing your very own big bird. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to draw multiple times until you get the hang of it. And be sure to experiment with different colors and textures to make your artwork come to life! Thank you again for reading, and don’t forget to stop by again for more fun and exciting drawing tutorials. Happy drawing!