Learn how to draw a bird head step by step

Drawing a bird head is a great way to improve your artistic skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, it is important to master the basic techniques of drawing bird heads in order to create a realistic and detailed image. If you’re interested in learning how to do so, then this step-by-step guide will help you achieve your goals.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of drawing a bird head step-by-step, from sketching the basic shapes to adding the final details. You don’t need to have any prior art skills or experience to start, just grab your pencil and let’s get started! With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be able to create a beautiful bird head in no time. So, let’s delve into the world of bird drawing and bring your masterpiece to life!

Section 1: Materials Needed to Draw a Bird Head

Materials and Tools Needed

Before you start to draw a bird head, there are certain tools and materials you will need to have on hand to ensure that your project is a success. Here’s a list of the materials needed to draw a bird head:

1. Pencils – you should have a pencil of at least two different types, preferably a soft and a hard one.

2. Sketchpad – it’s essential to have a sketchpad with good-quality paper.

3. Eraser – you will need an eraser to make changes and adjustments to your artwork.

4. Ruler – a ruler will come in handy when you have to measure and divide lines.

5. Compass – using a compass to draw accurate circles is a must.

6. Color pencils or markers – if you choose to color your drawing, make sure you have quality color pencils or markers.

7. Reference Images – have a few reference images of the bird whose head you want to draw.

8. Patience – drawing a bird head may take time and patience, so make sure you have both.

9. Table or Desk – choose a comfortable workspace to ensure you are in the right frame of mind when creating your artwork.

10. Good lighting – an adequate light source will help you to see the details of your drawing accurately.

Section 2: How to Sketch a Basic Outline of a Bird Head

Sketch a Basic Outline of a Bird Head

Before you draw a bird head, you need to create a basic outline to guide you in your drawing. Here’s how to sketch a basic outline of a bird head step by step:

Step 1: Draw a Circle – Begin by sketching a perfect circle, which will be the head of the bird.

Step 2: Add a Beak – Sketching the beak is easy. You can do this by drawing a triangular shape that extends from the circle.

Step 3: Add Eyes – With the help of a compass, draw two circles for the eyes on both sides of the head.

Step 4: Sketch the Feathers – The next step is to sketch the feathers coming out of the bird’s head. The feathers must follow the flow of the head.

Step 5: Add Important Details – Add details such as creases and curves to the feathers and beak for a realistic look.

Step 6: Erase Extra Lines – Erase any extra or unwanted lines from the sketch, leaving only the basic outline.

Step 7: Refine your Sketch – Refine the basic outline of your bird head, making it more detailed and adding in any features you may want.

Step 8: Shade Your Sketch – Adding shades to your bird head can give it a more three-dimensional appearance.

Step 9: Final Touches – Make the final touches to your artwork to give it a polished and finished look.

Step 10: Celebrate your masterpiece – Enjoy and celebrate your finished bird head drawing!

Section Two: Materials Needed for Drawing a Bird Head

The Essential Tools and Materials to Get Started

Before diving into how to draw a bird head step-by-step, you will need a few essential tools and materials to make your imaginative visions come to life. When it comes to drawing, the perfect drawing tool or paintbrush can feel like an extension of your arm. It makes it easier to create with precision and confidence. Here are ten items you will need to get started:

1. Drawing Pencils

To begin your journey of drawing, you will need a good set of pencils. A range of different graphite grades, from H to 9B, would be ideal for achieving various shades, contours, and character lines.

2. Paper

The right type of paper can make all the difference. A good-quality paper, such as bristol, or a heavier paper like watercolor paper, is key to ensuring your drawing looks professional and takes the medium well.

3. Erasers

An eraser is a necessary tool for any artist. While you may want to erase any mistakes you make, an eraser can also be used to create texture and highlights in your drawing.

4. Tortillon / Blending Stumps

A tortillon or blending stump is a tool used to blend or manipulate the graphite in your drawing. It’s handy in creating texture or in smudging edges and shadows to achieve a realistic look.

5. Sharpener

A sharpener is a must-have tool for pencil drawings. A dull pencil is frustrating and difficult to work with, so you need a sharpener to ensure your pencils are always sharpened and ready to go.

6. Compass

Compasses are fundamental when drawing circles or arcs of any sort. You can use them to create a perfectly round head shape or more complex shapes.

7. Rulers

Rulers are essential when drawing straight lines, for creating precise measurements, or in arranging shapes in a balanced manner. Be sure to have one or two, with different lengths to get the angles you need.

8. Paint Brushes

If you wish to add some color to your drawings, make sure you have a set of good quality paintbrushes in various sizes and shapes. It’s crucial to invest in soft and hard bristle brushes, flat and round tips for better control and greater detail.

9. Paints or Colored Pencils

Paints or colored pencils are optional materials, but they can add vibrancy and life to your drawings. Having a small variety of watercolors, acrylics, or colored pencils can quickly add a touch of realism to your bird drawings.

10. References/Image References

Inspiring image references or study references can also ignite creativity in your drawing process. The internet is full of useful resources, from bird images that you can search from Google images or video tutorials on YouTube to numerous bird-related blogs, forums, and photography websites.

In conclusion, investing in the right tools and materials can make all the difference in your drawing journey. So, make sure you have the basics and go beyond the essential for those who want to experiment with different techniques and styles. In the next section, we will guide you on how to create a proportionate head.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Draw a Bird Head

After mastering the basic shapes and proportions of a bird, it’s time to dive into the details of drawing a bird head. Here are five easy steps to follow:

Step 1: Sketch the Basic Head Shape

Start by drawing a circle for the head and a small oval for the beak. Next, add a line for the neck and another line for the center of the head. These lines will guide you in adding the details later on.

Step 2: Outline the Features

Using your reference image, outline the basic features of the bird head such as the eyes, beak, and feathers around the face. Pay close attention to size and placement.

Step 3: Add Details to the Eyes

The eyes are an important feature of any animal drawing, so take your time in adding the details. Start with the iris and pupil, then add feathers around the eye to make it look more realistic.

Step 4: Add Feathers and Texture

Feathers give the bird its distinct look and texture. By adding strokes in different directions and varying pencil pressure, you can create a texture that looks like feathers.

Step 5: Shade and Color

Finally, add shading to give your drawing dimension and depth. Lightly shade the beak and use darker strokes to create shadows on the head. If you want to add color, choose shades that complement the bird species you are drawing.

With practice, you can draw a bird head with ease. Remember to keep your lines light and your proportions accurate. Have fun and let your creativity soar!

Happy bird sketching!

Thanks for taking the time to learn how to draw a bird head step by step. Remember, practice makes perfect and every little sketch brings you closer to your goal. Don’t forget to use different colors, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, have fun! Keep honing your skills and who knows, you may even be able to draw the entire bird someday. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to come back for more great tips and tutorials. Happy drawing!