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

Drawing a bird sitting in a relaxed position can be both fun and challenging. A lot of people are intimidated by the thought of drawing birds as they tend to have complex anatomical features. However, with the right techniques, you can draw a realistic bird that is sitting in a relaxed pose.

It’s important to note that birds come in different shapes and sizes, so you need to pick the one you want to draw and research it first. This research will help you understand its proportions, anatomy, and unique features. Knowing your subject matter is crucial to achieving a realistic drawing. Once you have gained enough knowledge about the bird you want to draw, it’s time to start practicing the basics and gradually progress to more advanced techniques. In this article, we will guide you through the process of drawing a bird sitting in a relaxed pose step by step.

10 Steps to Draw a Bird Sitting

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

The first step in drawing a bird sitting is to gather the necessary materials. You will need a pencil, an eraser, a sheet of paper, and reference photos of the bird you wish to draw. You can find bird photos online or in books.

Step 2: Start with Basic Shapes

Begin by sketching the basic shapes of the bird using your pencil. Draw a small circle for the head, a larger oval for the body, and smaller ovals for the wings and feet. This will create the basic outline of the bird.

Step 3: Add Details

Now it’s time to add the vital details to the bird. Start by working on the head, beak, and eyes. Then proceed to the wings, tailfeathers, and feet. Take note of the bird’s proportions and shape.

Step 4: Shade the Drawing

Use your pencil to shade in the different parts of the bird. Add light shading first and gradually darken it as you progress. Use strokes that follow the direction of the bird’s feathers and add depth to the drawing.

Step 5: Define the Edges

Once the shading is complete, sharpen your pencil and define the edges of the bird’s body. This will give a crisp and clean appearance to the drawing.

Step 6: Work on the Details

Focus on the small details of the bird that make it unique. Add texture to the feathers and other features. Pay attention to the eyes, beak, and claws which add character to your drawing.

Step 7: Create a Background

Now it’s time to bring the bird to life by adding a background. This can be a simple bush, tree or sky. The background can also help set the tone and mood of the image.

Step 8: Erase Guidelines

Use an eraser to remove any guidelines that are still visible in the drawing. This will yield a crisp and well-defined piece of artwork.

Step 9: Add Shadows for Depth

Adding shadows can add depth and realism to your drawing. Observe the light source in the reference photo and use your pencil to add shading where needed.

Step 10: Sign and Date Your Work

Finally, sign and date your work! This may seem insignificant, but it’s a fundamental aspect of professional artwork. Now you have a unique and original piece of art that depicts a bird sitting. Congratulations!

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

Drawing birds can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience if you get the basics right. In the previous section, we have provided an introduction to the different materials you will need to get started. Here, we will give you step-by-step instructions on how to draw a bird sitting:

1. Choose your bird

The first step in drawing a bird is to decide on the type you want to draw. Consider which birds are common in your area, or check out pictures of birds online. Once you have chosen your bird, it is time to put pencil to paper.

2. Sketch out the basic shape

Start by sketching out the basic shape of your bird. Birds sitting often have a rounded shape, with a pear-shaped body, and a head perched on top.

3. Add the details

Once you’ve got the shape down, it’s time to add the details. Observe the bird’s features, such as the beak, eyes, wings, and tail. Draw them carefully, keeping in mind their size and proportion.

4. Draw the feathers

Next, draw the bird’s feathers. Birds have different types of feathers, so make sure to observe your bird carefully. You can draw the outline of the feathers, or add more detail by drawing each feather individually.

5. Add shading

Shading is important to add depth and dimension to your drawing. Decide where the light source is coming from and shade accordingly. Use a range of shading techniques, such as hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling, to add texture to the feathers.

6. Draw the bird’s feet

To complete your bird’s sitting position, you need to draw its feet. Observe how the feet are placed and carefully draw them, keeping in mind their size and position.

7. Check your proportions

Before you finish, it’s important to check your proportions. Ensure that the different parts of the bird are in proportion to each other and that the overall shape looks accurate.

8. Erase any unwanted lines

Once you’re happy with your drawing, use an eraser to remove any unwanted lines. This will give your bird a cleaner, more polished look.

9. Add color

If you want to add color to your drawing, now is the time to do so. Decide on the color palette you want to use and carefully color your bird to bring it to life.

10. Practice regularly

Drawing is a skill that requires regular practice to improve. The more you draw, the better you will become. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques to improve your bird drawing skills.

In conclusion, if you follow these step-by-step instructions, you can learn how to draw a bird sitting. Remember to choose your bird, sketch out the basic shape, add details, draw the feathers, add shading, draw the bird’s feet, check your proportions, erase any unwanted lines, add color, and practice regularly. With practice, you can become a master at drawing birds.

Materials Needed

Drawing birds sitting can be an enjoyable hobby, but like all hobbies, it requires a certain set of materials. Here are some crucial tools you’ll need before you can get started:

Observation is Key

Observation skills are crucial when you’re drawing birds sitting. It’s essential to study a bird’s physical characteristics and body posture to achieve realism and accuracy. Pay attention to its body language and the way its feathers rest against the body. Note the shape of the bird’s beak and claws, how it balances its weight, and how it holds its wings. All of these tiny details will give your drawing believability and depth.

Sketching Out the Bird

Once you’ve studied your reference photographs, it’s time to sketch out the bird. Start with basic shapes that represent the bird’s head, body, and wings. Use light lines to create guidelines for the bird’s legs, tail, and beak, and determine the angle the bird is sitting at. Make adjustments until you’re comfortable with the proportions, and then begin adding details like feathers and texture.

Adding Detail

Now it’s time to add detail to your bird drawing. Use your reference images to observe the specific colors and patterns of the bird’s feathers and apply them gradually. Add shading to give the bird depth; use lines to create texture, and gradually define the bird until it looks like an accurate representation of your reference image.

Finishing Touches

Once you’re happy with your drawing, it’s time to add any final touches. Erase any unnecessary lines, adjust the shading or color if necessary, and add any additional touches that make your drawing unique. Remember, the process of drawing is enjoyable, and the more you practice, the better you will become.

Flying Away

We hope that this article has helped you in learning how to draw a bird sitting in a realistic way. Remember, practice is key when it comes to improving your drawing skills. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t come out perfectly. Keep at it and soon enough, you will be able to draw lifelike birds with ease. Thanks for reading and make sure to come back soon for more art-related tips and tutorials. Happy drawing!