How To Draw A Flying Bird Easily

Are you passionate about art and want to learn how to draw a flying bird? Look no further! In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of drawing a magnificent bird in flight. Our easy-to-follow instructions will help you create a stunning artwork that captures the grace and beauty of these majestic creatures. So, grab your pencils and let’s get started!

Contents

• Materials Needed
• Step 1: Sketching the Basic Framework
• Step 2: Adding Details and Definition
• Step 3: Drawing the Wings
• Step 4: Adding Facial Features
• Step 5: Adding Feathers and Textures
• Step 6: Coloring Your Bird
• Step 7: Final Touches and Highlights
• Frequently Asked Questions

Materials Needed

Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials:

• Pencil (2B or HB)
• Eraser
• Drawing paper
• Coloring tools (colored pencils, markers, or watercolors)

Step 1: Sketching the Basic Framework

The first step is to create a basic framework for your flying bird. Start by drawing a small circle for the head and a curved line for the body. These shapes will serve as your guidelines. Next, sketch a long oval for the bird’s torso and attach it to the body curve. This oval will help define the bird’s pose and posture.

Pro tip:

Keep your initial sketches light and faint so that you can easily adjust and correct any mistakes later on.

Step 2: Adding Details and Definition

Now that you have the basic framework, it’s time to add more definition to your bird. Start by drawing a slightly curved line for the bird’s beak, extending it out from the head circle. Next, sketch two small circles on each side of the head for the eyes.

Once the facial features are in place, add a line to indicate the center of the bird’s body. This line will help you align the wings and tail later on. You can also rough in the position of the legs at this stage, using simple lines for the bird’s feet.

Step 3: Drawing the Wings

The wings are a crucial part of capturing the essence of a flying bird. To draw the wings, start by outlining the basic shape with a series of curved lines. Imagine the wings flapping and use gentle strokes to create a flowing movement.

Once you have the basic shape, add feather details by drawing smaller curved lines along the outline of the wings. Ensure that the feathers follow the natural flow and direction of the wing structure. Don’t forget to add the wingtip and a few scattered feathers for a realistic touch.

Pro tip:

To create a sense of depth, make the feathers closer to you larger and more defined, while the ones farther away should appear smaller and softer.

Step 4: Adding Facial Features

Now it’s time to give your bird some personality by refining its facial features. Use the circles you sketched earlier as a guide for the eyes. Add smaller circles inside the eyes to represent the iris or pupil. Draw a small curved line slightly above each eye for the eyebrows, giving your bird a focused or determined expression.

For the beak, carefully shape it using a combination of straight and curved lines. Pay attention to the proportions and ensure that it aligns with the overall shape of the head. You can also draw small lines to indicate the nostrils and add detail to the upper and lower beak.

Step 5: Adding Feathers and Textures

To make your bird come to life, add feather details all over its body. Start by defining the edges of the wings with curved lines that resemble the outline of individual feathers. Gradually add more curved lines to create the layered effect of overlapping feathers.

Continue adding feather details to the bird’s torso, tail, and even the legs. Remember that feathers on the body generally point backward, while tail feathers fan out. Use light, short strokes to imply the texture and pattern of feathers without adding too much complexity.

Step 6: Coloring Your Bird

If you wish to add color to your bird, now is the time to do so. Consider the species of bird you are drawing and choose a color palette that reflects its natural beauty. Birds come in a wide range of vibrant hues, so let your creativity shine!

Use colored pencils, markers, or watercolors to fill in the outlined shapes. Build up layers of color to achieve depth and shading. Observe the reference you are using or imagine the bird in your mind to determine where shadows should fall and which areas should be highlighted.

Pro tip:

Blending colors and adding gradients can add a realistic touch to your artwork. Experiment with various techniques to achieve the desired effects.

Step 7: Final Touches and Highlights

Finally, refine your drawing by adding any additional details and highlights. Use an eraser to clean up any excess pencil marks or smudges. Add some highlights to the eyes, beak, and feathers to make your bird appear more three-dimensional.

You can also create a background for your bird, such as a sky or branches, to enhance the overall composition. This will help your bird appear more grounded and give it a sense of place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a reference photo while drawing a flying bird?

A: Absolutely! Using a reference photo is a great way to understand the anatomy and position of a flying bird. It will also help you capture the specific details and proportions accurately.

Q: How can I make my bird drawing more realistic?

A: Pay attention to the details! Study the unique features of the bird species you are trying to depict and observe how light and shadow interact with their feathers. Practice drawing feathers with varying lengths and directions to create a sense of realism.

Q: Are there any other techniques I can use to enhance my drawing?

A: Experiment with different line weights and shading techniques to add depth and dimension to your artwork. Consider incorporating texture and patterns found in the bird’s plumage. Additionally, try drawing birds in various poses and angles to expand your skills and creativity.

Q: How long will it take me to master drawing flying birds?

A: Mastery comes with practice, so be patient with yourself. Embrace the learning process and enjoy the journey of improving your skills. With dedication and consistent practice, you’ll see progress over time and develop your own unique style.

Now that you have a step-by-step guide, it’s time to grab your art supplies and start drawing your own flying bird masterpiece! Remember to have fun and let your creativity soar!

Happy drawing!