Birds! From the majestic eagle to the tiny hummingbird, these feathered friends inspire awe and wonder. If you're looking to capture their beauty on paper, you don't need to be a master artist. This guide will show you how to create easy drawings of birds, perfect for beginners and anyone looking for a relaxing and creative outlet. We'll cover simple shapes, basic techniques, and different bird species to inspire your artistic journey.
What Supplies Do I Need to Draw Birds?
Before we get started, let's gather the essentials. You won't need a vast array of materials; simplicity is key!
- Paper: Any drawing paper will do, but thicker paper is preferable to prevent bleed-through, especially if you're using watercolors or markers later.
- Pencil: A standard HB pencil is perfect for sketching. You can also use a 2B for darker lines. A kneaded eraser is handy for lifting pencil marks without damaging the paper.
- Eraser: A good quality eraser is crucial for correcting mistakes.
- Sharpener: Keep your pencil sharp for clean lines.
- Optional: Colored pencils, markers, crayons, or watercolors to add color to your drawings.
How to Draw a Simple Bird: Step-by-Step Guide
Let's begin with a basic bird drawing, perfect for absolute beginners. We'll use simplified shapes to build our avian friend.
- Start with a circle: Draw a small circle for the bird's head.
- Add the body: Attach an oval to the circle, slightly overlapping. This forms the body.
- Draw the beak: Add a small triangle or a slightly curved line below the circle for the beak.
- Create the wings: Draw two slightly curved lines extending from the body, resembling teardrops.
- Add the tail: Draw a small triangle or a fan-shaped tail at the bottom of the body.
- Draw the legs: Add two short lines extending from the bottom of the body for the legs. You can add small feet at the ends.
- Refine the details: Erase unnecessary lines, add details like eyes, and adjust the shape of the wings and tail to your liking.
- Add color (optional): Once you’re happy with your pencil sketch, you can add color with your chosen medium.
How to Draw Different Types of Birds
Now that we've mastered the basics, let's explore different bird types and adapt our approach:
How to Draw a Cartoon Bird?
Cartoon birds are fun and expressive! Simplify the shapes even further. Use larger, rounder circles for the body and head. Exaggerate the beak and eyes for a playful look. Give it oversized, fluffy wings and a cute little tail. Experiment with different poses and expressions!
How to Draw a Robin?
Robins are characterized by their reddish-orange breast. Start with the basic bird shape. Add a rounded chest and clearly define the reddish-orange breast. Pay attention to the shape of the head, which is slightly rounder than other birds. Don't forget the small, dark eyes and the dark, slender beak.
How to Draw an Owl?
Owls have distinctive large eyes and round heads. Start with a large circle for the head. Add two large, dark circles for the eyes. The body is more oval-shaped than a robin's. The wings are broad and rounded. Draw feathered details around the eyes and on the body for a realistic touch.
What are Some Easy Birds to Draw for Beginners?
Many birds lend themselves well to beginner drawings due to their simpler shapes. Consider these:
- Bluebirds: Their simple shape and bright coloring make them easy and fun to draw.
- Sparrows: Their small size and relatively plain features make them good for practicing basic shapes.
- Chickadees: These small birds have a round body and a small, distinctive head.
- Penguins: Though not technically a flying bird, their simple body shape makes them easy to draw for beginners.
What are the Basic Shapes Used in Bird Drawings?
Most bird drawings utilize basic geometric shapes as a foundation. These include:
- Circles: For heads
- Ovals: For bodies
- Triangles: For beaks and tails
- Teardrops: For wings
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. Keep practicing, experiment with different styles, and most importantly, have fun! The joy of creating is the best reward.