Learning how to draw birds in flight can be a rewarding experience. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a flying bird, along with additional resources for drawing various other bird species. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills, this comprehensive guide offers valuable tips and techniques.
Drawing a Bird in Flight: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own flying bird drawing:
Step 1: The Initial Curve
Initial curve for bird drawing
Begin by drawing a long, gentle curve that culminates in a spiral at one end. This spiral will form the bird’s head. Add a small dot inside the spiral to represent the eye.
Step 2: Forming the Tail
Adding a line for the tail
Draw a straight line that intersects the end of the curved line and extends to touch the upper edge of the spiral. This line will serve as the foundation for the bird’s tail.
Step 3: Outlining the Wings
Adding a curved line for the wings
Draw a curved line just below the head to initiate the outline of the wings. This line should mimic the curvature of the bird’s body.
Step 4: Shaping the Tail and Beak
Connecting lines to form the tail and adding a beak
Connect the two lines on the left side of your drawing with a straight line to create a triangular shape for the tail. Then, add a small triangle to the head for the bird’s beak.
Step 5: Refining the Features
Refining the tail, eye, beak and wings
Add lines on either side of the tail to broaden its base. Slightly enlarge the eye. Draw a V-shaped line at the base of the beak to define the mouth. Enhance the wings by making them more pronounced. At this stage, you have a basic cartoon bird. You can stop here or proceed to add more detail.
Step 6: Adding Detail and Feathers
Adding feather details
Sketch in fine lines and details as illustrated in the image above to create the texture and appearance of feathers on your bird. This will give your drawing a more realistic look.
Coloring Your Bird Drawing
Completed colored bird drawing
Now, it’s time to bring your drawing to life with color! Use colored pencils, markers, crayons, or any medium you prefer. Experiment with different colors and patterns to create a unique and vibrant bird.
Additional Resources for Drawing Birds
Learning to draw birds involves understanding their diverse forms and postures. Here are some supplementary resources:
Diagram illustrating how to draw different flying birds
- Flying Birds Worksheet: Download a printable PDF worksheet featuring various flying birds to practice your drawing skills. Click HERE for the Full Size Printable PDF of the Birds in Flying Birds Drawing Worksheet
Vintage illustration demonstrating how to draw birds
- Bird Drawing Page: Explore a vintage bird drawing guide with step-by-step instructions for drawing birds in different poses. Click HERE for the Full Size Printable of the Bird Drawing Page
Vintage diagram for drawing swans
- Swan Drawing Lesson: Learn how to draw a swan with this printable worksheet featuring detailed illustrations. Click HERE for the Full Size Printable of Swan Drawing Lesson
Vintage worksheet showing how to draw parakeets and parrots
- Parrot Drawing Worksheet: Practice drawing parakeets and parrots with this vintage-inspired worksheet. Click HERE for the Full Size Printable of the How to Draw Parrots worksheet These resources provide ample opportunity to hone your bird drawing skills and explore different techniques.
