Notebook and Pen: Keeping a bird journal (or sketchbook in my case), can help you record your observations, note distinctive features of birds, and track your progress over time. If you sketch in the field, your first few sketches will likely be rough and unfinished, and that’s ok. Learning outside creates lots more possibilities for hands-on (kinaesthetic) learning than with inside learning spaces. By following these seven steps and adding your personal touch, you’ll be able to capture the essence of these incredible creatures on paper.

These feather groups define the shape and contours of a bird and the patterns on the feathers relate directly to the underlying feather group. Encourage close and slow looking by talking as they draw – use your voice to attract their attention to features of the bird. Pay attention to the unique features of the bird you’re drawing – whether it’s the intricate patterns on its feathers or the distinct markings around its eyes.Use various grades of pencils to create gradients and shadows, giving the bird a three-dimensional appearance. With such a stunning reference photo I was really looking forward to painting the three little chicks. I saw yesterday your 2018 “tube” video in which you explain your new method to draw birds avoiding the “snow bird” and the “sausage bird”. Bill Shape: The shape and size of a bird’s bill (beak) can provide valuable clues about its feeding habits and habitat.

I tend to use a grid I’ve printed on to specialist acetate, feel free to download the templates below. Which just goes to show the extent of my ignorance when it comes to the subject, let alone how to start to draw birds! I came to want to find out more about the process of drawing birds after a particular afternoon in lockdown whilst sitting at the kitchen table attempting to educate my little people!I can’t thank you enough for your most inspiring Life Work that ignite the creative freedom-loving spirit within us. Note that it’s knee is actually hidden up under its feathers and the joint you sometimes see below the body is actually its ankle! Add a slightly pointed beak, mark the placement of the eyes, and sketch the wings’ primary and secondary feathers.

If you publish a drawing that is significantly based on one of these photographs, please acknowledge the photographer in the credits. Experiment with Styles: Once you’ve mastered the basics, feel free to experiment with different styles, from realistic to more abstract interpretations. I quickly snapped a picture and entered them into my daily lockdown journal as an accompaniment to my daughter plugging away at her daily homework. In the example above I didn’t have any tracing paper, so I drew on the print out, which was on pretty thin paper, instead. They form a constant presence in my own sketchbooks and I love the process of slowing down to observe and then capture this subject.Hand drawn goldfinch sitting among wildflowers Hand drawn goldfinch sitting among wildflowers and flying butterflies. If you sit still for a little while, you will notice that some bird species are really inquisitive and will come close to investigate, others will simply accept you as part of the landscape and sit next to you and go about their daily business. Being a watercolour artist I am always dreading the drawing bit, but I really enjoyed the tutorial and your invaluable experience. Remember, each bird you draw is a stepping stone toward honing your artistic abilities and developing your unique style.

Sketching birds can add enjoyment and increased knowledge to this wonderful pastime – sketching requires you to observe closely, and sketching will help you keep an active memory of what you saw in the field. From soaring birds of prey to cute ducks these step by step tutorials will teach any child how to draw a bird easily! I’ve already talked your ear off with reasons to start bird-watching and how to get started with birding, so sketching birds could be the next step!This brilliant Art: Wildlife UKS2 Unit Pack includes all the lesson packs and additional and home learning resources included in the PlanIt UKS2 Art unit 'Wildlife'. Children will start to appreciate wildlife more as they grow and likely take on a deeper care for the environment. If your ego was getting in the way, he would tell you that if “all you wanted was praise, you could go home to your mother!