Drawing an ostrich can be a fun and rewarding experience for both beginners and advanced artists. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process, from basic shapes to a finished illustration. By the end, you’ll have a detailed and vibrant drawing of this unique bird.
Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials ready:
1. Pencil with a good eraser
2. Drawing paper
3. Optional: Sharpie or pen for final outlining (after erasing)
4. Optional: Colored pencils, crayons, or paints for adding color
See also: How to Draw an Owl
Laying the Foundation
Start by sketching the basic shapes that will form the foundation of your ostrich drawing. This will help you get the proportions and positioning right before you dive into the details.
Draw the Body: Begin with a large circle to represent the main body of the ostrich. Position this circle slightly towards the lower part of your paper to leave enough room for the head and legs.
Draw the Head: Add an oval shape above and slightly to the right of the main body circle. This oval will serve as the head of the ostrich.
Connect the Head and Body: Draw a curved line from the bottom of the head oval to the top of the body circle. This line will represent the ostrich’s neck, which is long and slightly curved.
Sketch the Legs: Lightly draw guidelines extending downward from the bottom of the body circle to define the position of the legs. Ostrich legs are long and sturdy, so ensure these lines are long enough to accommodate their length.
Refining the Shapes
Now that you have the basic shapes, it’s time to refine them to resemble the ostrich more closely.
Shape the Body: Add a curved line at the front of the body circle to create a more accurate chest and neck connection. The body should taper slightly towards the neck.
Refine the Head and Beak: Refine the head oval by adding a small triangular shape at the front to represent the beak. Ensure the beak is proportionate to the head.
Draw the Eye: Inside the head oval, draw a small circle to indicate the eye. Place it towards the upper part of the head and slightly towards the beak.
Adding Details
With the refined shapes in place, it’s time to add more details to make your ostrich drawing come to life.
Draw the Wings: Draw two curved lines extending from the back of the body to represent the wings. Since ostriches are flightless birds, their wings are short and rounded. Make sure the wings are proportionate to the body.
Detail the Legs: Using the guidelines you drew earlier, add thick, U-shaped lines to define the legs. Ostrich legs are muscular and bend slightly forward at the knee, so keep this in mind while drawing.
Draw the Feet: At the ends of the legs, draw two-toed feet. Each toe should have a small, claw-like tip. Ostriches have strong, two-toed feet that are essential for their fast running.
Add the Tail: Draw a feathered tail at the rear of the body. Start with a small bump and then layer short, curved lines to create a fluffy, textured look.
Finishing Touches
With the primary details in place, it’s time to refine your drawing and add the final touches.
Erase Guidelines: Carefully erase any unnecessary guidelines and construction lines. This will clean up your drawing and make it look more polished.
Refine Outlines: Go over the outlines of your ostrich with a sharper pencil or a pen. Refine the shapes and add more definition to the drawing.
Add Feather Details: To give your ostrich a more realistic appearance, add feather details to the body. Use short, wavy lines to indicate the texture of the feathers. Focus on areas like the wings, chest, and tail.
Add Nostrils: Draw a small nostril on the beak. This detail, though small, will add to the realism of your ostrich drawing.
See also: How to Draw an Ant
Adding Color (Optional)
Adding color can bring your ostrich drawing to life. Use colored pencils, crayons, or paints to enhance your illustration.
Feathers: Ostriches typically have black and white feathers. Color the main body and wings black, and the tail and some wing tips white. Use light, layered strokes to create a feather-like texture.
Beak and Feet: The beak and feet are usually a light brown or gray. Use a soft, even color to fill in these areas, adding slight shading to indicate depth and form.
Eye: Color the eye black, leaving a small white dot to represent the reflection of light. This will give the eye a more realistic and lively appearance.
Tips for Success
To ensure your ostrich drawing turns out great, keep the following tips in mind:
Use Light Pencil Strokes: Start with light pencil strokes so you can easily erase any mistakes. This will make the refining process much smoother.
Take Your Time: Don’t rush the drawing process. Take your time to get the proportions and details right.
Reference Pictures: Refer to pictures of ostriches for a more realistic depiction. Observing real ostriches will help you understand their anatomy and proportions better.
Have Fun and Be Creative: Most importantly, have fun with your drawing. Don’t be afraid to add your own creative touches and personal style.
By following these steps, you can create a detailed and realistic drawing of an ostrich. Remember to take your time, enjoy the process, and let your creativity shine. Happy drawing!
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