12+ Drawing Of A Cardinal References
Drawing A Cardinal: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tools and Supplies Needed
To start drawing a cardinal, you will need the following tools and supplies: a pencil, eraser, fine-tip black pen, ruler, colored pencils, drawing paper, and a reference picture of a cardinal. If you don't have a reference picture, you can find one online or in a book. Having a reference will make the drawing process easier, as you can use it to accurately measure the bird's size and shape. It's also a good idea to have a light source nearby, such as a lamp or window, to help you see the details of the bird.
Step One: Sketching the Cardinal's Outline
Begin by lightly sketching the cardinal's outline. Start with the head and beak, then draw the body and wings. Use the ruler to make the lines straight and exact. Keep the lines light so that you can erase them easily if you need to. Pay attention to the cardinal's proportions, and make sure that the head and body are the correct size in relation to each other. As you draw the wings, make sure that they are large enough that they look realistic. Once you are satisfied with the outline, you can use the fine-tip black pen to make the lines darker.
Step Two: Adding Detail to the Cardinal's Head
Now that you have the outline of the cardinal, it's time to add some detail. Start with the head, as this is the most important part of the bird. Carefully draw the cardinal's facial features, such as the eyes, beak, and crest. Make sure that they are all symmetrical. You can also draw the feathers on the head and neck, paying attention to their shape and size. Once you have finished with the head, you can move on to the body.
Step Three: Adding Detail to the Cardinal's Body
Now that you have drawn the head, it's time to add detail to the body. Start by drawing the wings and tail, paying attention to the shape and size of the feathers. Use the reference picture to help you get the proportions and shapes right. Once you have finished with the wings and tail, you can draw the feathers on the chest and back. Make sure to draw them accurately, as they will be the most visible parts of the drawing.
Step Four: Adding Color to the Drawing
Now that you have finished drawing the cardinal, it's time to add some color. Using the colored pencils, carefully fill in the bird's feathers with the appropriate colors. Pay attention to the reference picture to make sure that you get the colors right. You can also add some shading to the feathers to make them look more realistic. Once you have finished coloring the bird, you can go back and touch up any lines that need to be refined.
Step Five: Finishing Touches
The last step is to add in some final details to the drawing. You can draw some twigs and leaves in the background, or add in some shadows to make the cardinal appear more 3-dimensional. You can also add some texture to the feathers by lightly shading them with the pencil. Once you have finished adding in the details, you can sign your name and the date at the bottom of the drawing.
Final Thoughts
Drawing a cardinal can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With patience and practice, you can create a beautiful piece of art. Remember to use a reference picture, measure the bird's proportions, and add in some details to make the drawing look more realistic. With a bit of practice, you can create a stunning piece of art that you can be proud of!