How To Draw Penguin
Drawing a penguin is easier than you think. From soothing cartoon characters to dramatic black and white illustrations, creating a cute and cuddly creature like a penguin is a great way to relax and get creative. You don’t have to be an artist to draw these beloved birds. With a few simple tips, you’ll be waddling to penguin-drawing success!
First, start off with the right tools. Grab your pencil and paper, a kneaded eraser, and your favorite colored pencils or markers. Set up your work station in a comfortable spot, where you won’t be interrupted. Choose a chair that allows for good posture and supports your posture.
Second, take a few minutes to study a real life penguin from photos or videos online. Pay attention to its body’s shape, the direction of its posture, and the array of colors in its feathers. If you need an extra boost, do a quick sketch of the bird’s body to get an idea of its size and basic structure. This can be a strong reference for the later stages of your drawing.
Third, add the basic shapes and shapes that will form the basis of your drawing. Don’t worry, most of these lines and shapes will be hidden in the end! Start with the top of the head, then draw a curved line as a guide for the neck. Underneath, draw a wide V shape that connects to the heart shaped body.
Fourth, embellish your penguin’s proportions. Make sure the center lines and curves match the curved edges of their wings, the rounded shape of their tail, and the beak and feet. Flatten out the wings, adding the texture of the feathers. Add the eyes and beak, and don’t forget the cute flippers!
Lastly, add the color. Penguins come in all sorts of different shades, from snowy white to a deep navy blue. Add the details until you like how your penguin looks. Erase a few imperfections and refine your lines as you go. Clean up any smudges you may have accumulated along the way.
Creating the Right Posture
Adding the perfect posture to your drawing is essential to a lively and realistic-looking penguin. Begin by lightly drawing an ellipse at the center of its heart. This forms a guideline for creating the neck, shoulders and torso. Draw an S-curve around the ellipse to form the shape of the back, then add the long lines of the neck and head.
Now focus on the wings. To create a graceful and lifelike look, draw long, curved lines that come out of the wing tips and move towards the back of the penguin’s shoulders. The width and length of these wings can be adjusted depending on the position of the penguin you are drawing. For example, if you want your penguin to be swimming, the wings should be wider and more forward facing.
Finally, put your penguin into a pose that looks natural and relaxed. Add gentle curves to the flippers to give them a more dynamic look. Refine the lines of the beak and make sure the eyes are positioned properly.
Adding Feathers and Realistic Textures
To give your penguin a realistic texture, use a kneaded eraser to lightly smudge some of the lines. Create a feathered look with lines of various lengths drawn in the direction of the feathers. To make the body fluffier and add contrast, draw short, wavy lines that cross each other. This will give your penguin that classic cartoon look.
Don’t forget to make the feet look webbed and bubbly! Outline the feet with curved lines that form bubbles. Use the same technique for the wings and the beak. To give the penguin a more realistic look, add a few darker lines as well.
Finishing Touches
Now your penguin is ready for a few finishing touches. Add shading and contrast with darker colors. Define the beak and eyes, adding depth and emotion to the bird. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find a look you like best!
Lastly, add a backdrop behind your penguin. Get creative with a mix of colors and shapes. You could opt for snow, a body of water, or maybe a cute igloo. You can also choose to draw a few additional objects, such as fish, ice, or perhaps some snowflakes. You may be surprised to see how much emotion and liveliness your backgrounds can add to your drawing.
Final Touches
Once your penguin is complete, you may want to give them a few extra touches. Experiment with speech bubbles or add some special accessories to their drawing. A scarf, hat, or ice skates can make all the difference. Be sure to use small, fine lines and colors that bring out the character of your bird.
As you practice, you may find new ways to draw penguins that look great. The goal is to have fun and create something that you are proud of. Drawing penguins doesn’t have to be difficult, and it’s an excellent way to relax and be creative!
