How To Draw Realistic Penguin
From the cute Emperor Penguins that grace our screens to the waddling Rockhoppers on the edge of the sea, penguins are indisputably endearing animals. Now, if you’re up for a challenge and want to bring these adorable birds to life through drawing, we’re here to help you out! Whether you’re a beginner looking to get your first penguin drawing off the ground or an experienced sketcher seeking to improve your technique, follow the guide below to create a realistic and beautiful penguin drawing.
Step 1: Sketching the Basic Outlines
Before you get started, grab a pencil, eraser, and high-quality printer paper. To begin your Penguin drawing, sketch the basic outline of the bird. Start with the head, and make sure that it isn’t very broad, since Penguins have narrow heads. Then sketch the beak, the eyes, and the feet. Make sure that the feet are wide and that they look like paddles, with a sharp end.
Step 2: Shading the Body
Now’s the time to shade the basic body of the Penguin and give it a more realistic look. Start with a light layer of pencil for the head, and then gradate as you go down the body, giving darker shades to the tail, wings, and flippers. Add stripes for extra detail, and don’t forget to put in the eye-rings!
Step 3: Drawing the Plumage
Penguins have really interesting plumage, and you have the chance to make your Penguin drawing look fascinating by adding a lot of complicated layers of feathers. Start with very light shades, and then move on to darker, denser ones. Make sure that all the feathers look distinct, and don’t forget to add details like ruffles and pin feathers.
Step 4: Adding Depth
Once you’re done with defining the structure of the Penguin, it’s time to add depth to the entire drawing. Go over the basic outlines of the body, and deepen them with intricate pencil markings. Draw shadows on the bird’s head, feet, and body, making sure that they’re not harsh. Add highlights and mid-tones, as well as distress feathers for added realism.
Step 5: Revising and Finalizing
Take a step back from your drawing, and make sure that all its elements are in harmony. Revise and finalize the drawing by highlighting the highlights, darkening the shadows, and making sure that all the nuances of the Penguin are accurately represented. Finally, you’re ready to add color to your Penguin!
Step 6: Colors
To make your Penguin drawing extra realistic, add color to it with oil or watercolor paints. Start with broad, basic hues, and then add complementary colors to make the drawing more vivid. Don’t forget to add details such as spots, feathers, and feathers at the eyes to give your Penguin an extra realistic look.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once you’re done with the color, you can add finer details to the drawing. Make sure that the eyes, beak, and feet look vibrant and realistic by adding nuanced textures and shading. Use a brush to add whiskers and ruffles, and make sure that they look distinct and crisp. Once you’re done, your realistic Penguin drawing is ready to be framed and admired!
Now that you’ve read our guide, why not give it a go? Develop your skills, be creative and have fun. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up sketching a realistic Emperor Penguin!
From the cute Emperor Penguins that grace our screens to the waddling Rockhoppers on the edge of the sea, penguins are indisputably endearing animals. Now, if you’re up for a challenge and want to bring these adorable birds to life through drawing, we’re here to help you out! Whether you’re a beginner looking to get your first penguin drawing off the ground or an experienced sketcher seeking to improve your technique, follow the guide below to create a realistic and beautiful penguin drawing.
Step 1: Sketching the Basic Outlines
Before you get started, grab a pencil, eraser, and high-quality printer paper. To begin your Penguin drawing, sketch the basic outline of the bird. Start with the head, and make sure that it isn’t very broad, since Penguins have narrow heads. Then sketch the beak, the eyes, and the feet. Make sure that the feet are wide and that they look like paddles, with a sharp end.
Step 2: Shading the Body
Now’s the time to shade the basic body of the Penguin and give it a more realistic look. Start with a light layer of pencil for the head, and then gradate as you go down the body, giving darker shades to the tail, wings, and flippers. Add stripes for extra detail, and don’t forget to put in the eye-rings!
Step 3: Drawing the Plumage
Penguins have really interesting plumage, and you have the chance to make your Penguin drawing look fascinating by adding a lot of complicated layers of feathers. Start with very light shades, and then move on to darker, denser ones. Make sure that all the feathers look distinct, and don’t forget to add details like ruffles and pin feathers.
Step 4: Adding Depth
Once you’re done with defining the structure of the Penguin, it’s time to add depth to the entire drawing. Go over the basic outlines of the body, and deepen them with intricate pencil markings. Draw shadows on the bird’s head, feet, and body, making sure that they’re not harsh. Add highlights and mid-tones, as well as distress feathers for added realism.
Step 5: Revising and Finalizing
Take a step back from your drawing, and make sure that all its elements are in harmony. Revise and finalize the drawing by highlighting the highlights, darkening the shadows, and making sure that all the nuances of the Penguin are accurately represented. Finally, you’re ready to add color to your Penguin!
Step 6: Colors
To make your Penguin drawing extra realistic, add color to it with oil or watercolor paints. Start with broad, basic hues, and then add complementary colors to make the drawing more vivid. Don’t forget to add details such as spots, feathers, and feathers at the eyes to give your Penguin an extra realistic look.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once you’re done with the color, you can add finer details to the drawing. Make sure that the eyes, beak, and feet look vibrant and realistic by adding nuanced textures and shading. Use a brush to add whiskers and ruffles, and make sure that they look distinct and crisp. Once you’re done, your realistic Penguin drawing is ready to be framed and admired!
Now that you’ve read our guide, why not give it a go? Develop your skills, be creative and have fun. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up sketching a realistic Emperor Penguin!
