Drawing Toucans for Beginners
Taking on a new project like drawing a toucan can seem daunting – but don’t let that stop you! With a few simple steps and a lot of enthusiasm, you can learn how to draw these exotic birds in no time. Here are a few tips that beginner toucan artists should keep in mind as they get started.
Choosing Your Supplies
When it comes to drawing toucans, the right materials can go a long way. To start with, select a lightweight sketchbook and some bright colored pencils. Don’t go too dark on the colors, as that can make your grand toucan drawing look dull. Consider other items like watercolor pencils, pastels, or markers that can create specific effects, like adding toucan feathers. Whichever type of art supplies you choose, make sure you have enough of them so you don’t need to keep stopping mid-drawing.
Making A Toucan Outline
Once you have your supplies ready, you can get started on your toucan sketch. Begin by making a light outline of the toucan, starting with its body and ending with the beak and feet. Make sure to arm yourself with reference photos of your chosen toucan so you can make sure your measurements are accurate. Don’t be afraid to draw lightly with the pencil – you can add details and extra lines later.
Adding Toucan Feathers
Once your outline is complete, it’s time to add the details. To make your toucan look even more realistic, it’s important to get the feathers right. Work in sections along the body, carefully drawing the feathers one one by one. Different types of toucans tend to have different feather patterns (like an ombre effect) and color combinations, so keep that in mind as you work. For more authenticity, vary the lengths of the feathers ever so slightly.
Adding Details and Finishing Touches
Once your toucan outline and feathers are complete, you can start adding details and texture. Draw lines on the feet and beak to look like scales, and experiment with different shading techniques to give the toucan body some depth. You can also highlight parts of the toucan’s body or face with a brighter colored pencil. Finally, once you’re happy with your drawing, use an eraser to clean up any lines and make sure everything looks smooth and finished.
Adding Contours and Color
Now you can make your toucan look even more lively with contours and color. Use a darker colored pencil for the contours and use quick, bold strokes to make them stand out. You can also start filling in parts of your toucan with colored pencils, following the feather nexts you already drew. If you’d like, you can also add a bit of watercolors or markers to add some splashes of color and texture.
Transforming Toucan Lines Into Art
Armed with a few simple steps, it’s easy to turn a toucan outline into a work of art. Take your time as you work, and before you know it, you’ll have a finished toucan drawing that you’re proud of. So don’t be afraid to grab those art supplies and give toucan drawing a try – you might be surprised what you can create!