Ever wanted to draw wings and make them look realistic? You don’t have to be an expert artist to create wings that look both beautiful and lifelike. All it takes is a little practice and the right techniques, and you can have wings that would even make a real bird jealous.
To begin, gather your supplies – paper, pencils and erasers. Choose something slightly thicker (like cardstock) so you can be more confident as you draw. Next, draw a line that’s slightly curved toward the top, like an upside down “U”. This will form the foundation for the shape of the wings.
Once your line is in place, lightly draw an image of the feathers – this will help you shape the wings. Be sure to vary their size and length to give the wings an organic feel. And remember: don’t press too hard – it’s important to keep your pencil strokes light at this point.
Now it’s time to bring your wings to life. Add shading to build depth and texture. Short, patchy lines will give you a feathery effect, while longer, curved lines will create a rounder shape. This is a great chance to experiment, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
For the finishing touch, use a softer pencil to add some shadow to the center of your wings. This will give them a bit of volume and really make them pop. A few dark lines in the middle can also create a natural looking tilt.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how to draw wings, let’s take it a step further. Here are four more tips for taking your wings to the next level.
1. Draw Feathers of Different Sizes
Feathers come in all different sizes – from the smallest down feathers to the large primary wing feathers. Work in different sizes and lengths to give the wings a more realistic look.
2. Incorporate Highlights
Highlighting your wings will make them look 3-dimensional and take your drawing to a whole new level of detail. Change up your pressure while you draw and use some white/brightly colored pencils to create a luminous appearance.
3. Sketch some Bones
Once you have the feathers in place, you can add some subtle details to enhance the wings. Draw a few small bones to give them a skeleton-like feel, or choose some defining characteristics to make them unique.
4. Let the Light Shine Through
Shadows will give your wings dimension and make them stand out, but carefully placed highlights will make them sparkle. If you’re drawing a bird with colorful plumage, don’t forget to add a light reflecting off the vibrant feathers.
Drawing realistic wings doesn’t have to be hard. With the right supplies and techniques, you can create stunningly beautiful wings that will be admired both near and far. So take your time, try different things, and soon enough you’ll be able to make any bird of your imagination come alive on the paper.
