Australian wedge-tail eagles are majestic birds of prey known for their graceful flight and striking appearance. Drawing these magnificent creatures can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Whether you are an aspiring artist or simply want to try your hand at sketching, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to draw a simple Australian wedge-tail eagle in flight.
Before you begin, gather the necessary materials:
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Drawing paper
Now, let’s get started with the first step:
Step 1: Draw the outline of the eagle’s body and wings
Begin by lightly sketching an elongated oval shape for the body of the eagle. Then, draw two slightly curved lines extending from the body to represent the wings. Make sure to leave enough space for the head and tail feathers.
Next, move on to the second step:
Step 2: Add details to the head and wings
Refine the outline of the eagle’s head by drawing a curved line for the beak and an almond-shaped eye. Then, add feather-like details to the wings by sketching diagonal lines that follow the curve of the wing shape.
Now, let’s move on to the third step:
Step 3: Draw the tail feathers and legs
Extend the lines of the wings to create the tail feathers. These feathers should be longer and more spread out than the wing feathers. Then, add two small triangles at the bottom of the body to represent the legs.
Finally, we will move on to the last step:
Step 4: Refine and shade the drawing
Once you are satisfied with the overall shape and proportions of your eagle, go over the lines with a darker pencil or pen to make them more defined. Add shading to the body, wings, and feathers to give your drawing depth and dimension.
With practice, you can experiment with different poses, angles, and details to create more intricate and realistic drawings of Australian wedge-tail eagles. Remember to be patient and have fun as you develop your drawing skills!
Materials you will need for drawing
Before you start drawing an Australian wedge-tail eagle flying, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. Here are the materials you will need:
Paper
Choose a high-quality drawing paper, preferably one that is thick and smooth. This will provide a better surface for your drawing and prevent any smudging or tearing.
Pencils
You will need a range of pencils to create different shades and textures in your drawing. Start with a set of graphite pencils ranging from 2H to 6B. The H pencils are harder and lighter, while the B pencils are softer and darker.
Additionally, you can also include a charcoal pencil for adding deeper shadows and a softer texture to your drawing.
Eraser
An eraser is a crucial tool for any artist. Choose a kneaded eraser or a vinyl eraser, as they are gentle on the paper and can be easily molded to erase specific areas or create highlights.
Blending tools
To achieve smooth transitions and soften harsh lines in your drawing, you will need blending tools. This can be a blending stump or a tortillon made of rolled paper, or you can use a soft cloth or cotton swabs as alternatives.
These tools will help you smudge and blend the graphite or charcoal on the paper, creating a more realistic and textured look.
Reference image
Find a clear and detailed reference image of an Australian wedge-tail eagle in flight. This will help you accurately capture its features, proportions, and overall appearance. You can search for images online or use a book or magazine as a reference.
Having these materials ready before you start drawing will ensure that you have everything you need to create a beautiful and accurate representation of an Australian wedge-tail eagle flying.
Step by step guide on drawing the eagle’s body:
Follow these simple steps to draw the body of an Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle:
- Start by drawing a slightly curved line slightly tilted to the right for the eagle’s back.
- Extend the line downwards and curve it slightly outward to create the eagle’s belly.
- Next, draw a small circle towards the front of the line to represent the eagle’s head.
- From the head, draw a line curving downwards and slightly to the right for the beak.
- Extend the line upwards and slightly to the left to create the top part of the beak.
- Draw a small circle towards the bottom of the head to form the eagle’s eye.
- Below the eye, draw a small curved line to represent the beak’s lower section.
- Add two short, straight lines at the bottom of the body to form the legs.
- Connect the legs with curved lines to create the feet.
- Finally, draw a pair of wings on the sides of the body. Start by drawing a long, curved line extending from the back towards the bottom of the page. Then, draw several curved lines extending from the first line to form the individual feathers.
With these steps, you have completed the basic outline of an Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle’s body. You can now proceed to add more details and refine the drawing further.
Adding details to the eagle’s wings and feathers
Once you have sketched the basic shape of the Australian wedge-tailed eagle flying, it’s time to add details to its wings and feathers. This will help bring your drawing to life and give it a realistic appearance. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Outlining the primary and secondary feathers
Start by outlining the primary and secondary feathers on the eagle’s wings. These feathers are larger and more prominent than the other feathers on the wings. Use short, curved lines to create the shape of the feathers, following the natural curve of the wing.
2. Adding texture to the feathers
To make the feathers look realistic, add some texture to them. Use small, feathery strokes to create the appearance of individual feathers. Vary the length and direction of the strokes to add depth and dimension to the wings.
Tips:
- Start by adding texture to the primary feathers and then work your way towards the secondary feathers.
- Leave some space between the feathers to create a natural look.
- Pay attention to the direction and angle of the feathers, as they will give your drawing a sense of movement.
3. Adding details to the wingtips and tail feathers
Focus on adding details to the wingtips and the tail feathers of the eagle. These parts usually have more distinct markings and patterns. Use short, curved lines to outline the individual feathers and add texture to them.
4. Refining and adjusting the details
Take a step back and assess your drawing. Make any necessary adjustments to the details of the wings and feathers. Add more texture or refine the shape of the feathers if needed. Pay attention to the proportions and symmetry of the wings to ensure a balanced and realistic look.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different techniques to achieve the desired effect. With time and patience, you will be able to create a stunning drawing of an Australian wedge-tailed eagle flying, with intricate details on its wings and feathers.
Bring your drawing to life with shading and textures
Adding shading and textures to your drawing of the Australian Wedge-tail Eagle will help bring it to life and give it depth. Here are some tips to help you achieve a realistic and three-dimensional look:
1. Start with light sketching
Begin by lightly sketching the basic outline of the eagle and its wings using a pencil. This will serve as a guide as you add shading and textures later on.
2. Use cross-hatching for shading
To create shading, use the technique called cross-hatching. This involves making a series of parallel lines in one direction, and then adding another set of parallel lines in a different direction to create a cross-hatched pattern. Vary the spacing and angle of the lines to create the desired shading effect.
Pay attention to the areas where the light hits the eagle, such as the top of the wings and the head. These areas will have less shading and appear lighter compared to the shaded areas.
3. Add texture with stippling
To add texture to the feathers, use a technique called stippling. Stippling involves creating small dots or stipple marks on the surface of the drawing to mimic the texture of feathers. Start with lighter stipple marks and gradually increase the density and intensity to create depth and dimension.
Focus on the areas that have more pronounced feathers, such as the wings and tail. This will help make the drawing look more realistic and detailed.
Remember to step back and observe your drawing from a distance to ensure that the shading and textures are balanced and cohesive. Make adjustments as needed to achieve the desired effect.
With these shading and texturing techniques, your drawing of the Australian Wedge-tail Eagle will come to life with a realistic and dynamic appearance. Practice and patience are key, so don’t be afraid to experiment and refine your techniques as you go along. Happy drawing!
Final touches and finishing your eagle drawing
Once you have completed the basic outline and details of your Australian wedge-tailed eagle, it’s time to add the final touches to bring your drawing to life. Here are some steps to help you finish your eagle drawing:
- Add shading: Use hatching and cross-hatching techniques to create shadows and texture on the eagle’s feathers. Pay attention to the direction of the feathers and use lighter and darker tones to create depth.
- Enhance the eye: Draw a small circle for the eye and add a highlight to make it look more realistic and alive. Use a darker tone around the eye to create depth.
- Refine the beak and talons: Add more details to the beak and talons to make them look sharp and realistic. Pay attention to the shape and texture of these features.
- Add feathers: Use short, curved lines to draw the individual feathers on the eagle’s wings and body. Pay attention to the direction of the feathers and make them appear layered and textured.
- Define the background: Consider adding a simple background element to enhance the overall composition of your drawing. It could be a sky, clouds, or a branch for the eagle to perch on. Keep it minimal to avoid distracting from the main subject.
- Clean up any smudges: Use an eraser to carefully remove any stray lines or smudges that may have occurred during the drawing process. This will give your final drawing a clean and polished look.
Remember, practice is key to improving your drawing skills. Don’t be afraid to try different techniques and experiment with your artwork. With time and effort, you’ll be able to create stunning drawings of Australian wedge-tailed eagles and other subjects.
