How to paint a bird: 5 Bird Paintings Tips & Tricks

The creatures adorning beautiful feathers who break the shell to see the world, the creatures with wings to fly who surpass the doubts and measure the sky, the creatures with voices whose songs paint the air with melodies…. 

Birds with their delicate features, intricate feathers, and captivating presence fills our life with chirping sounds and beautiful memories. Imagine capturing the beauty of these winged beings on a canvas - whether portrayed between lush foliage or soaring high in the sky, each bird painting can tell its own tales waiting to be heard by the birdwatchers.

Prepare yourself as we are going to embark on an avian adventure and discover the valuable tips of easy bird painting before you learn how to paint a bird!

Why should you paint birds? - Bird paint by numbers

Birds, the feathery beings that represent freedom, peace and spirituality are not only admired by artists for their vibrant colors but for their intricate patterns as well. Bird paint by number can foster a deeper connection to nature and wildlife while allowing bird lovers to explore the diversity of the natural world. Birds as subject matter in bird paintings on canvas, lets you explore different styles, techniques and creative expressions. And if you are someone who has a birdie pet then it is the perfect art for you as you can create a customized pet portrait featuring your own feathery jewel capturing their flights on your painting canvas.

Types of Bird Paintings

1. Realistic Bird Paintings: In such paintings, birds are painted with a realistic look with a high level of accuracy. Such paintings showcase birds in their natural habitats with proper texture, lighting and color accuracy.

2. Impressionist Bird Paintings: These bird paintings give the impression of birds instead of showing the details. The subjects in these paintings are made with loose brushstrokes, bold colors and expressive strokes.

3. Abstract Bird Paintings: Such abstract paintings reduce birds to their essential forms and style them in a different way. Artists can experiment with their bird artwork, also inviting viewers to engage on a visual and emotional level.

4. Bird Portraits: These portraits capture the individual character and personality of birds. In such paintings, artists depict the feathers, eyes and beaks with precision so that it gives a realistic appeal to viewers.

5. Narrative Bird Paintings: The narrative bird painting easy uses bird images to tell stories or convey symbolic meanings. Such paintings have an element of fantasy or mythology to explore human emotions.

How to paint a bird? - 5 Tutorials & Tips!

How to paint an owl?

Owls that symbolize wisdom and knowledge in different cultures are known for their majestic appearance. Painting an owl can present as an artistic challenge to artists who are looking to paint the alluring beauty of avian life on canvas. Once you learn how to paint an owl, not only can you create an eye-catching decorative element but you can relish the therapeutic benefits of painting.

Instructions 

#1 Sketch the outline of the owl on your canvas using a pencil. 

#2 Apply a base coat of paint to the owl.

#3 Once the base coat is dry, start adding details to the owl with different hues. 

#4 Use lighter shades to highlight some features of the owl.

Tips: How to paint an owl!

Reference images: Use a variety of reference images of real owls, observe the details so that you can experiment and add special touches to your painting. Pay special attention to the features of your owl painting to make sure the feathers, eyes and the beak are accurately painted.

Start light: Begin with light colors, this will allow you to provide a foundation for your owl painting. In how to paint a bird steps, this step will enable you to easily adjust and refine your painting while giving you a starting point for building up depth and dimension. 

Feather Texture: While painting owl feathers, use varied brushstrokes to depict the natural flow of feathers, adjust density to convey the depth of the painting. Your keen observation and brushwork will lead to realism of your bird painting, enhancing the overall portrait.

Practice: Painting improves persistence as you have to practice in order to achieve a picture perfect painting that tells the stories of your efforts and patience. Embrace mistakes during the painting process and remember to experiment with different styles and approaches.

How to paint a chicken?

Creating a painting of these beloved farm animals can provide a rural aesthetic to your home decor while evoking a sense of nostalgia. These creatures symbolize fertility, abundance, and prosperity further inviting positive energy as per the beliefs of some people. As chickens come in a variety of breeds, you can explore different colors, textures and patterns while painting a chicken.

Instructions

#1 Lightly sketch the outline of the chicken.

#2 Then paint the upper body with a cream shade and the other half of the body light orange.

#3 Paint the details such as the chicken's beak, claws and comb.

#4 Use a darker hue to outline the chicken.

Tips: How to paint a chicken!

Work from Background to Foreground: Whether you paint your chicken in a plain background, a bustling farmyard, a cozy backyard or a serene pasture. Starting the painting from the background will allow you to create depth and give your painting a context.

Embrace Imperfections: Accepting imperfections during the painting process will add a uniqueness to your chicken portrait. Painting a bird is an enjoyable experience that not only connects you to your pet but also connects you with nature as well so make  the process enjoyable and don’t keep any rigid expectations.

Study Bird Painting References: In case you are unable to follow the steps of how to paint a bird,  go through the artwork of other artists. This will help you improvise the results of your painting by understanding their brushwork and elements they used in their work.

Celebrate Your Progress: Painting like any other activity requires time and patience, therefore it is important to celebrate your progress while creating the paintings. Take pride in your accomplishments and take your painting as a stepping stone on your artistic journey.

How to paint a hummingbird?

Hummingbirds represent resilience, adaptability and sweetness in life; painting a hummingbird will allow you to capture the elegant beauty of avian life while fostering a deeper appreciation towards these agile creatures. A hummingbird painting can provide a sense of accomplishment simultaneously improving your painting techniques.

Instructions

#1 Outline the hummingbird with a pencil.

#2 Begin painting with the lighter shades first then move on to the darker hues.

#3 Once complete, add depth & dimension by highlighting some areas.

#4 Lastly, outline the bird & paint the eyes.

Tips: How to paint a hummingbird!

Play with Negative Space: When painting even the negative spaces can work wonders in giving the bird portrait a visual impact worth beholding. The areas left between the bird and other objects can enhance the ethereal presence of hummingbird in the painting giving your composition a sense of openness and freedom.

Use Unusual Color Schemes: Hummingbirds with their vibrant colors are the perfect creatures that can be portrayed on a canvas in the form of a masterpiece. Use different hues and color palettes to make your hummingbird  painting more intriguing and uniquely yours.

Abstract Expressionism: The abstract art is an art form that lets an artist express himself freely with the help of a beautiful color palette. So, if a person is a bird lover eager to paint the beautiful hues of a hummingbird then this art will enable you to experiment with bold brushstrokes and exaggerated proportions.

Infuse Personal Narrative: When learning the steps of how to paint a bird, remember to add a touch of personal narrative in your painting as this additional step will reflect your experiences and emotions. With this, you can weave the theme of your hummingbird painting in a personal and meaningful way.

How to paint a flamingo?

Flamingos with their striking pink plumage and elegant silhouette, make an appealing subject matter for painting and decoration. These birds possess a unique grace in their movements, when portrayed on canvas allows you to venture into the tropical paradises. Painting a flamingo can promote serenity and self assurance in both artists and the viewers. 

Instructions

#1 Lightly sketch the shape of a flamingo. 

#2 Mix the paints and apply the base coat to create a nice background as shown in the painting. 

#3 After painting the background, paint the flamingo.

#4 Add details and final touches to the painting.

Tips: How to paint a flamingo!

Choose your colors wisely: When creating your flamingo bird painting, mixing the right shade of pink is important to get the perfect results. Choose the paints accordingly and add hints of black and white hues to add depth to your painting.

Use directional brush strokes: To paint the feathers of a flamingo, use long and sweeping brush strokes as this will help you in painting the flow and texture of feathers while creating a sense of movement and grace in the flamingo painting.

Add details sparingly: When following the steps of how to paint a bird, it’s important to not get lost in capturing every other small detail and every individual feather. Instead, you should focus on capturing the overall impression and personality of the bird.

Create a sense of depth: Adding some elements in the background of your flamingo painting will create a sense of depth. You can either create rippling water or you can add a contrasting hue after applying the base coat to give your artwork a mysterious yet beautiful feel.

How to paint a duck?

Ducks, known for their appearance, bills and waddling gait when captured in the form of a painting inspires the artists to push the boundaries of creativity and explore the realm of nature art. Painting a duck not only invites positive energy but also brings blessings into your life and your home.

Instructions

#1 Gather the materials and start creating a sketch.

#2 Apply a base coat, before painting the duck.

#3 Paint the white areas first, then add red and brownish shades.

#4 Once completed, outline the duck and add final touches.

Tips: How to paint a duck!

Build up layers: When painting the feathers of a duck on canvas, it is important to begin with the base layer first and then add more layers to build the texture of feathers. Use different brushstrokes to acquire the exact flowing strokes for wing feathers.

Use reference images: As an avian lover, if you want to get the appearance of a masterpiece painting then you should go through some reference images to enhance your understanding of brushstrokes. This will not only guide you in replicating patterns but will also help in selecting colors. 

Use a variety of brush sizes: Creating a duck painting requires painting multiple textures in their feathers and to capture the various patterns in feathers you can use different brushes. Opt for a smaller brush for finer details and larger brush for broader areas.

Use a limited color palette: For this artwork, you need to pick the color palette that comprises a few colors that will compliment the painting instead of mixing multiple hues. Choose the color palette and use them throughout your painting.

Why should you keep bird painting at home? - Beliefs!

• Bring positivity: Keeping an acrylic painting birds in your home can bring joy and positivity as they are commonly associated with freedom and happiness.
• Connection with nature: Paintings of birds can help you connect with nature if you do not have easy access to outdoor green spaces. It can also remind you of the beauty of the natural world.
• Embracing Serenity: Observing abstract bird painting encourages mindfulness providing you moments of calm in the everyday hustle of life.
• Nurturing hope: Birds are symbols of hope, renewal and new beginnings, so creating or keeping such paintings in your home can boost optimism.
• Abundance and Good Fortune: Keeping a bird painting or creating a painting of birds are associated with prosperity, opportunities and good fortune.

Feathery Wrap Up!

The world of birds paintings on canvas reminds us of the profound connection between art and nature. With the help of brushes and canvases, we not only get a glimpse of this beautiful world of feathers but also capture the beauty and spirit of these magnificent creatures. 

So as you embark on your own easy paintings of birds journey with Pets by Numbers, let your heart guide your hand, and may your artwork soar as gracefully as the birds themselves. With practice, patience, and a touch of creativity, you will unlock the magic of birds painting and discover the endless possibilities that await on the wings of imagination.