How to Draw Plumage
When drawing plumage, it's important to create a realistic shape that's filled with detail. A peacock feather, for example, is vibrant and bright, but also includes different shapes and contours that make it unique. To create realistic plumage, you should take your time and use the proper tools to acheive the best results.
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Instructions
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Draw a circle. This circle should be at least 1-inch in diameter. Use a ruler in order to be as precise as possible. Next, draw a narrow rectangle that's a few milimeters in width and five inches in length. The rectangle should be placed underneath the bottom curve of the circle. To connect the circle and rectangle, erase a tiny potion of the cirle using an art gum eraser. The end result should resemble a lollipop shape.
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Lightly draw an inverted triangle at the base where the circle and rectangle meet. After drawing the triangle, erase its top and the point. Contour the sides to so they bend natually with the circle and connect to the rectangle.
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Inside the circle, draw a second circle. This circle should be drawn close to the primary circle. Draw two more circles closer to the middle of the primary circle. Inside the second set of circles, draw a shape that elliptical. This shape should be wider on the sides and narrow on top. Draw another elliptical shape inside. This shape should have a bottom that curves up.
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Inside the rectangle, draw a small, pointed stem. The pointed end should match up with the curve of the second elliptical shape.
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To create bristles, draw several narrow, curved semi-circles with points at the ends. These bristles can be placed along the strem and around the circle. When placing bristles around the circle, make sure they start from the elliptical center. This will create more realistic plumage.
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After completing the feather, use colored pencils to shade in different areas. Because it's a peacock feather, you can choose different colors found in nature that complement your drawing.
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Tips & Warnings
Sketch your drawing first to make sure you create the correct shape. Fill in the sketch once you are satisfied.
