How to Make a Pencil Drawing of a Phoenix Bird
The immortal phoenix has fascinated artists and writers for thousands of years. According to myth, the phoenix bursts into flame and experiences rebirth from its ashes. Perhaps this myth holds the key to the esteem people have for the phoenix, since humans have searched for immortality since the dawn of time.
Because the bird doesn't actually exist, depictions of the phoenix vary based on the artist's creative abilities. If you undertake the task of illustrating this legendary creature, let your imagination run wild and enjoy the process.
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Things You'll Need
- Graphite drawing pencils (2H, HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B)
- Kneaded eraser
- Watercolor paper
- Rags
- Source photos of birds (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare
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1
Decide what type of phoenix you want to illustrate. The phoenix often appears powerful, graceful, or fiery, but ultimately the imagery depends on the feeling you want to convey.
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2
Study images and photographs of birds to acquaint yourself with their anatomy. Powerful birds include eagles and hawks, while doves and egrets appear graceful. In order to illustrate a fiery bird, research fire images in addition to bird photographs. An internet search will return hundreds of photos you might use for reference.
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3
Sketch a few small, rough drawings of your ideas on scrap paper. While you do not have to do this, drawing thumbnail sketches allows you to plan your illustration before using the more expensive watercolor paper.
Lay Out the Composition
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4
Use a 2H pencil to quickly and lightly sketch the basic shapes comprising the bird's pose. Generally, you will need to sketch a circle for the head, an oval for the body, and trapezoidal shapes for the wings, crown and tail feathers. Refer to your reference photos if you get stuck.
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5
Draw faint guidelines to indicate where the eyes and beak will appear. Also indicate the division of feathers on the wings and tail. If drawing highly stylized feathers, photos of peacock plumage may inspire you.
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6
Use the HB pencil to refine the shapes and give form to the phoenix and its feathers. If you make a mistake, use a kneaded eraser to remove it.
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7
Decide from where the primary and secondary sources of light emanate. For example the sun could provide primary lighting with secondary lighting coming from the ground, clouds, or fire below the bird. Draw a small dot or arrow to remind yourself the origin and direction of the light.
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8
Block in areas of shadows using the HB pencil. For now, make the shadow areas basic shape and fill them lightly. Provide for varying shades of gray and the proper transition of light to dark.
Refine the Illustration
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9
Sharpen your HB pencil if necessary, and draw the light and thin lines to illustrate the eyes, beak, and feathers. Work your entire image and don't stay in one area too long.
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10
Refine the shape of your shadows remembering that the bird's muscles affect the shape of the shadows. Stray or ruffled feathers will also cast shadows.
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11
Work from light to dark filling in shadows using progressively softer graphite pencils. For light grays, use the HB or 2B pencil. Then use the 4B for medium to darker grays and the 6B to fill in very dark to black areas.
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12
Blend areas of graphite with clean rags as needed. Cotton and felt smudge graphite very nicely.
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13
Shape the kneaded eraser to selectively erase any bright highlight areas, such as in the eyes or on the beak of your phoenix.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid touching your drawing; use a sheet of copy paper under your hand as you draw.
Drawing from life results in more proportionate illustrations. If possible, visit your local zoo, and bring your sketchbook.
Because the watercolor paper has such a rough tooth, you can build up thick layers of graphite which results in deep, rich shadow areas. Don't hesitate to go really dark in the heart of your shadows.
Do not smudge your drawing with your fingers. This leaves oils on the paper that affect how much graphite you can lay on the paper and causes faster image deterioration.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit phoenix image by Liu xiang from Fotolia.com
