How to Paint a Cardinal

The cardinal is known for its bright red feathers.

The cardinal, also called a "bunting," is a special sight. Its bright red feathers and tufted head make it a unique favorite compared to other North American birds. You can draw and then paint one, step-by-step.

Things You'll Need

• Watercolor paper
• Pencil
• Tempera or gouache paints
• Small watercolor brushes
• Colored pencils
• Cup of water

Instructions

1. Draw a circle for the head. Make your pencil strokes light and remember that it's OK if your pencil lines are irregular and imperfect. They can be changed.

2. Draw the outline of the body below the head. This will be an irregular shape, much like a yam or sweet potato. Add a long rectangular shape that has rounded corners pointing down from the base of the body. This is the tail.

3. Add the pointed tuft on the top of the head and a horizontal line, which will form the beak. A small circle beside the beak will be the eyeball, and a wide, hairpin shape drawn along one side of the body will become a wing.

4. Mix a watery shade of red and paint it over the entire drawn bird. Let it dry.

5. Paint over the bird with more red, making the paint a bit darker and thicker.

6. Use a fine-tipped brush to add details, using brown, black and gray. When the paint is dry, add details with colored pencils.

Tips & Warnings

• Taping paper to the table or countertop will prevent it from warping when you apply paint.

• Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next one. Overworking the paint while it's wet can cause the paper to weaken and shred.

References

• Dragon Art: How to Draw A Cardinal
• Cardinal Bird