Barn owls are beautiful birds of prey with distinctive heart-shaped faces. Drawing a barn owl can be a fun and rewarding experience that will also help you learn new drawing skills.
Materials Needed:
- Paper
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black Marker or Pen (Optional)
Step 1: Sketch the Basic Shapes
Start by lightly sketching the basic shapes of the barn owl. Draw a circle for the head, a teardrop shape for the body, and two long rectangles for the wings.
Step 2: Add the Details
Now, add the details that define a barn owl. Draw the heart-shaped face in the circle for the head. Then, add the beak, eyes, and ears. Barn owls have striking eyes that are often the focus of the drawing. Be sure to draw the eyes large and circular.
Step 3: Add the Feathers
Barn owls are known for their feather patterns, which often resemble spots or speckles. Start by adding the feathers to the body of the owl, then work your way up to the wings and head. Be sure to add the feathers in layers, starting with the largest feathers and gradually adding smaller ones.
Step 4: Shade the Owl
Use shading to create depth and dimension in the drawing. Start by shading the body and wings to create a sense of volume. Then, add shading to the face and eyes to create a sense of depth. Hatching or cross-hatching techniques are effective for shading.
Step 5: Add Final Details
To make the barn owl drawing more realistic, add any final details. This may include shadowing, highlights, or additional texture on the feathers or beak.
Extra Tips and Techniques:
• Work from Reference Images:
Working from a reference image can help you better understand the barn owl’s appearance, while also offering a way to check your progress. You can print out a reference photo or draw from a smartphone or tablet.
• Use Light Sketch Lines:
To avoid messiness, use light sketch lines and gradually darken them to create the final drawing.
• Practice Makes Perfect:
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Keep practicing, and don’t give up when you fail.
FAQs:
1. Can I draw a barn owl in color?
Yes! You can use colored pencils, markers, or paints to add colour to your barn owl drawing.
2. How many types of barn owls are there?
There are around 16 different species of barn owls around the world.
3. Can I use a pen to draw the barn owl?
Yes, you can use a ballpoint pen or a felt-tip pen to draw the owl. However, make sure you are comfortable with your lines because they can’t be erased.
4. Should I start with the head or body first?
It’s up to you which part you start first. Some people prefer starting with the head because it’s the focal point of the barn owl, while others prefer starting with the basic shapes of the body.
5. How long does it take to draw a barn owl?
The time to create the drawing depends on your skills and the level of detail you want to add. It may take between 30 minutes to 3 hours to create a barn owl drawing.
6. Can I use a tablet to draw a barn owl?
Yes! With the help of a stylus, you can draw on your tablet or smartphone. You can use different apps like Procreate and Adobe Sketch to create your masterpiece.