How to Draw Eagle Flying Step by Step Guide

Drawing an eagle in flight can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and a little patience, it can also be a rewarding experience. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to sketch and shade an eagle effortlessly. So, let’s get started!

Materials You Will Need

Before we begin, let’s make sure you have all the necessary supplies.

Pencil
Eraser
Paper
Blending stump or cotton swab(optional)
Reference image or photo

Step 1: Sketching the Basic Shapes

The first step in drawing an Eagle Flying is sketching the basic shapes. This step is essential in getting the proportions of the eagle correct.

begin with a circle for the head and an oval for the body
Draw a line within the oval to define the spine
Sketch the wings and tail, keeping in mind that they will be spread out and appear much larger in size.
Draw lines for the legs and feet.

Step 2: Refining the Outline

Once the basic shapes are in place, refine the outline, making it more detailed to resemble an eagle accurately.

Draw the head, beak, and eye of the eagle
Give shape and texture to the wings and tail
Define the talons and claws of the eagle
Refine the outline and proportions of the eagle

Step 3: Adding Details

Now that the basic outline is complete, add more details to your eagle drawing. This step brings the eagle’s features to life, making it more realistic.

Sketch the feathers of the Eagle utilizing light pencil strokes.
Add texture and definition to the wings and tail feathers.
Incorporate details to the head, such as the eyebrow, nostrils, and mouth of the eagle.

Step 4: Shading the Eagle

Shading the eagle gives depth and definition to the artwork. Ensure that you use a combination of light and dark shades to give it a realistic look.

Start by filling out the lightest areas with shading.
Follow by filling the darker areas with shading
Use back and forth strokes for a smoother look
You can add more shading to the wings and tail, so they look more defined.

Step 5: Blending and Smudging

Using a blending stump or cotton swab, blend and smudge the fine lines and shading to give it a seamless look.

Gently run the blending tool over the shading in circular motions.
This effect leads the shading into each other, giving the artwork a seamless look.
Be sure to wipe any excess lead off the blending tool before using it to avoid contamination.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Now that you have completed shading and blending, give your art its finishing touches.

Erase any unnecessary pencil markings that remain
Define the shadows in the artwork using darker shades
Add any additional details such as background or sky.

Step 7: Congratulate Yourself

You’ve done it! Drawing an eagle flying is not easy, but with effort and practice, you’ve produced a beautiful and detailed masterpiece!

FAQs

Q. What if I can’t draw the basic shapes correctly?

A. Don’t worry; this is a common situation. Take your time, practice and refer to various reference images to get the proportions and shapes correct.

Q. What type of pencil should I use for shading?

A. Use a 2B pencil or softer for shading.

Q. How do I make my eagle drawing look more realistic?

A. Focus on the detailing of the wings, body, and eyes, so it appears as real as possible. Once shading is complete, use highlighters to add reflective light and create an element of realism.

Q. Can I use similar steps on different animals or subjects, or does it require different processes?

A. The steps mentioned for eagle drawing can apply to various subjects, including animals or things, with minor changes in the shapes, outlines, and shading.

Q. Do I need the exact reference image to complete the eagle drawing?

A. Though it’s helpful, you don’t require an exact reference image. Use multiple reference images to get various perspectives, giving you a good idea of the Eagle’s features, proportions, and outline.