5 Easy Techniques for Painting a Deer Step-by-Step

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Painting a deer might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a step-by-step approach, it can be a delightful and rewarding experience. This blog will walk you through five easy techniques for an easy deer painting, making it a breeze even for beginners. Let's dive right in!

1. Get Familiar with Your Tools

Before you start your artistic journey, it's important to understand and become comfortable with your tools. They are your allies in this creative process, making your vision of an easy deer painting come to life.

Choose the Right Brushes

Brushes come in all shapes, sizes, and bristle types. For a deer painting, you'll need a variety. Flat brushes are great for larger areas and backgrounds. Round brushes are versatile, perfect for outlines and finer details. Fan brushes work well for creating texture, especially in the deer's fur. Remember, quality matters—opt for brushes that don't shed their bristles.

Pick Your Palette

Choosing the right colors is key to an easy deer painting. A basic palette for a deer might include browns for the fur, white for highlights, black for the eyes and hooves, and greens and blues for the background. Don't be afraid to mix colors to capture the natural variations in the deer's coat.

Understanding Acrylics Vs. Oils

Acrylics and oils are both popular choices for painting, each with its own advantages. Acrylic paints are water-based, dry quickly, and are easy to clean up, making them a good choice for beginners. Oil paints, on the other hand, take longer to dry and allow for more blending, offering a different level of depth and realism. Choose the one that best suits your comfort level and desired effect for your easy deer painting.

2. Sketch the Basic Outline

Once you're comfortable with your tools, it's time to sketch your deer. This may feel intimidating, but remember, every great painting begins with a simple sketch. You're not aiming for perfection here, just a basic guide for your painting.

Observe the Deer Form

Observation is key in sketching. Spend some time studying photographs of deer or, if you're lucky, observe them in nature. Pay attention to their unique characteristics like the shape of their head, their graceful necks, and the strong, slender shape of their bodies. These observations will guide your sketch and make your easy deer painting more authentic.

Draw the Basic Shapes

Break down the deer's form into basic shapes. The body can be seen as a large oval, the head as a smaller one, with triangles for the ears and legs. This isn't your final sketch, but a guide to help you get the proportions right. It's a simple but effective way to start your easy deer painting.

Refine Your Sketch

Once you have your basic shapes down, start refining your sketch. Smooth out the outlines, add details like the eyes, nose, and mouth, and sketch in the fur pattern. This refined sketch will serve as your roadmap when you start painting. Remember, it's okay if it's not perfect—painting is a journey, not a destination!

3. Start with the Background

With your sketch in place, it's time to shift focus to the backdrop of your easy deer painting. A well-crafted background can truly elevate your artwork, creating a sense of depth and setting the scene for your deer.

Choose the Scenery

First, decide what type of scenery you want to create. Do you envision your deer in a lush forest, a serene meadow, or perhaps against a stunning sunset? Your choice of scenery can significantly affect the mood of your painting. Take a moment to imagine the scene. It's all part of the fun of creating your easy deer painting.

Apply Base Colors

Once you've chosen the scenery, it's time to apply the base colors. If you're painting a forest, start with different shades of green; for a sunset, blend reds, oranges, and purples. This first layer of color sets the tone for your painting. Don't worry about the details yet—that will come later. Right now, just focus on covering the canvas with color.

Add Details to the Background

Now that you have your base colors down, it's time to add some details. Think about the texture of the elements in your scenery—rough bark on trees, delicate blades of grass, or fluffy clouds in the sky. By adding these details, you'll make your easy deer painting more realistic and visually interesting. Remember, the goal is not perfection, but expression. Enjoy the process!

4. Paint the Deer

With your background beautifully laid out, it's now time to bring the star of the show to life—your deer. This is where your easy deer painting truly comes to life.

Start with Underpainting

Begin by creating an underpainting for your deer. This involves painting a monochromatic version of the deer to define its shape and values. Typically, you'd use a single color, like burnt umber, to paint the light and shadow areas. This step helps to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality in your easy deer painting.

Add Texture and Details

Once your underpainting is dry, it's time to add some texture and details. Consider the deer's fur. Is it smooth and sleek or coarse and thick? Use small, careful brush strokes to suggest the texture of the fur. Next, think about the details that make a deer unique—the white spots on a fawn's back, the powerful muscles of an adult deer, the intricate patterns on the antlers. Adding these details brings a touch of realism to your easy deer painting.

Paint the Deer's Features

Now, turn your attention to the deer's features. The eyes, nose, and ears are the key areas that give the deer its character. Paint these with care and precision. Remember, the eyes are the window to the deer's soul. Spend some extra time on them to make them expressive. You're not just painting a deer, but creating a personality in your easy deer painting.

5. Add the Finishing Touches

Now that your deer has taken shape and is almost leaping off the canvas, it's time to add those final touches that make your painting truly shine. These steps are what will transform your piece from a simple deer painting into an easy deer painting masterpiece.

Create Highlights and Shadows

Highlights and shadows are what give your painting depth and make it pop. Pay close attention to the light source in your painting. Where is it coming from? This will determine where your highlights and shadows fall. Typically, the parts of the deer that are closest to the light will be the brightest, while those furthest away will be the darkest. Don't be afraid to go bold with your contrasts—it can really make your painting stand out!

Add Reflections in the Eyes

Ever noticed how eyes sparkle in the light? That's due to the reflections in the eyes. Adding these to your deer can make it seem more lifelike. A dab of white or light-colored paint in the eyes can make a world of difference. Just remember, less is more. You're aiming for a subtle twinkle, not a full-on glare.

Sign Your Work

Finally, sign your work. Your signature is your seal of approval on your painting, it's what marks it as uniquely yours. Plus, it's always a good feeling to sign a piece of work that you're proud of. Use a small brush and a color that stands out, but doesn't distract from the rest of the painting.

And there you have it! Five easy steps to creating a beautiful and easy deer painting. With practice, you'll soon be creating masterpieces worthy of any gallery. So why not grab your brushes and give it a try?

If you enjoyed mastering the techniques for painting a deer and are looking to expand your artistic horizons, don't miss the workshop 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning abstract paintings using everyday items found in your home, adding a unique twist to your artwork.