5 Essential Tips for Creating Stunning Acrylic Bird Paintings

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 5 min read

If you're passionate about art and nature, creating an acrylic bird painting can be a rewarding and enjoyable way to express your creativity. In this blog, we'll share five essential tips to help you capture the beauty of birds in your artwork, even if you're new to painting. With the right materials, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can create stunning acrylic bird paintings that you'll be proud to display in your home or share with others.

Tip 1: Selecting the Right Materials

Before you start painting, it's important to gather the right materials. The quality of your art supplies can have a significant impact on the final result of your acrylic bird painting. Let's explore the three key components: acrylic paints, brushes, and canvas.

Acrylic Paints

Choosing the right acrylic paints is essential for a successful bird painting:

Opt for artist-quality paints for better pigmentation and smoother application.
Select a wide range of colors, including basic hues and natural tones found in bird feathers.
Consider purchasing a set of acrylic mediums to enhance the texture or transparency of your paint.

Brushes

An array of brushes will help you create intricate details and various textures in your acrylic bird painting:

Include a mix of brush sizes, shapes, and bristle types to achieve different effects.
Round and liner brushes are ideal for fine details, such as feathers and eyes.
Flat brushes work well for broader strokes and background elements.

Canvas

The right canvas can serve as a sturdy foundation for your acrylic bird painting:

Pre-stretched and primed canvases save time and ensure a consistent surface.
Choose a size that suits your desired level of detail and overall composition.
Consider alternative surfaces like wood panels or watercolor paper for a unique look.

Now that we've covered the essential materials, let's move on to sketching the bird, the first step in bringing your acrylic bird painting to life.

Tip 2: Sketching the Bird

Before you dive into painting, it's crucial to have a solid sketch of your bird. This provides a roadmap for your acrylic bird painting and ensures accurate proportions and anatomy. Here are some tips on sketching the perfect bird:

Using References

Reference images can be incredibly helpful in achieving a realistic and accurate bird sketch:

Choose clear, high-resolution photos that showcase the bird's features and colors.
Use multiple reference images to capture various angles and poses.
Consider drawing from life by observing birds at a local park or nature reserve.

Proportions

Getting the proportions right is key to a successful acrylic bird painting:

Use simple shapes, like circles and ovals, to block out the bird's main body parts.
Pay attention to the size relationships between the head, body, and wings.
Adjust your sketch as needed to ensure a balanced and harmonious composition.

Anatomy

Understanding basic bird anatomy will help you create a more accurate and believable acrylic bird painting:

Study the structure of wings, tails, and beaks to ensure correct shapes and angles.
Take note of unique features specific to the bird species you're painting, such as distinctive markings or feather patterns.
Remember to include legs and feet, considering their positioning and how they interact with the bird's surroundings.

With your bird sketch complete, it's time to shift your focus to the background of your acrylic bird painting.

Tip 3: Painting the Background

A well-executed background can greatly enhance your acrylic bird painting, helping your feathered subject stand out and creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. Consider these tips when painting your background:

Color Choice

Selecting the right colors for your background can make a significant difference in your acrylic bird painting:

Choose colors that complement the bird's colors, making it stand out without clashing.
Consider using a limited color palette for a cohesive and harmonious look.
Experiment with different hues and tones to create a visually appealing backdrop.

Gradation

Smooth color transitions can give your background a more natural and pleasing appearance:

Use wet-on-wet blending techniques to create seamless color transitions.
Gradually build up layers of paint to achieve the desired intensity and depth.
Consider using glazing techniques to create a luminous effect.

Texture

Adding texture to your background can enhance the overall appearance of your acrylic bird painting:

Experiment with different brushstrokes to create interesting textures and patterns.
Use tools like palette knives, sponges, or even your fingers to achieve unique effects.
Consider incorporating natural elements, like leaves or twigs, to create a more immersive environment for your bird.

With your background complete, it's time to bring your acrylic bird painting to life by painting the bird itself.

Tip 4: Painting the Bird

Now that your background is complete, it's time to focus on the star of your acrylic bird painting — the bird itself. To capture its beauty and essence, consider these tips:

Color Mixing

Accurate color mixing is essential for creating a realistic and vibrant bird:

Study your reference image to identify the bird's primary colors and any subtle variations.
Use a limited color palette to mix your desired shades, ensuring color harmony throughout the painting.
Keep your colors clean and avoid muddy mixtures by using separate brushes for each color.

Feather Details

To make your acrylic bird painting truly stunning, pay close attention to the details of the feathers:

Observe the direction, size, and shape of feathers on your reference image, making note of any unique patterns or markings.
Start with a base color for the feathers and then gradually add details and texture using fine brushstrokes.
Remember to maintain a sense of depth by varying the pressure of your brushstrokes and using a range of values.

Shadows and Highlights

Adding shadows and highlights to your bird will give it a three-dimensional appearance and make it stand out from the background:

Identify the light source in your painting and consider how it affects the shadows and highlights on the bird.
Use darker colors for the shadows and lighter colors for the highlights, blending them seamlessly into the base colors.
Pay close attention to the contours and shapes of the bird's body, as these can greatly influence the placement and intensity of shadows and highlights.

With your bird beautifully rendered, it's time to add the finishing touches to your acrylic bird painting.

Tip 5: Finishing Touches

As you wrap up your acrylic bird painting, the final steps will ensure that your artwork looks polished and professional. Let's explore some finishing touches to enhance your masterpiece:

Signature

Adding your signature to the painting is not only a way to claim your work but also adds a personal touch:

Choose a discreet corner or edge of your painting for your signature.
Use a small brush and a color that complements the artwork without drawing attention away from the bird.
Sign your name or initials in a consistent and recognizable style.

Varnishing

Protect your acrylic bird painting and enhance its colors with a layer of varnish:

Wait for the painting to dry completely before applying the varnish to avoid smudging or altering the colors.
Select a varnish that is compatible with acrylic paints, such as acrylic gloss or matte varnish.
Apply the varnish evenly with a soft brush, following the manufacturer's instructions for best results.

Framing

A well-chosen frame can enhance your acrylic bird painting and make it suitable for display:

Consider the style and colors of your painting when selecting a frame, ensuring that it complements the artwork without overpowering it.
Choose a frame material, such as wood or metal, that suits the aesthetic of your painting and the space where it will be displayed.
Ensure that the frame is properly sized to fit your canvas and that it is securely attached to protect your painting.

With these finishing touches in place, your acrylic bird painting is complete and ready to be admired by all who see it. Happy painting!

If you're looking to elevate your acrylic painting abilities, don't miss the workshop 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos. This workshop is perfect for artists who want to enhance their techniques and create stunning acrylic masterpieces.