How To Draw A Mallard Duck

A duck is a mutual name for a large number of species—in that location are over 120 of them. In this tutorial, we'll focus on drawing a mallard, which is a common and widespread species.

Mallards tin live in most any wetland habitat, natural or artificial. Chances are, yous'll notice them in a almost park; they feel themselves at home around lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, and coastlines.

Also, mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic ducks we keep today.

Let'due south have a closer look at these amazing birds; we'll explore the difference between the colouring of male and female mallards and learn about their distinctive features. The cartoon journey begins!

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What You lot Volition Demand

In guild to complete this projection, you'll need the post-obit equipment:

an HB graphite pencil
a 3B graphite pencil
an eraser
drawing newspaper

1. How to Draw a Female Duck

Step 1

I outline the rough shape of the duck'southward head, using the HB pencil. I keep the lines calorie-free, then it will be easy to make changes in the future.

I add the shape of the pecker; it is relatively long and narrow at the tip.

Stride 2

I depict the oblong shape of the duck's hefty torso.

Step 3

I draw the core line of the duck'south neck, joining the head and body.

Step 4

Let's add the framework of the feet. The feet of a duck are curt and have three front webbed toes. I construct them, using small circles and lines.

I get-go with the pes that is closer to the viewer…

… then add another foot.

Step 5

I outline the contours of the bird'due south wing.

Step six

Let's refine the head and add some distinctive features.

The beak has a small curve in the upper function; I also draw a nostril and darken the tip of the bill.

The eye is relatively small. A thin stripe goes through the eye area, from the beak to the back of the head; this characteristic is typical for females.

Step seven

I draw the contours of the duck's cervix. This position of the neck and trunk is likewise typical for swimming.

Stride eight

I refine the human foot, giving it thickness and volume. It'south important to include the modest back toe and create a hint of webs that are joining the front toes.

I piece of work on the second foot in the same manner.

Pace 9

The wing of a duck may look non-uniform, as if information technology consists of layers or segments with their own relief. I create a pattern that imitates layers.

I refine the bottom segment of the fly, adding a new chemical element chosen a speculum. It is an area of white-bordered black or iridescent blue feathers; both sexes have this feature.

A speculum is prominent in flight or at rest simply temporarily shed during the annual summer molt. However, sometimes these brilliant feathers aren't visible when the wing is folded.

Footstep 10

I refine the contours of the wing layers, creating an illusion of book. The wings may look more than fluffy or smooth, depending on a variety of factors; the patterns and coloring tin be slightly different, as well.

Past the manner, all ducks have waterproof feathers!

Stride 11

The female mallard is predominantly mottled. The individual feathers oftentimes demonstrate sharp contrast from dark yellowish to very dark dark-brown. I imitate this pattern, using the HB pencil.

I besides shade the eye, leaving a small highlight, and create a drop shadow. The back and top of the caput are relatively night. Please remember about the stripe near the centre—it is nighttime, too

Applying graphite hatching and creating details

Step 12

I increment the contrast in my drawing, applying another layer of hatching to the darker areas, using the 3B pencil.

Pace 13

Yous may be wondering how this female mallard would look in colour. I've painted on top of this sketch digitally, just to prove you an instance.

As you can see, the colors change from beige, yellow, and orange to darker browns.