The Cornell Lab Bird Academy › Discussion Groups › Art and Photography › Best drawing tools

    • Ashrith
      Participant
      Chirps: 5
      Hi everyone!!! I've been wanting to try drawing birds for some time, but I don't really know what are the best drawing materials to use. It would be great if you helped me on this!!!
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    • Donita
      Participant
      Chirps: 90
      You can try watercolor pencils.  There are some cheap beginner sets so that you can get a feel for them with out a big investment.  You can use them as colored pencils or as watercolors.  Sometimes I use them as watercolors then at textures/details as just colored pencils.  They are fun to experiment with and YouTube videos to help you get started.
    • Bird
      Participant
      Chirps: 32
      Hi Ashrith   Bird Academy's Course, How To Paint Birds With Jane Kim is all about drawing birds. Link to enroll in course: https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/how-to-paint-birds-with-jane-kim/
    • David
      Participant
      Chirps: 50
      colored pencils are a great tool
    • s
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      watercolour pencils are a great way ..... they are v easy to use, look great and easy to both draw and paint with them. u also need a pencil and eraser.
    • Dee
      Participant
      Chirps: 40
      Any quality #2 pencil and a mailable eraser will do. I also like watercolor pencils . They are easy to transport .  You color your drawing with the colored pencils and then use a wet brush to transform your drawing into a painting . ( I use Fabre Castell or  Prismacolor watercolor pencils)     Also ,The  Sakura koi watercolor travel size kit Is easy to carry into the field.
    • Esteban
      Participant
      Chirps: 164
      You can also use a Pilot mechanical pencil, and  a watercolor set. Maybe some Winsor and Newton inks , the problem is they are not portable and if you accidentally drop them you will need some new clothes !
      • Esteban
        Participant
        Chirps: 164
        Now I know better tools. A graphite pencil or mechanical pencil will do equally fine, and you could use watercolors or acrylics. Also a regular or kneaded eraser will be needed. ( optional , if it is very hard for you to paint, photograph the bird  and paint it in a more comfortable place.  Also check the nature  journaling course.
      • jeff
        Participant
        Chirps: 4
        I love mechanical pencils, the ones with the regular width graphite. I usually have three pencils each with a different hardness: 4H, HB, 2B. So much better than dealing with pencil sharpeners.
    • Kunling
      Participant
      Chirps: 47
      I really just use pencils and colored pencils. It depends, really, cuz people like to use different tools for drawing.
    • Kayla
      Participant
      Chirps: 24
      Hi! There are plenty of different types of materials that I use for drawing birds and field sketching. For field sketching, I suggest trying some different watercolor travel kits so they allow both a range of colors and also a small and compact case to carry around. The Sakura Koi watercolor travel kit I find quite useful! The kit includes refilliable water brushes, watercolors, a mixing palette, sponges, and a compact case. There are numerous others that are also great choices! For sketching and drawing birds, some great graphite and colored pencil brands are Derwent, Prismacolor, and Faber Castell. Despite this, I think that a little experimentation with different brands won't hurt! Hope this helps! :)