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Follow this simple guide to draw a beautiful realistic or cartoon feather
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Feathers could be used as pens as well as decorations. Do you want to draw your own personal feather? Here are easy steps on how to draw one!

How to Draw a Realistic Feather

  1. Sketch an elongated oval with a line going through the middle lengthwise.
  2. Add another line to thicken the middle one and sketch short lines away from the middle.
  3. Outline the feather, penciling in more strands and defining the edges.
  4. Erase the oval guidelines and color in the feather.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Drawing a Traditional Feather

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  1. Draw a line bisecting the oval.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Drawing a Cartoon Feather

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  1. Draw a middle diagonal line from the tip of the oval to the base and extending a little outside the oval.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What if it's hard to add the fluff?
    Community Answer
    For the fluff, you may need to use a different pencil. Make sure the pencil is really sharp, and use small motions.
  • Question
    How do I keep the drawing from looking too shaded?
    Community Answer
    Refrain from smudging the paper with your hands, and if that doesn't work, use an eraser to lightly erase any over-the-top shading.
  • Question
    How do I draw a twisted feather?
    Community Answer
    Try to look at images of ribbons and how they're twisted. Draw the basic shape of the feather as you would a ribbon, then add the actual feather.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To draw a feather, start by sketching a long oval with a line going lengthwise through the center. Next, sketch in the center quill and add details like each strand on the feather. Then, outline your drawing and erase the guidelines. Once you’re happy with your drawing, add some color to it, or sketch in shading to make it look more realistic. For tips on how to make a more cartoonish-looking feather, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Jul 15, 2017

        "It was helpful to see the shape bisection as the starting point for tackling such a visually complex structure. ..." more
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