I want advice for sketching my parrot

[gwennadf]

Hey everyone,

I started sketching my parrot but I am struggling with getting the feathers to look right. No matter how much I try, they either look too stiff or just such as random lines. I want to capture the soft, layered look but shading & texture are throwing me off.

Does anyone have tips on how to make feathers look more natural? Are there any techniques, certain pencil strokes or shading tricks, that work well? Also, if anyone knows of good tutorials . I want suggestion.

I was reading about the history of generative AI & it got me wondering if AI tools could help with learning better drawing techniques. Has anyone here tried using AI for art references or practice?

I am using regular graphite pencils but I am open to trying colored pencils or even digital art if that helps. Also i have check this article and resorse https://www.parrotforums.com/threads/so-i-decided-to-try-and. If Any advice from fellow artists would be super appreciated!

Thank you..

 

[wrench13]

Painstaking devotion to capturing each detail, ie art. Like learning to master a musical instrument - there is no substitute for dedication.

 

[Thehuffle]

Have you tried drawing the base feathers almost in a curvy line and adding some cross hatching inside of the feathers? It works for me with drawing quakers, budgies and conures, etc. but it mostly depends on the parrot you are drawing but also the art style.
Hope this helps!