Start with the bird’s proportions: head size, body length, and leg length
Sketch a light oval for the body
Add a smaller oval or circle for the head
Connect head to body with a simple neck shape
Block in the tail with a fan-like triangle or wedge
Place wing shapes as overlapping arcs or curved “C” forms along the body
Position the legs as two simple lines, then add basic joint bends
Add basic feet shapes with simplified toes (three forward, one back for many birds)
Lightly draw the beak: a short triangle or wedge extending from the head
Draw the comb (rooster) or small crest (chicken) as a scalloped or rounded shape
Add the eye as a small circle with a highlight mark
Refine the body outline into smooth curves for chest, back, and belly
Define wing feathers with layered, curved lines following the wing’s contour
Add tail feathers using repeated tapered strokes fanning outward
Indicate feather direction with short overlapping marks on the neck and body
Build form with simple shading blocks: darker under wings and beneath the body
Use light shading for the chest and highlights on the top of the head and back
Add texture with small feather strokes and crosshatching where needed
Strengthen key outlines around the head, wings, and legs
Erase construction lines and clean up the final silhouette
Add details: nostril mark, small skin/feather transitions, and feather pattern variations
Shade the legs and feet with darker values at joints and under toes
Finish with final highlights on the beak, eye, and upper feather edges