Here at One Tree Point in New Zealand, I'm excited to guide you through painting a portrait of a seagull, a subject that is often overlooked despite its beauty and elegance. Seagulls are a common sight along the coast, and their graceful flight and sculptural form make them a rewarding subject for any artist. In this chapter, we'll focus on capturing the essence of these magnificent birds, honing in on their simple yet striking black, grey, and white plumage. You'll learn to draw a seagull with accuracy, sculpt its form using large planes, and create an elegantly subdued color scheme with a simple palette. By incorporating just a few sharp details, we'll bring our seagull to life on the canvas. Whether you follow my step-by-step guidance or use the resource photos to create something uniquely yours, this lesson will enhance your skills and deepen your appreciation for these beautiful creatures. Let's embark on this artistic journey together and transform a commonplace sight into a captivating work of art.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Jonathan Seagull" 15 x 15" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
Step 24Tips for Painting Multiple Seagulls
Arrange Seagulls for Design
Cut out individual seagulls from different photos taken at the same location and angle. Move them around to create a pleasing design on your canvas.
Blur the Image
Blur the image of the seagulls to avoid getting caught up in details. This helps you paint broadly and focus on the overall composition.
Use a Grid
Place a grid over the blurred image to accurately transfer the shapes onto your canvas. This ensures correct proportions and positioning.
Alternative Arrangement Method
If you can't use a computer, print the seagull images at the desired size in black and white or color. Cut and paste them onto paper to arrange them, or sketch them with pencil.
Consider Size and Angle
Ensure the comparative sizes of the seagulls are correct for their distances from each other. Keep the camera angle consistent to maintain realism in size and lighting.
Pro tipBlur the image to avoid focusing on unnecessary details and maintain a broad painting style.
Embark on your painting journey by preparing your canvas meticulously. A smooth, well-stretched canvas sets the foundation for your artwork. As you begin, simplify your palette with ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create a harmonious base of neutral tones. These will guide your values throughout the painting process, allowing you to focus on form and light.
As you progress, use a variety of brush sizes to efficiently block in shadows and lights, paying close attention to the overall shapes and values. Squint at your reference to simplify the scene into large, manageable shapes. This approach helps in capturing the essence of the subject without getting lost in the details. Remember to mix generous amounts of your color values to ensure a consistent application.
In the final stages, focus on refining details and adding texture. Use a light touch to create the illusion of feathers and apply highlights with thick, warm paint to add depth and shimmer. Pay attention to the reflections and ensure they align with the body of the bird. By maintaining a balance between detail and overall impression, you bring your painting to life with realism and vibrancy.
Points to remember
Lightly sand the canvas for a smooth painting surface.
Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna for a harmonious palette.
Mix generous amounts of each value to ensure consistency.
Squint at your reference to simplify the scene into big shapes.
Paint lights thicker than darks for depth.
Use a smaller brush for detailed areas like tail feathers.
Avoid over-mixing paint to allow for spontaneous effects.
Use thick, warm white paint without medium for highlights.
