How to Paint a Realistic Ostrich in Watercolor

Welcome! This post will take you through the step by step process to create a detailed, realistic watercolor painting of this ostrich!

This video from my provides a taste of the process.

Paints and Paper

I am an affiliate of Blick Art Materials and Rosemary & Co. and receive a small commission when you click these links at no cost to you. Thank you!

You can find the full materials list, along with downloadable drawing and reference photo in the step by step video course at our online school.

Watercolor Paper: Arches 140 lb. Cold Press paper

Paints: We use Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paints. The small, 5 ml tubes last a long
time.

French Ultramarine Blue
Burnt Sienna – Create gray and black by mixing and layering Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna.
Yellow Ochre
Permanent Rose – Mixed with Yellow Ochre creates a pinkish hue for noses and around eyes; feel free to experiment with other pinks/reds that you have on hand.
Winsor Lemon – used underneath browns, especially in eyes; feel free to experiment with others yellow that you have on hand.
Winsor Blue (Green Shade)

Here is a link to the full list of recommended materials used in our online school.

Overview of Painting

STEP 1: Background

Create a subtle background using Winsor Blue, Yellow Ochre, and Permanent Rose. Wet the paper with clean water and lay in the color. Tilt the paper, allow the color to move.

STEP 2: Eyes and Beak

Create the eyes first, and then the beak This will establish the personality of the subject. In our watercolor school, we use a simple formula to paint the eyes. When you aren’t sure how to get started or what to do next, the formula serves as a helpful guide!

STEP 3: Foundational Colors

Establish a pale map of the lightest colors in the ostrich. Use thin applications of grays, browns, pinks, or any color that you prefer!

STEP 4: Pale Map of Hairs

Create the first pale layer of hairs. Use the reference photo as a guide in creating the length and curve of the hairs. This will serve as a guide as we create darker values and textures.

STEP 5: Refine Color, Create Lashes

Apply thin layers of pink, blue, or any color that you prefer. These applications will slightly smooth the hair. Use gray to create the lashes. The personality is emerging!

STEP 6: Refinements

Apply another layer of hairs. Refine colors, values, textures. Make finale refinements to the eyes and beak, and this ostrich is finished!

And that’s it! This ostrich is finished. Would you like to paint this ostrich or other realistic animals in watercolor?

If you love to create detail and realism, I invite you to visit our online school, where you can learn to paint this and many pets and animals in watercolor.