Drawing an emu like Edward may seem challenging at first, but with some simple steps and a bit of practice, anyone can learn how to draw this fun character. Emus are large, flightless birds that are found in Australia. They have long legs, feathers, and a distinctive long neck and small head. Edward the Emu is a popular children’s book character created by author Michael Dahl. He’s a fun-loving emu who goes on adventures and gets into silly situations. By following some basic drawing techniques and using the right tools, you can learn to draw your own version of Edward the Emu in no time!
What tools and materials will you need?
To draw Edward the Emu, you will need:
– Paper – Blank white printer paper or drawing paper works best. Use thicker paper like cardstock for better erasing and coloring.
– Pencil – HB or No. 2 pencils are ideal for sketching and shading. Sharpen pencils before you start.
– Eraser – A soft white eraser will let you erase pencil lines cleanly.
– Coloring tools – Crayons, colored pencils, markers or paints can be used to color your drawing after sketching.
– ruler or other straightedge – This will help draw straight lines for the body and legs.
Make sure your paper and workspace are ready before you start drawing. You may want to use a clipboard for added support while sketching. Having all supplies organized will make the drawing process easier.
How do you start the drawing?
The first step in drawing Edward the Emu is to lightly sketch the basic shape of the body using simple lines and shapes. Here are some tips for starting the sketch:
– Draw an oval shape for the torso and belly
– Add a similar oval shape for the head and neck
– Draw long, straight lines from the belly down for the legs
– Add curved lines for the feet shapes at the bottom
– Sketch a long slightly curved line from the head to the belly for the neck
– Draw a small triangle shape for the beak at the end of the head
Take your time laying down these initial pencil lines. Don’t press too hard or worry about perfection yet. Light lines allow for easy erasing and changes as you go.
How do you draw the details of the face and body?
Once you have the basic emu shape sketched out, you can start adding the facial features and feather details:
– Draw two small circles on the head for the eyes
– Add a small circle in each eye for the pupils
– Draw the eyebrows above the eyes using curved lines
– Add feathery texture on the head and neck using short strokes
– Draw a pattern of feather shapes on the torso, legs and feet
– Sketch the wings on the sides using feathery strokes
– Add some lines around the beak for detail
– Draw the nostril holes on the beak shape
Go slowly and pay attention to the direction of the feather patterns. Use your pencil lightly and erase if needed. Add as much or as little detail as you like depending on your style.
How do you perfect your emu drawing?
Once the details are sketched out, you can finish the piece:
– Carefully go over the main pencil lines using a pen or marker to make them darker and more defined.
– Erase any sketch lines you don’t need.
– Use crayons, colored pencils or other tools to color in your emu drawing. Go lightly at first in case you need to erase.
– Color the feathers, beak, eyes and legs. Add shadows and textures with your coloring tools.
– Draw a fun background scene if desired, like a meadow, farm or other setting Edward would visit.
– Outline major shapes in black pen or marker for emphasis.
– Sign your name in the corner!
Take your time perfecting your Edward the Emu drawing and adding your own creative touches. Varying your pencil pressure can create cool feather textures. Add patterns or props if you like. Give your emu drawing personality!
What are some tips for drawing an emu body?
Here are some tips for drawing a proportionally correct emu body:
– Make the legs about 2/3 the length of the entire body. Emus have very long, strong legs.
– Draw the neck about 1/3 the length of the body. The long neck allows emus to reach vegetation.
– The oval torso shape should taper at the top to connect to the neck.
– Add curved lines for a rotund belly shape. Emus have thick belly feathers.
– The head shape is very small compared to the body. It sits on the end of the long neck.
– Angle the legs out slightly from the body rather than straight up and down.
– Draw the feet shapes tilted out a bit rather than flat on the ground.
– Look at photos of emus for inspiration on body proportions and poses.
Practice sketching the body shape several times lightly before adding details. Check proportions from different angles before inking over pencil.
How can you draw the emu’s feathers?
Emus have unique, shaggy feathers that require some special techniques:
– Use short, choppy strokes of the pencil to create texture.
– Overlap the feather strokes to build up density. Darken areas of overlap.
– Leave white space between feather groups to show fluffiness.
– Make feather strokes flow in the direction they grow from the body.
– Draw small spirals on the wings to show loose feathers.
– Use kneaded eraser to lighten feather areas and create highlights.
– Look at photos of emus for feather direction, distribution and flow.
– Practice making feather textures on scrap paper before your final drawing.
Building up the feathers with lots of shading creates soft, fluffy textures. Don’t be afraid to scribble and experiment!
What are some good facial features to draw on an emu?
An emu’s face may seem plain at first, but adding the right details gives them charm:
– Draw large, round eyes placed on each side of the head. Leave white highlights.
– Add subtle eye bags or wrinkles under the eyes if desired.
– Draw a small, hooked dark beak shape. Add texture with lines.
– Give emus thick, fluffy eyebrows to show expression.
– Add feather ruffling on the cheeks below the eyes.
– Draw soft nostril holes on the upper beak.
– Show an emu’s long eyelashes. Draw them in pencil first.
– Adding ear holes on the sides of the head is optional.
– Give your emu nostrils that flare out slightly.
Have fun enhancing your emu’s personality through the facial features. Add a gleam in the eye for mischief or fluttering lashes for coyness.
What are good accessories and props to include?
Adding some fun accessories or props takes your Edward the Emu drawing to the next level:
– Draw Edward wearing a colorful scarf or hat for some flair.
– Include a bag or backpack for him to carry on adventures.
– Draw Edward holding a paddleball toy or other fun prop.
– Add scenery elements like trees, bushes, flowers or fences.
– Draw Edward with a carton of eggs or baby emus for a family scene.
– Include Edward’s emu friends Al or Wally. Draw them interacting.
– Add word bubbles or signs with jokes or funny quotes.
– Draw Edward playing sports or dancing to show action.
– Include Edward’s favorite foods like bugs or seeds.
The options are endless when accessorizing your emu drawing! Add items that show off Edward’s fun personality or tell a story. Get creative.
What are some different emu poses to draw?
You can draw Edward the Emu in all types of fun poses:
– Standing tall – Have Edward standing proudly with his long neck and legs extended.
– Running – Draw Edward mid-run with his legs and neck outstretched. Show motion lines.
– Pecking the ground – Depict Edward pecking for seeds with his neck lowered and beak touching the ground.
– Flap wings – Show Edward flapping his small wings. Draw motion lines around the wings.
– Head turn – Draw just the emu’s head turned to the side. Show the neck feathers.
– Sitting – Have Edward sitting down. Tuck his legs in a folded position.
– Stretching – Draw Edward extending his legs and neck out fully as he stretches.
– Dance – Make Edward dancing or bouncing playfully. Show movement and energy.
Practice different poses to find your favorites. Look at photos of emus in action for inspiration on anatomy and movement.
How can you draw Edward the Emu in sequence?
Another fun option is drawing Edward in a comic strip sequence:
– Plan out the sequence first. Sketch small panels showing Edward’s actions.
– Draw Edward multiple times performing an action or activity from start to finish.
– Show Edward interacting with other characters like his emu friends.
– Use speech or thought bubbles to tell the story. Write fun dialogue.
– Add props or scenery to set the scene in each panel.
– Vary camera angles and distances for visual interest. Some close-ups, some full views.
– Use motion/action lines to show movement between panels.
– Keep panel sizes consistent and position them logically for reading order.
– Number the panels lightly in pencil before inking over them.
Brainstorm silly antics, jokes and scenarios to build your emu comic strip. Drawing sequences is great visual storytelling practice.
Conclusion
Drawing a fun character like Edward the Emu is a playful way to practice sketching birds while adding your own creative flair. Use basic shapes and careful proportions to capture an emu’s anatomy. Build up unique feather textures with pencil strokes and shading. Bring Edward to life with expressive eyes, fun accessories and lively poses. Let your imagination run wild to put Edward in hilarious situations. Soon you will have a personalized Edward the Emu drawing that shows off your artistic personality and skill!
