How to paint a realistic bird in acrylics | Painting a Wren in acrylics

In this tutorial I'll show how to paint a photo realistic bird in acrylics. This painting of a Wren shows all of the key processes and techniques that are required for maximising depth and capturing more of the three dimensional feel throughout the painting. Painting birds like this can be a good introduction to painting feathers as they are simpler in their appearance compared to ruffled Owl feathers for example.
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Pastel, Acrylic, Graphite & Tutorials:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/zaratomsart
Would you like to see what tutorials I have on Patreon? If so, the link to the library is below :)
petportraitsan...
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Links:
Tips for painting fur in acrylics: • HOW TO PAINT FUR IN AC...
How to glaze with acrylics: • How to glaze with acry...
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Social media:
Facebook page: Zara.Toms.Artist
Instagram: zaratomsart
Website & blog: www.petportraitsandwildlifeart.co.uk
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Materials used:
8" x 8" acrylic painting on canvas board
Paints: Liquitex Basics
Reference photo: Stuart Bartlett on Unsplash

[@jcepri]

Beautiful! I finally learned what glazes do...tint it while allowing the details to show through. Thanks!

[@zaratomsart]

My pleasure =)

[@soarpurpose]

Love how fluffy the feathers look

[@FrankVerkerk01]

I believe you can’t learn this. If you don’t have it, you never will.
Stunning painting!!

[@zaratomsart]

Thank you =). I disagree on that. Anyone can create art and paint realism like this if they put in the time to practice and have patience to work through mistakes and learn the right techniques. My first paintings looked absolutely nothing like this. It's a journey of progression. Anyone can create photo realistic art if they put in the time and work. I've had members on Patreon who have never picked up a brush before and then end up creating realistic, stunning pieces. I'll create a post showing some of my initial paintings =)

[@FrankVerkerk01]

@@zaratomsart Please do. Can you tell me how long it aprox. took you to paint the wren?

[@zaratomsart]

@FrankVerkerk01 this took about 5½ hours. It's an 8" x 8" so not big but I did this over 2 days to make sure I didn't start rushing through any stages.

[@claritzairosario68]

So beautiful!!!❤❤❤

[@zaratomsart]

Thank you ❤️

[@jonienelson2888]

Absolutely stunning. WOWEE! This lil guy looks like he’s about to fly right off the canvas! Amazing as always!! I thought your base layers looked impressive and then the building up to the final portrait was just mind blowing!! SO awesome!! Looking forward to your next masterpiece. 😃

[@zaratomsart]

Wow thank you so much that's really kind

[@rebeccawong1]

Best teacher 👍🏻

[@zaratomsart]

Wow, so kind. Thank you

[@esmegelling6854]

Absolutely gorgeous ❤

[@zaratomsart]

Thank you =)

[@julz63]

Beautiful painting ❤

[@zaratomsart]

Thank you

[@namastan5580]

Thank you
You are so helpful ❤

[@zaratomsart]

So pleased to hear that =)

[@1t1w1b]

Awesome painting. Recently started following you recently and was wondering if you would do a chicken painting for TH-cam thanks