Draw an Owl in 5 Popular Art Styles: Realistic, Cartoon, Minimalist, Abstract, and Tribal
The owl a symbol of mystery, wisdom, and power that is solitary for ages. The striking aspects of this bird including its striking eyes to its feathery exterior makes it an iconic and adaptable subject. But what if we could transcend a singular perception and see the owl’s image through the lens of different art styles? This guide will teach you what it takes you can draw an Owl in five distinctive and popular style of art: realistic Cartoon, Minimalist, Abstract and Tribal. If you’re an experienced artist seeking an exciting new challenge, or an amateur looking to play with different styles of drawing owls and styles, you’ll find an array of possibilities for creativity.
1. You are Gathering Your Owl Drawing Materials
Before beginning your journey into art it’s crucial to have the proper materials. The tools you select will dramatically affect the final look as well as the feel and look of your art.
Basic Drawing Materials: A good quality pencil (HB for sketching, 2B to draw darker lines) A reliable eraser and a stack of sketching paper essential tools.
Additional tools: For a more elegant look, think about purchasing pencils, fine liners or charcoal. For those who draw digitally tablets and styluses are indispensable.
Selecting Materials for Every Style:
Realism: The soft pencils (2B 4B) as well as a blending stump work to create soft shadows and precise textures.
Cartoon Colorful and vibrant sketch markers or pens will make your owl stand out.
Simple: A fine liner or black ink pen can assist you in creating clear lines that are crisp and clean.
Tribal Black ink markers and bold colors are necessary for drawing strong graphic patterns.
2. Style 1 Realistic Owl Drawing

An owl drawing that is realistic an expression of nature’s intricate designs. This style is focused on capturing the delicate feathers’ details as well as the depth of its eyes, as well as the distinctive design of the beak.
- The basic outline. Start with a simple oval for the body, and an arc to represent the head. Make eye guidelines and a beak to ensure that they are symmetrical.
- Add Details and Form. Observe a photo that you can study carefully. Sketch the form of the wings and the intricate patterns of the feathers along with the talons. Be attentive to the way that the feathers are overlapping.
- The Shade and Light. This is where your sketch will be brought to life. Determine the source of light and shadow accordingly. Blending techniques or cross-hatching to create a feeling of 3D form.
- Feather texture. The secret to an authentic owl lies inside the feathers. Utilize short, delicate strokes to create the look in the natural direction of feathers. Do not forget to add tiny detail to your eyes to create a an authentic shimmer.
3. Style 2. Cartoon Owl Drawing

Cartoon owls are full of charisma and appeal. This style focuses on exaggeration colorful colors, and simple forms to create a character that is adorable and friendly. They are also often funny.
- Exaggerated shapes. Start with a large, round head as well as the body is plump and pear-shaped. The bigger eyes, the more adorable the Owl!
- Exciting Highlights. Give your owl large, round eyes as well as tiny triangular beak. Imagine fun expressions. Is your owl delighted, excited or slumbering?
- Simplified Feet and Wings. The wings can be simple, rounded forms. Feet can have with three or two “claws” to keep the design simple and accessible.
- The color and the persona. This is where the magic occurs. Utilize bright, playful colors that aren’t usually used in the natural world. You can add accessories like small bow ties or a wizard’s hat, to create a unique character.
4. Style 3 Minimalist Owl Drawing

A minimalist design is a test of “less can be more.” The aim is to express what the nature of owls are with the smallest lines and shapes that are possible to create a strong and crisp impression.
- Essential Geometric Formulas. Start with a large head-shaped circle and a smaller circle inside to cover the face. Utilize two small triangles to create the ears.
- Straight lines. Use a fine liner to draw one continuous line across the body. The aim is to eliminate excessive detail.
- Suggestions, Not Reality.Instead of drawing each feather, draw just a few lines to represent the wings and eyes.Simple “V” shape could represent the beak.
- Negative Space. The empty space between the drawing and inside is as crucial than the line itself. The minimalist style is based on this negative space in order to create a striking design.
5. Style 4 Abstract Owl Drawing

Abstract art is all about the expression of ideas over the reality. This style allows you to get away from the traditional patterns and view the owl in a emotional, symbolic or even a whimsical manner.
- Break it down.Think of the Owl not as an entire but rather as a set composed of colors, shapes and even textures.It is possible to use geometric shapes as well as flowing lines or even a mixture of collage elements.
- Colors that Express.Forget the typical grays and browns.Utilize bold, unique colours to convey an emotion or mood. Perhaps your owl is bursting with energy therefore you’ll choose bright yellows and reds. Maybe it’s romantic and requires deep purples and blues.
- Experiment using The Form. The owl’s form does not have to be an exact oval. It could be a collection of squares that overlap or a swirling vortex of lines or even a assortment from random forms.
- Get inspiration by the Masters.Look at the work of artists such as Picasso (who transformed forms into geometry) and Kandinsky (who employed vivid, non-representational colors) to get ideas.The aim is creating something individual and unique.
6. Style 5 Tribal Owl Drawing

The tribal style refers to the ancient art forms that are with bold lines, geometric patterns along with stylized and sophisticated elements. It’s an effective and visual way to depict the Owl.
- Symmetrical Design. The foundation of tribal art is the principle of symmetry. Begin in drawing the central axis, and ensure that the components on either side are mirror-like.
- Strong Outlines. Use a thick dark marker, or pen draw clear, strong lines. Beware of thin, sloppy strokes.
- Motifs and Patterns. Fill the owl’s wings and body with tribal designs that are traditional to the area. Take a look at Native American or Polynesian art to find inspiration. The most popular themes are spirals, wave-like shapes, geometries and stylized animal shapes. It is important to consider these references in a an understanding and respectful tone.
- Stylized features. The owl’s eyes and beak as well as the feathers must be stylized more than real. Eyes could be simple spirals or circles and the feathers could be represented using a variety of geometric patterns.
7. Selecting the Perfect Owl Drawing Style that is right for You
With all the options available which style to pick, how do you choose what style to go with?
Be aware of your level of skill: If you’re a beginner an easy or minimalist style is a good start, since they are based on basic lines and shapes. Abstract and realistic styles typically require more sophisticated capabilities.
Take a look at your objective: Are you drawing for a book for children? Cartoon is the best way to take. Are you creating a t-shirt design? A minimalist or tribal design could be the perfect choice.
Do not be afraid to play around: The best part about art is that there aren’t any rules. Consider combining styles. What do a minimalist owl and tribal patterns appear like? The possibilities are limitless.
Conclusion: Your Owl Art Adventure Awaits!
From the intricate feathers of an realistic drawing of an owl to the striking and symmetrical lines of an aesthetically pleasing tribal Owl drawing Now you’ve discovered five amazing ways to capture what makes this amazing creature. Each style provides a distinct perspective, and gives you the chance to express your creative side. With the right tools and inspiration you’re ready to make something amazing.
FAQ
Q: What’s the most efficient method to draw an Owl?
One of the easiest ways to draw an Owl is to usually start by drawing in a cartoon or minimalist style. These styles employ simple shapes like triangles, circles and ovals as their basis and make drawing owls much easier for novices.
Q: What art style is the best for newbies?
The minimalist style or cartoon is the most popular choice for those who are just beginning. It lets you focus on the fundamental shapes and clean lines without having to worry about creating realistic proportions or complex details. This increases confidence and gives you a the foundation to explore more intricate designs in the future.
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