How to Draw a Dove – A Step-by-Step Tutorial on Dove Drawing

Birds are not only interesting and fun to learn about, but are incredible creatures to draw! As they have many unique features, this makes it fun for artists to explore their creative side. In today’s tutorial, we will take you on a step-by-step guide to learning how to draw a dove. We will cover the entire process, including coloring, shading, and detailing steps. Our tutorial is compatible with a digital tablet or paper, so any artist can easily learn to draw a dove!  

An Easy Guide to a Realistic Dove Drawing 

Join us today to learn all about creating a dove drawing. We will be looking at the fundamental steps of creating a dove sketch. After following our step-by-step tutorial, you will see just how easy it is to create the perfect dove drawing! For an outline of all the steps, the images below show you how to achieve the final result. In our 14 easy-to-follow steps, you will be able to create a beautiful and realistic dove drawing in no time! 

Step 1: Draw the Main Body of the Dove 

Begin by locating the center of your drawing page. Once it is located, draw a large oval that is slightly tilted. This will represent the main body of your dove sketch. Above the oval, draw a smaller oval shape that will represent the head of the dove. 

Step 2: Outline the Main Body 

Begin by drawing curving lines around the top and bottom of the head to the main body of the dove. By doing this, you are beginning to attach the head to the body of the dove.

Complete this step by curving the bottom of the main body and continuing the lines further out. 

Step 3: Draw the First Wing 

Draw a solid line from the top of the main body and curl the line to create each feather. The feathers should lead to the bottom of the main body. 

Step 4: Draw the Second Wing on the Dove 

Begin by drawing a solid line from the head of the dove, and curl the line to create each feather. This wing should only be partially visible. Complete the step by drawing the eye of the dove within the head. Following this, begin drawing the beak of the dove.

Draw short, sharp lines connected to the head of the dove, and a small circle in the center of the beak to represent the nostril of the dove.  

Step 5: Add the Tail Feathers to the Dove 

At the bottom of the main body, draw long lines that curve upward to create the long feathers of the dove.

Attached to these long feathers, draw surrounding shorter feathers to complete the tail.

Draw one fully visible claw on the front of the main body, and a second partially visible claw on the bottom of the main body. Once these steps are completed, erase any visible construction lines. 

Step 6: Apply the First Color Coat 

Make use of a regular paintbrush and a light shade of lichen green paint, and begin evenly painting the entirety of the dove. You are now beginning to create a realistic dove drawing! 

Step 7: Color in the Details 

Using a fine, sharp paintbrush and dark brown paint, fill in the eye of the dove. Continue using the same paintbrush, this time switching to light pink paint, and fill in the beak of the dove. Switching to a maroon paint, begin filling in the claws of the dove.

Remember to clean your paintbrush after each use! 

Step 8: Contour and Structure the Dove Drawing 

Make use of a small, soft brush and dark gray paint, and add soft brush strokes to the wings of the dove. You are now beginning to enhance the features and structures of each wing.

Complete the step by adding soft strokes of contour shading to the head, body, and under the main wing of the dove.

Step 9: Add Highlights to the Dove Sketch 

Using a fine, sharp brush and white paint, apply fine lines between the feathers of the dove. Complete the step by using a small, soft brush and the same paint, and add soft lines along the head and body of the dove. 

By completing this step, you are creating highlights that will elevate your dove drawing and make it more realistic! 

Step 10: Add the Secondary Color Coat 

Make use of a small, soft brush and white paint, and add a second layer of paint only on one-half of each wing. 

Step 11: Add Texture to the Dove Drawing 

Using a fine, sharp paintbrush and gray, white, and lichen green paint, add fine sharp texture lines along the soft highlighted brush strokes previously done. 

Step 12: Start to Define the Details

Make use of a fine sharp brush and black paint, and begin filling in the pupil of the eye. Using white paint, apply a shimmer around the edge of the eye. Continue the step by using a small, soft brush and black paint, and add soft shadows along the beak of the dove. 

Using a small, soft brush and dark maroon paint, add sharp edges to the claws. Repeat this step, this time using a fine, sharp brush and white paint, and add texture to the claws of the dove.  

Step 13: Add a Ground Shadow Below your Dove Drawing 

Using a small, soft brush and black paint, gently add a black spot underneath the dove. Make sure to leave enough space to create an illusion that the dove is flying.

Making use of a blending brush, gently fade the edges of the shadow underneath your dove drawing. 

Step 14: Finalize your Realistic Dove Drawing 

To finish your realistic dove drawing, make use of a fine, sharp brush and the corresponding colors, and start by tracing the entire outline of the dove. Trace any inner texture lines and remove any remaining visible lines.

You have just created a seamless and beautiful dove drawing! 

Just like that, you have learned the skills needed in how to draw a dove! We hope you have enjoyed following our easy step-by-step guide on drawing a dove. In just 14 steps, you have been able to create a seamlessly beautiful dove drawing. By taking the drawing step-by-step, you have been able to take something simple and make it look realistic in no time! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is it Difficult to Create a Realistic Dove Drawing? 

By following our easy tutorial, we break down each step so you are able to create a realistic dove drawing. We take you through the basic shapes, construction steps, and the gradual layering of colors to create an incredible dove drawing that comes to life on the page! 

What Colors Do you Need for Drawing a Dove? 

Doves are one of the easiest birds to color as they only consist of one main color: white. You do need some additional colors for the shading and contouring of the dove, which include black, brown, light pink, and maroon. 

Matthew Matthysen( Drawing and Painting Artist )

Matthew Matthysen is an educated multidisciplinary artist and illustrator. He successfully completed his art degree at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, majoring in art history and contemporary drawing. The focus of his thesis was to explore the philosophical implications of the macro and micro-universe on the human experience. Matthew uses diverse media, such as written and hands-on components, to explore various approaches that are on the border between philosophy and science.

Matthew organized various exhibitions before and during his years as a student and is still passionate about doing so today. He currently works as a freelance artist and writer in various fields. He also has a permanent position at a renowned online gallery (ArtGazette) where he produces various works on commission. As a freelance artist, he creates several series and successfully sells them to galleries and collectors. He loves to use his work and skills in various fields of interest.

Matthew has been creating drawing and painting tutorials since the relaunch in 2020. Through his involvement with artincontext.org, he has been able to deepen his knowledge of various painting mediums. For example, watercolor techniques, calligraphy and lately digital drawing, which is becoming more and more popular.

Learn more about Matthew Matthysen and the Art in Context Team.