How to Draw a Pen Illustration of a Wild Boar
pengamaru
How to draw in pen and ink
How to Draw a Rooster in Pen and Ink
pengamaru
Contents
Introduction
Hello, this is Pengamaru. I create pen drawings.
- Are you a beginner but want to start pen drawing?
- Are you interested in pen art and want to learn how to draw animals?
If so, this article is for you!
In this article, I will explain in detail how to draw a rooster using pen art.
Pen drawing is an art form that is easy for beginners to start with simple tools, yet allows for deep and expressive techniques.
Drawing animals is a great way to develop observation skills and attention to detail.
Especially when drawing a rooster, you can learn various techniques by focusing on its feather patterns, textures, and unique shape.
By reading this article, you will learn:
- How to efficiently create an initial sketch using the transfer method
- How to use pen strokes to create realistic animal expressions
Through this guide, you will gain fundamental techniques and tips that will help you improve your pen art and illustration skills.
Tools Used
- School Pen (About School Pens)
- Carbon Ink & Pigment Ink (About Pigment Ink)
About Roosters
The subject of this drawing is a rooster.
The rooster (scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus) is a species of bird belonging to the pheasant family and is one of the most widely domesticated poultry species worldwide.
Origin and History
The ancestor of the modern rooster is believed to be the Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus), which inhabits the forests and bamboo groves of Southeast Asia.
Domestication began around 4000 BC and spread to regions such as Egypt and Greece.
Roosters were introduced to Japan during the Yayoi period and were mainly used as “time-telling birds” due to their crowing.
Physical Characteristics
Roosters have distinctive combs on their heads and wattles under their beaks.
Males are typically larger than females and have more vibrant combs, which can also indicate their health condition.
Sketching
Creating the Initial Sketch
First, we will create an initial sketch using the transfer method, which makes it easier to draw accurate shapes.
I call this method the “fukusha method”.
Print out the reference image – This time, I used an A4-sized printout.
Prepare transfer paper – Since commercial carbon paper is difficult to erase, I made my own transfer sheet using a pencil.
Completely cover an A4 sheet with graphite.
I used a 4B pencil for this.
Layer the papers
Place the reference image on top.
Put the transfer paper beneath it.
At the bottom, place the final drawing paper.
Secure them with tape to prevent shifting.
Trace the image using a ballpoint pen to transfer the outline onto the drawing paper.
Refining the Sketch
Once transferred, refine the details by carefully sketching the eyes, beak, comb, and feather patterns.
Inking
Outlining the Rooster
Using a pen, outline the major parts:eyes,beak,comb,body.
Adding Texture and Depth
Defining the Comb’s Surface
The comb has many small ridges.
Use curved strokes to express these textures.
Drawing the Face and Earlobes
Define the bumps around the eyes.
Draw the earlobe (a fleshy part behind the eye).
Drawing the Wattle
The fleshy hanging part below the beak is called the wattle (or “dewlap”).
Carefully outline its wrinkles and folds.
Rendering Feathers
Pay attention to overlapping feathers.
Vary the feather size, shape, and pattern.
Defining the Eye and Beak
Carefully add details to the eye for a lively expression.
Darken the beak to give it dimension.
Refining the Details
Shading the Comb
Use parallel hatching strokes to suggest the red color of the comb.
Shading the Wattle
Similar hatching techniques can express the translucent effect of blood vessels in the wattle.
Adding Feather Patterns
Differentiate white feathers, black-tipped feathers, and yellowish feathers using varying line techniques.
Erasing Guidelines
Lightly erase pencil marks with an eraser.
Avoid rubbing too hard to prevent paper damage.
Completion
Add shadows to enhance depth.
Do a final check for balance and refinement.
Once satisfied, add your signature—your pen drawing is complete!
Conclusion
How was it?
By drawing a rooster in pen, I hope you were able to enjoy observing and expressing the shape and texture of animals.
Pen drawing is an art form that can be started with simple tools, but it offers endless depth when you focus on details.
The techniques you learned today—such as feather rendering and shading—can be applied to drawing other animals and various subjects.
I encourage you to try drawing different birds and animals using these methods!
Thank you for reading, and I hope your pen drawing journey becomes even more enjoyable!
