A duck at rest

Give a resting duck shape with a rounded body, curved neck, and folded wing. A few feather lines and a small shadow keep the study focused.

A way into the drawing

1. Place the body and head

   Sketch a broad oval body and a smaller head above its front. Join them with a gentle neck curve before adding the bill.

2. Fold the wing

   Draw the wing as one broad shape against the body and add a small raised tail. Use a few loose feather divisions inside the wing.

3. Keep the details selective

   Place the eye and bill nostril. Add a little light gray beneath the wing and body, leaving the large forms mostly white.

A small thing to tryCompare the bill length with the head before adding feathers. A clear silhouette does most of the work.