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Black Cockatoo for Beginners – Oils

In this beginner to intermediate oil painting tutorial, I will show you how to paint a realistic Black Cockatoo portrait using my simple three stage painting process.

We will focus on:

  • Toning the canvas
  • Drawing the outline using a grid
  • Blocking in the background and portrait
  • Understanding the warm and cool colours within black feathers
  • Working wet on wet and onto a dry layer
  • Using glazing and oiling out techniques
  • Creating depth through shadows, mid tones and highlights
  • Adding subtle blues, purples, browns and yellows throughout the plumage
  • Creating the distinctive yellow markings
  • Refining the eye, beak and final feather details

This tutorial is ideal for artists who want a clear, structured approach to painting realistic birds in oils from start to finish.

 

Black Cockatoo for Beginners - Oils

  1. Getting Started

    7 lessons
    1. Introduction
    2. Materials
    3. The Reference Image & Painting Process
    4. Toning the Canvas
    5. Grid & Outlines
    6. Palette Prep
    7. Resources

  2. Phase One - Blocking In

    2 lessons
    1. Blocking In
    2. Background

  3. Phase Two – Adding Details

    3 lessons
    1. Wet on Wet Details
    2. Adding Details
    3. Beak & Eye

  4. Phase Three - Finishing Touches

    1 lesson
    1. Finishing Touches