Phoenix outline

- Print the outline on our project page as to trace as a guide, freehand, or design your own

- Start with the head and beak

- Add a crest

- Sketch the legs, feet, and talons

- Build out the tail feathers

- Draw the wings in a rough semi-circle shape

- Curl the feather tips to follow the wing arc

Drawing feathers

- Divide the feathers into 3 sections: down, coverts, and flight feathers

- Keep your lines light and easy to adjust

- Refine the overall shape until it feels balanced

Ink outline

- Go over your sketch with a graphic fineliner

- Let the ink dry fully

- Erase the pencil underneath to keep colours clean

Watercolour wash

- Create a swatch of lemon yellow on a spare piece of paper

- Activate it with a damp brush

- Apply a light wash over the entire phoenix

- Allow this layer to dry completely

- Apply yellow deep to the head, body, and parts of the wings

- Leave the tips and leading edges lighter to boost contrast

- Work while the surface is slightly damp for smoother blending

Red colouring

- Apply coral red pencil directly onto damp areas

- Focus on the head, wings, and body

- Leave the crest slightly lighter

- Use a damp brush to soften the coral red, gently pulling colour into the tail feathers

- Blend lightly to keep transitions smooth

Layering colours

- Add darker tones where the wings meet the body

- Blend the colour outward to create dimension

- Build up layers gradually rather than all at once for better control

Phoenix face

- Colour the beak and feet with black watercolour pencil

- Add water to soften it into a deep grey tone