GREEN BEE-EATER COLOURED PENCIL TUTORIAL
Coloured Pencil Tutorial #63
I'm thrilled to introduce you to my latest coloured pencil tutorial of the stunning green Bee-eater. This marks a special milestone as it’s not only the second bee-eater I’ve drawn (a European bee-eater was a previous coloured pencil tutorial) but also my very first green-toned bird. If you've been itching to explore underutilized pencil colours and experiment with new techniques, this is the perfect opportunity!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​A Splash of Green: Exploring New Colour Palettes
Green is a colour that often takes a backseat in wildlife art, especially within my own drawings, overshadowed by earthy browns and greys. But with this tutorial, we’re bringing green to the forefront! The Green Bee-Eater, with its radiant plumage, offers a fantastic way to delve into a range of green tones, from the softest ‘Olive Yellow’ to the richest ‘Grass Green’. Whether you're a seasoned artist who follows all of my tutorials or just starting your journey with coloured pencils, you'll find this bird drawing tutorial both inspiring and accessible. I found this drawing a joy to draw and straight forward too making it the perfect tutorial for beginners.
​
Pencils in this Coloured Pencil Tutorial : Caran d’Ache Luminance & Polychromos
For this coloured pencil tutorial, I've used my trusted Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils, with a few supporting colours from the Faber-Castell Polychromos range. The Luminance pencils are perfect for achieving the buttery softness that brings this bird to life. Their rich pigment and smooth application allow for effortless blending, making it easier than ever to create the Green Bee-Eater's soft, yet vibrant, feathers. The Polychromos pencils add that extra pop of colour where needed, giving your drawing a realistic and lively finish.
Pro Tip: I’ve also swapped out the metal wire perch from the reference photo for a more natural-looking branch. This small change enhances the overall composition, giving your artwork an authentic, organic feel.
Watch the Timelapse Video on YouTube
For those who want a quick snapshot or summary of the full tutorial, I’ve uploaded a timelapse video on my YouTube channel. It’s a great way to get an overview of the process before diving into the detailed steps, and it can serve as a helpful reference as you work on your own Green Bee-Eater.
Perfect for Beginners: A Relaxing, Enjoyable Experience
One of the aspects I loved most about creating this tutorial was its simplicity. Unlike some of my more intricate and detailed works, this piece is realistic yet straightforward. It’s designed to be easy to follow, with clear step-by-step instructions that make it ideal for beginners. At just three hours long, it’s a manageable project that you can complete in an afternoon or over a few relaxing sessions.
​
This tutorial is also a great way to build confidence with coloured pencils, especially if you’re new to using them or have felt intimidated by more complex subjects in the past. You’ll discover how to layer colors effectively, achieve smooth gradients, and bring out the natural beauty of your subject—all without feeling overwhelmed.
Why the Green Bee-Eater?
The Green Bee-Eater is a joy to draw, not just because of its vibrant colors but also its graceful form and dynamic pose. This bird has a playful, lively spirit that’s hard not to fall in love with, and I wanted to capture that energy in a way that feels authentic and engaging. Having previously drawn a European bee-eater in different hues, I found the shift to green tones refreshing and creatively satisfying. It’s a beautiful reminder of the diverse palette that nature offers us and how much there is to explore in our art.
Colours Used in This Tutorial
Below is a list of the specific Caran d’Ache Luminance and Faber-Castell Polychromos colors I used to bring the Green Bee-Eater to life. [Include a list of the colours here for easy reference.]
Draw-Along with me in this Coloured Pencil Bird Tutorial
I can’t wait for you to try out this coloured pencil tutorial and see how your Green Bee-Eater comes to life on the page. Whether you’re looking to expand your skills, explore new colours, or simply unwind with a rewarding project, this tutorial is sure to delight. So grab your pencils, settle into your creative space, and let’s bring this vibrant little bird to life together!
Be sure to share your progress and final pieces with me—I love seeing how each artist brings their unique touch to these tutorials. Happy drawing, and see you in the next tutorial!​