Start with a large tilted oval for the main body. Keep it light and loose, because this is only a guideline.
Add a smaller circle near the top-right edge of the oval to form the head. The circle should slightly overlap the body oval so the neck area feels connected.
Adjust the proportion so the head looks small compared to the body (hummingbirds have compact heads and sleek bodies).
Use very soft pencil pressure here—these lines will be erased or hidden later.
Take a moment to check the overall “pose”: the oval should lean forward, suggesting the bird is angled as if hovering or moving ahead.
Step 2 – Turn the Shapes Into a Bird Body and Beak
Refine the body by drawing a smooth outline around the oval, slightly narrowing the back end to hint at the tail area.
Shape the head circle into a more natural form by lightly flattening where it meets the beak.
Draw a long, thin pointed beak extending to the right. Keep the top and bottom lines nearly straight and converging sharply at the tip.
Add a small round eye on the head, positioned slightly above the centerline for a lively look.
Sketch a simple wing shape on the side of the body (a curved teardrop-like form tucked against the bird).
Add a tiny curved line under the body to suggest a small foot/claw, keeping it minimal like in the image.
Step 3 – Add the Wing Motion Shape and Tail Direction
Draw a large looping outline behind the bird to map the raised wing position, like an elongated oval/loop sweeping upward and backward.
Connect the wing more clearly to the shoulder area (where the wing meets the body), so it looks attached rather than floating.
Add a sharper, tapered shape at the back of the body to indicate the tail, pointing down-left.
Re-check symmetry: the beak should align with the head angle, and the wing loop should feel balanced with the body.
Keep everything in this stage as light construction lines—focus on placement, not detail.
Step 4 – Final Outline, Feather Details, and Shading
Replace the sketchy guidelines with a cleaner final outline: define the head curve, throat, chest, and back with smooth confident strokes.
Draw the full wing with layered feather sections, using long curved lines that fan outward from the wing base.
Add subtle feather texture on the body using short strokes, especially on the chest and along the back for a soft, fluffy look.
Darken the eye slightly and add a small highlight to make it appear shiny and alive.
Shade under the wing and along the belly/tail to create depth, keeping the shading gentle and blended like the finished panel.
Erase leftover construction shapes (the original oval/circle and wing loop) so the hummingbird looks clean and realistic.
