When young students are just learning how to paint, large size paper really helps allow for more freedom of movement.1. Starting with approx. 18" x 24" drawing paper, have the students draw a branch across the paper (below the middle) for the bird to sit on. Next a “bowling pin” for the bird body goes above it, a bit to the left or right to leave room for a beak. A long beak that is almost as tall as the bird is added to the side of the head. A tail is added below the bird, along with wings and feet that curve over the branch. An eye and line for the breast color is added. Lastly, large leaves are drawn around the outside of the paper, in varying shapes and sizes.
2. All of the drawing lines are traced with a thick black permanent marker.
3. The classic toucan has a black body, yellow breast and orange beak, but many variations possible. I used tempera paint for this sample, which as a nice transparent quality to reveal all the marker lines.
