Step 15 (optional): For a cleaner look, erase as much as you can of initial guide lines. Don't worry about erasing all of the lines. It's okay to leave some behind. Re-draw any of the final sketch lines that you may have accidentally erased.

Final Step (optional): Add some shading to your drawing to give it more dimension and volume. Pick the direction of the light source when shading so that the shadows are consistent with it. Vary the pressure on your pencil to get different degrees of tonal value.

Add a cast shadow underneath. This helps ground the pigeon so it doesn't appear to be floating.

You can add more value throughout your pigeon drawing for more detail. You can also skip this step altogether for a while or albino dove. Wild or feral pigeons tend to be different shades of gray. Use different values all over the body to replicate their pattern. Use a very light value on the neck to represent the iridescent feathers. The main part of the bird's body is for the most part light gray, so don't push down too hard with your pencil when you add the value here. Pigeons come in a variety of patterns like speckles and spots, so feel free to shade yours however you'd like. The tips of the wings and tails are almost black, so use a very dark value here. It's always a good idea to use reference for a more accurate drawing. A lot of cities have feral populations of pigeons. If you live near some, go look at some for reference! Remember to pause the video after each step to draw at your own pace.

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