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How to Create a Stunning Deer Painting

  • Writer: Madhula
    Madhula
  • Aug 18
  • 3 min read

In today’s blog post, we’ll dive into the process of creating a beautiful deer painting. In the video below, you can watch the full step-by-step process, and here in the blog I’ll share those tips and guidance to help you follow along. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll find this project both enjoyable and rewarding.


How to paint a Deer - Video Tutorial

Materials Needed


Before we begin, let's ensure you have all the necessary materials for this painting. Below are the colours that we will be using.


Camlin Burnt Umber - https://geni.us/CamlinBurntUmber

Camlin Titanium White - https://geni.us/CamlinTitaniumWhite

Camlin Paynes Grey - https://geni.us/CamlinPaynesGrey

Camlin Hookers Green - https://geni.us/CamlinHookersGreen

Camlin Raw Umber - https://geni.us/CamlinRawUmber

Camlin Cadmium Yellow - https://geni.us/CamlinCadmiumYellow


Whether you choose to work on a canvas or an acrylic sheet, make sure you have the appropriate surface for your project.


Setting the Background


To begin, start with a rough outline of the deer. If you're hesitant about drawing directly on the canvas, feel free to sketch it on paper first, make any necessary corrections, and then transfer the outline to your canvas. Once the deer's outline is complete, let's focus on setting the background.   For today's painting, we will primarily use colors such as Burnt Umber, Earth Green, Raw Umber, Cadmium Yellow, and White. Keep in mind that we want the background to be abstract and not overly detailed. Use broad brushstrokes to create a grassy texture, as grass is the main feed for deer.



Base Layer for the Deer
Base Layer for the Deer


Painting the Deer


Now that the background is set, we can shift our focus to the deer itself. To bring the deer to life, we will be using colors like Raw Sienna, Burnt Umber, Naples Yellow, White, and Payne's Grey. Begin by painting the body of the deer, establishing the lightness and darkness of different areas.   When working on the face, use the same colors to achieve the proper tones and shading. Remember, accuracy is not essential at this stage, as we will add details later. Male deer have antlers, and they are larger than female deer. Use a combination of Raw Sienna, White, and a touch of Burnt Umber to create the antlers.


Enhancing the Deer with earth tones
Enhancing the Deer with earth tones


Adding Details


Once the main areas of the painting are covered, we can start adding finer details. Focus on the face, filling in the eyes and working on the nose using Payne's Grey and a touch of White. For a more realistic touch, create spots on the deer using White to mark their locations. Don't forget to consider the direction of the fur.


Bringing the Painting to Life


To achieve a realistic fur effect, use Raw Sienna and Burnt Umber to emphasize the short fur on the deer's body. Layering the paint a few times will help bring out the desired texture. Use a smaller brush, such as a size 1 or 2 round brush, and make back-and-forth strokes to complete the fur details.


Adding final details to the Deer
Adding final details to the Deer

Congratulations! You've completed your stunning deer painting. By following these steps and adding your personal touch, you've created a beautiful piece of art. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to experiment and explore your artistic abilities. If you found this blog post helpful, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Madhula Creations for more video tutorials, detailed product reviews, and exciting art-related content. Stay connected, keep painting, and have a fantastic week ahead!


This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to keep sharing free tutorials. Thank you for your support!



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Want to take your colour mixing skills even further? I’ve put together a free Acrylic Colour Mixing Guide packed with easy recipes, swatches, and tips to help you create any shade you need. Download it now and start mixing colours with confidence!



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