I meant to call this tutorial “Easy Turkey Drawing” and proudly add it to my assortment of cute animal drawings, but that was before I actually made a serious effort to create a cartoon that was more sophisticated than the typical “traced-hand turkey” of elementary school. ” ARGH — it turns out that drawing turkeys is HARD!.
You’d think I wouldn’t have this problem. I’ve worked as a teacher and an artist for a long time, and I can draw anything on this website by hand, including bats and sea urchins. But this bird is unique. Here’s why.
To be clear, this discussion is about the bird known as a turkey, not the country named Turkey that is home to the renowned Hagia Sophia. That being said, there are a few reasons why drawing this specific type of poultry is so challenging.
Take a colorful trip around Turkey, where design and art combine to produce an eye-catching tapestry of hues, patterns, and cultural expressions.
A Land Steeped in Artistic Heritage
Turkey’s artistic heritage stretches back centuries, drawing inspiration from its rich history, diverse cultures, and geographical location From the intricate tilework of Ottoman mosques to the vibrant kilims woven by nomadic tribes, Turkish art reflects the country’s unique blend of influences
A Spectrum of Colors
The colors of Turkey are as diverse as its landscapes and people. From the deep blues of the Aegean Sea to the fiery reds of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, the country’s natural beauty provides an endless source of inspiration for artists.
Traditional Colors and Patterns
Turkish art is renowned for its use of traditional colors and patterns. The iconic “Turkish blue,” a vibrant shade of turquoise, is often seen in ceramics, textiles, and architectural details Other popular colors include red, green, yellow, and black
Geometric Patterns
Geometric patterns play a significant role in Turkish art and design. These patterns give the visual landscape a sense of rhythm and harmony, from the bold stripes and checks of kilims to the elaborate arabesque motifs found in Islamic architecture.
Floral Motifs
Floral motifs are another prominent feature of Turkish art. Tulips, roses, carnations, and hyacinths are commonly depicted in ceramics, textiles, and decorative objects. These flowers symbolize beauty, love, and the ephemeral nature of life.
Calligraphy
Calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing, holds a special place in Turkish culture. Ottoman calligraphy is regarded as a high art form because of its elegant flourishes and flowing script. Calligraphic inscriptions are often found in mosques, palaces, and other public spaces.
Modern Art and Design
Turkey’s contemporary art scene is vibrant and diverse. Turkish artists are exploring a wide range of styles and mediums, from abstract painting and sculpture to installation art and video art.
Textile Arts
Textile arts have a long and distinguished history in Turkey. Kilims, flat-woven rugs with geometric patterns, are a traditional craft that continues to be practiced by nomadic tribes and artisans throughout the country. Other notable textile arts include embroidery, lacemaking, and felt-making.
Ceramics
Turkish ceramics are renowned for their beauty and craftsmanship. Iznik pottery, with its distinctive blue and white designs, is particularly famous. Other notable ceramic styles include Kütahya, Çanakkale, and Anatolian.
Architecture
Turkish architecture is a blend of influences, from Byzantine and Ottoman to Seljuk and modern. The iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, with its soaring dome and intricate mosaics, is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Ottoman architecture is characterized by its grand mosques, palaces, and public buildings.
Turkey’s art and design scene is a vibrant celebration of color, creativity, and cultural heritage. From traditional crafts to contemporary art, the country offers a rich tapestry of visual expressions that captivate and inspire. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of a well-designed object, Turkey has something to offer everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most common colors used in Turkish art?
A: The most common colors used in Turkish art include Turkish blue, red, green, yellow, and black.
Q: What are some of the traditional patterns found in Turkish art?
A: Some of the traditional patterns found in Turkish art include arabesque motifs, geometric patterns, and floral motifs.
Q: What is Turkish calligraphy?
A: Turkish calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing, with Ottoman calligraphy being considered a high art form.
Q: What are some of the most famous Turkish artists?
A: Some of the most famous Turkish artists include Osman Hamdi Bey, Şeker Ahmet Paşa, and Fahrelnissa Zeid.
Additional Resources
Turkey colors vary widely — and are often dull.
Although there are other colors besides brown for real turkeys, I prefer bright colors, and most of them are pretty dull. For the body of my drawing above, I went with an unexpected dusty blue because some turkeys really do have that color, based on my research!
Turkeys have so many parts!!!
The body of a turkey is extremely complex, unlike our sketch of a snowman, which is basically just three circles stacked on top of one another. There’s the red or pink “wattle” and “snood” under the curved beak. There are layers and layers of feathers in the back in addition to the rotund body and wings!.
To draw the illustration above, I examined countless images of actual turkeys, and it’s possible that I missed some crucial information. Sheesh — this made me long for the simplicity of octopus drawing.
