“Adara” – Female european kestrel 9 x 12
I decided to revisit the toned paper to see how I feel about it – I had forgotten how challenging it was! Thankfully Strathmore has now produced a better version of this paper which I will be trying out in future.
The lovely Murphy is now complete!
A new challenge for me – a strange but very enjoyable surface called drafting film, used by architects and planners but increasing in popularity among coloured pencil artists.
12 x 16
Juvenile common buzzard. I used the lightfast paper again to see how it handles feather texture, and I found it a little tough going in comparison to doing fur. More experiments needed I think.
12×16
Very happy with how this has turned out – first time using the new Derwent Lightfast paper and oh my, this paper is like nothing else I’ve ever tried! I think it has been made by magical wizards!
This gorgeous chap is called Chester and was a Birthday gift.
Yes, I still do puppers now and again amongst all the bird madness! I decided to try the Fabriano for the first time as it is a very popular choice among coloured pencil artists. It has an almost canvas-like feel, and I wasn’t sure if I preferred having more grain – some experiments are needed I think, but overall I was happy with how this one turned out.
A lovely male kestrel.
Since having a bit more time during lockdown I’ve been researching and looking into yet more techniques for pencils, which I am now putting into practice with this new piece, and I am rather happy with how things are going. No matter how long or how many drawings you do, there’s always new things to learn – it’s never boring!
It has been a long time since a piece has frustrated me as much as this one did! What seemed like a straightforward colour scheme turned into a nightmare – I changed the tone so many times that it started to damage the paper and I still don’t think the colour is quite right but I can do no more. A combination of taking too long, reference material that wasn’t right, and my brain still struggling with oil-based pencils.
I did learn a lot though, so it is not all bad, and I am determined to master these new pencils.
Recently delivered commission – this smiley chap is called Diesel.
“Draw a barn owl” they said. “It will be a challenge” they said. Many many swear words later and I am still not sure it is completely finished.
It is useful to go back to a piece later with fresh eyes, you will often find that any flaws or bits that you disliked somehow no longer seem to be there. One silly thing I couldn’t get my head around was the feet which somehow didn’t seem right. It was only after walking away that I realised it was because I was so used to seeing captive barn owls with leather anklets.
Nimbus
“Nimbus” A curious juvenile lanneret
9 x 9 on Strathmore Toned Grey
I have several shots of this inquisitive little fella which I might do as a series – what do you think?
coloured pencil, sketchblog