This ball of fuzz is Pippin, and he’s a burrowing owl which is native to North and South America and as the name suggests, they like to live in burrows. This one was a commission of him as a growing baby and requested in my favourite medium graphite.
You might think that dealing only with one colour is easier, but it can actually be more challenging to balance the tones correctly so that you have both a dramatic picture and realism.
9 x 12 graphite
Rebecca Preece
I have done several site maps for centres over the years, but this one posed a few new challenges for me. Firstly, some of the enclosures were not yet built, which required a bit of imagination to match what was already there. Secondly, some of the enclosures would often have a change of inhabitant. We came up with the idea of creating stickers to match the key, so that they can moved when needed without the need to re-print the whole map every time there is a change. I supplied the icons on separate files and all the illustrations were fully digital so that they had the flexibility that they needed.
I decided to experiment with a few blending tools on this one to see if it could speed up my time, as having my neck issues means I can’t sit for long periods. I thought I would try some graphite powder, and oh my gosh that stuff just goes EVERYWHERE! It is so so messy you only have to look at it and boom it’s on everything! The jar is now squirrelled away on the top shelf in disgrace.
I also got a bunch of blending stumps and sponges, and well, let’s just say that my humble cotton bud and 4b pencil will not be retiring any time soon! Sometimes the best method just ends up being the one you are familiar with.
Original and prints available
16×12 graphite on HP paper
M. Platte
As part of my role on the Female Falconers Club Committee, I have been working on rebranding all of our literature, signage and merchandise. Previously styling was a little mismatched with inconsistent colour, which wasn’t helping with brand recognition. Using precise CMYK colour values, standardising fonts and a consistent photography style we have created a uniform look over all of our club, which gives better recognition and a professional feel.
My latest commission now safely delivered – this is another “George” the harris hawk in his juvenile plumage. Many birds of prey will have different plumage in their first years, and they also have slightly longer flight feathers to help them when learning to fly.
This one was done on a slightly off-white/creamy paper to compliment the tones in the feathers.
George
12 x 16 coloured pencil on Derwent Lightfast HP.
My latest commission now on its way to his owner – this is George and he is a Great Grey Owl. Although it’s one of the largest species of owl by length, much of its size is deceptive, as a dense layer of fluffy feathers keeps them warm in the cold northern climate where they live.
Although the colours were relatively straightforward, the patterns were incredibly complicated and almost drove me mad!! I chose drafting film for this one to enable me to get the effect that I wanted, but it was still the hardest owl I’ve completed to date!
16 x 12
Coloured Pencil on Drafting film
I recently had some painful issues with my neck vertebrae, resulting in nerve problems down my arms & hands. Frustratingly it meant that I wasn’t able to draw for some time. After some recuperation and treatment, I am now spending a few short hours getting back into drawing. It’s a slow process, and more treatment may be needed going forward, but for now at least I can be happy in the knowledge that I haven’t completely forgotten how to do this!
Original & prints available
9×12 Graphite on HP Paper
Jon Pauling
To say this was a little bit out of my comfort zone is an understatement! Although it does feature a bird, I rarely draw flowers so this was quite a challenge for me. And those who know me well know that I also absolutely hate pink! I had to go and buy a load of pink pencils because I only had a couple-it was torture to pick them!!
I also used multiple references to create this piece as I didn’t want to copy a photograph directly but make something different. It’s why I try to use my own reference photos when I can so they are a bit more unique, but in this instance, I didn’t have a blue tit photo of my own.
9 x 12 Coloured pencil on HP paper
I first started this drawing a year ago! I put it away several times as I had other projects & commissions to complete, then forgot about it for a while until now. For the owl fans, hope you like it (he needs a name).
Original for sale. Prints available shortly.
Great Horned Owl
16 x 12 Coloured pencil on drafting film
Caroline Ebinger
Linda
And in case it wasn’t obvious – I bloody love peregrines!
Original sold stc.
20 x 16 coloured pencils on rising museum board
Luke Massey (with permission)
coloured pencil, sketchblog