I didn’t realise that it had been so long since I sketched a piece for my headshots series – it was tough going back to this textured paper and I wasn’t as happy with the end results as I have been previously- particularly as the paper kept marking and smudging for some unknown reason.
I have been crazy about birds my entire life, but ironically one thing I really dislike drawing is feathers!! However I am determined to battle my demons – this is my diva, River. First time using watercolour paper with pencil instead of paint.
Finally finished my Lugger falcon montage – struggled with motivation for this one as I am finding this paper difficult to work with. I like the effect, but the process isn’t sitting well with me at all yet and the paper is quite delicate. Not sure if I will continue using it, we’ll see…
I don’t very often get asked to do pictures of cats, maybe because I secretly complain about how complicated their patterns are! Anyway this chap is called Treacle.
Had a bit of a creative block recently, so decided to try and break it with some study sheets of birds. Not sure they came out quite as I had planned but it got me sketching again.
Another 4 inch portrait testing the tone tan paper.
Did some experimenting with Strathmore Tone Tan paper. At only 4 inches wide this was a little small to work comfortably, however I was pleased with the overall effect and plan to use it alot more. A complete nightmare to scan though!
Commission
Silent Assassin
“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.
coloured pencil, sketchblog