Kookaburra WIP take 2

[Picasso2]

Hi Mike
I've done some more work on the kookaburra, attempting to incorporate all your valuable suggestions. Not sure how successful I've been, but further comments and advice would be gratefully received!
Regards
Jean

[LindasPencils]

Thats better Jean! Now he starting to look like he has a round, fluffy body. And see? you CAN do darks! lol.

[Picasso2]

Thanks Linda
I know you often do classes on drawing single feathers, but think it would be great to have a lesson/tutorial/video on the steps for doing the whole bird, as I'm still not sure that I'm approaching them properly.
Cheers
Jean

[LindasPencils]

Well Jean, we will have to earmark that one for Term 2 when you get back from your overseas trip! And you could post your progress here...

But a really excellent resource is John Muir Laws Drawing Birds tutorial: https://johnmuirlaws.com/drawing-birds/
John is a fine naturalist artist. He has a wonderful book on this (I have a copy you can look at) but his website has some very useful information.

Oh, and I have to compliment you again on this Kookaburra - the shading and tones that create the 'ball' shape really make this drawing an image of a real, living animal. well done.

[Picasso2]

Definitely looking forward to that, Linda! Thanks for the link. Have checked out the website and it looks as though the book would be really helpful as a reference. Could you bring your copy to class on Wednesday, please. Did you buy it here or in U.S. as I could probably get it there when we go. Thanks for your kind comments on the kooka!
Cheers
Jean

[LindasPencils]

bought the book through his website. See you on the 5th - will try to remember the book! (send me a PM to remind me night before if you can)

[Mike Sibley]

This is so much better, Jean! It has solidity and three-dimensional form now. When you're drawing, it's so easy to get caught up in the detail, until that's all you see.

Sometimes you have to step back occasionally and look at the broader picture. Then ask yourself why the subject in the photo looks three-dimensional. If you don't include that information in your drawing, it will look rather flat and unrealistic.

This is a proper bird now. It has a chubby cheek, a bright eye, and a beak made for laughing And its front is rounded too - properly ball-shaped, as Linda said.

[Picasso2]

Thanks for all the helpful comments,Mike. This gives me much more confidence for tackling birds in the future!
Regards
Jean

[Laurene]

I enjoyed following both of your posts Jean. This second drawing is wonderful! I can feel the roundness and shape of your bird.

[Picasso2]

Thanks for the encouragement Laurene. Really appreciated.
Regards
Jean