Barn Owl feather drawing

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

A few years back a barn owl took up residence around our house and left behind plenty of feathers for me to collect.  The other day I decided to make a drawing of one of the feathers on some tan paper, and I fell in love with the effect! :)  I have a sketchbook with this paper in it, and I've decided to fill the book with drawings of all the different bird feathers I have in my collection.  I know what you're thinking: not another new project!  I am a glutton for punishment ;)

Until next time: Happy Flying! 

Mountain Quail Update: Part 2

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

I finally finished the mountain quail, and now I'm working on his environment, which includes one of my favorite things to draw: a gnarled tree branch! ;)  I'm thinking of adding some moss or lichen to the left side.  

I hope to have another update for you soon, so until then: Happy Flying!

Painted Butterfly Raku Jar

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!
About two weeks ago, I was invited by a friend to go to a raku party.  "Raku" is a type of low-firing pottery process inspired by the traditional Japanese raku firing.  In the western-style raku that was demonstrated at the party, the pottery was removed from the kiln while still red hot (which is an amazing thing to witness!) and then covered by buckets filled with newspaper.  When the newspaper ignites, it produces what is called an "intense reduction atmosphere" that effects the colors in the glazes and clay, and usually produces crackling.  It is an awesome process to watch! :)
I had a wonderful time at this raku party and got to take one of the jars home.  I have a habit of embellishing things, and so I started painting the jar.  This was the first time I'd ever painted on a non-flat surface, so it was definately a learning experience.  What you see in the pictures above are the results of my experimentation.  So technically, I can say my art is now in 3D! ;)
Happy Flying!

Mountain Quail Update

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!
Here's the progress I've made on the little Mountain Quail.  I've had to use three different photo references for this piece: one for the position, one for the detail, and another for the color.  Actually it will be four photos when I fill in the background and the gnarled tree branch he is perched on.  It is a good experience for me, learning to add in multiple references for one subject.  
In researching this subject, I have become fascinated by game birds like the quail and grouse.  So more of these plucky little birds will be finding their way onto my drawing board.  As if it wasn't crowded enough, right? :)
Happy Flying! 

Mountain Quail sketch

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!
I thought I'd share this drawing of a mountain quail I did the other day.  I will be doing a colored version of this plucky little fellow for my grandfather.  
Happy Flying! 

Jaguar Update: Part 6

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!
A few more hours of work and this jaguar will be finished! :D 
Until next time: Happy Flying!