Almost missed my deadline for posting my progress on Feeding for Thursday’s Drawing ~
Feeding, (12×9) a graphite drawing is being done on Bristol Vellum paper, the smooth side. Today’s work was concentrated on one of the Tern’s using graphite pencils 2H, HB, B, 4B and 6B – a tortilium for blending and a kneaded eraser. About another hour of work is needed to finish up working the feathers and patterns on this Tern and then I’ll turn my attention to the foreground bird. The darkest values have now been established in this Tern (I believe is the male), that will allow me to work on the lighter valued female Tern. Once both birds are completed the final steps will be to develop the foreground reflections in the sand and finish the background water.
Have a wonderful weekend ~ click onto the image for a larger view of the details.
Feeding #2
DON’T TAKE MY IMAGES!! MY ART IS COPYRIGHTED.
PLEASE DON’T COPY OR USE THE IMAGE WITHOUT RECEIVING MY PERMISSION FIRST – SEE DISCLOSURE ON THE RIGHT PANEL.
Oil Pastels by Mary 
The feather detail is beautiful, Mary. I really love the beak. What care you’ve taken over it. 🙂
Thank you Sylvia – hopefully in the final drawing series of this project you’ll see the reflections of the beak which is going to really add emphasis to the actual one.
This is perfect for my ocean theme today, Mary! The details and shading of the tern’s back and tail feathers are beautiful.
Thanks Elisa – ha, from drama to the calming scene of the Terns. Glad you enjoyed the drawing.
I love, love this bird drawing, Mary! Looking forward to seeing the development. 🙂
Thanks Amy – appreciate your enthusiastic comment!
So lovely!
Thank you Fiona!
Looking forward to watching the details unfold.
Thanks Frank – much appreciated!
The detail and feathering on the bird are beautiful, Mary.
Thank you Gallivanta!!
I love the contrast of the darker shades and lighter shades. You made the feathers look soft. Looking forward to seeing more.
Thank Joanna – something very calming about these two birds feeding, they remind me of some doves we have around here. I’m with you on the contrasts, I think that is what attracted me to draw them. Thanks again ~
This looks as though it’s going to be extraordinary, Mary! I spent a fair bit of time walking slowly along the Algarve beaches just trying to get a decent photo of a bird. They’re always a few wing beats ahead of me 🙂
Hi Jo, thanks very much and so funny – the birds can sometimes be elusive and quick. Maybe one day soon you’ll be rewarded. We’ve had a hawk around here these last couple of days and darn every time I went to get my camera he took off!
Beautiful Mary. I was on the shores of the Delaware Bay today enjoying the flight of the many shore birds who visit these beaches.
Thank you so much – it’s always a treat to see the birds in their natural element. I bet you had a wonderful time ~ beautiful part of the country.
vivid…and natural…beautiful, Mary!
Thanks Johannis!
I turned on my computer and there it was–a tern.
Perhaps I will grow tired of these puny puns by the time you finish the painting–but don’t count on it.
Oh yes the Tern, well you’ll have to change the name – I’ve learned they are called Willets. Keep the puny puns coming – I enjoy them. Have a lovely weekend and hello to Princess Ariel.
I fin it amazing that you can see where you are going with the piece. I mean, it seems you have it fully visualized!
It helps to be able to start with a good photograph, so then I can adjust and visualize how I want to use graphite tones/values and textures. Thanks my friend, have an awesome weekend!
I love the texture you’re able to get of the wing and back, Mary. Really good.
Thank you Don – appreciate getting the feedback from someone with an incredible artist eye. Thanks so much!
Amazing what you can draw with graphite pencils, Mary!
Thanks Geralyn – the graphite is a powerful tool, who knew?! I get totally relaxed when I’m drawing.
I keep running out of ways to talk about how wonderful and inspirational your artwork is! Have a wonderful weekend, Mary!
Thank you Laura, I really do appreciate your compliments and encouraging comments. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Very nice shading on the gull’s body.
Thanks so much Pauline – the patterns are really beautiful on these birds.
Oooh, I just love your drawing! I have a feeling it’s from my photo at PMP 🙂 The birds are willets.. sometimes there are so many at the beach feeding and wading. I love seeing them on my walks, they are such gentle and graceful birds! Thank you, Mary!
So cool – you are really good Rose!! I usually announce the reference image and photographer, and then also let the photographer know once the drawing is completed. In this case, you beat me too the punch – love it! Great eye – it was a surprise for you! Your shot has a favorite of mine for a while and have had it on my list to attempt to draw for a while now – thank you so much for sharing your beautiful seascape photographs with us artists at pmp. I hope when my drawing is done the result gives justice to the scene like your lens.
Thanks for letting me know the correct name of the bird, I’ll make note of that in my next update. You are right these Willets are gorgeous.
Mary, I just love it! I am so honored that you chose my photo… those birds are my companions in the morning.. each one of them make me feel connected and a part of this vast universe :). I am sure your finished work will be amazing! Thank you again so much for choosing my photo. Wish you could come with me on my walks some time! Hugs and have a beautiful weekend! xoxo
I think we would have a great time together Rose – you area of the world is one very special place!
Would love you to visit if you ever come to Florida xxoo
This is already beautiful….I will look forward to seeing the progress….and Mary have a lovely weekend…janet:)
Thanks so much Janet!! Have a great weekend too ~
That is unbelievably good
Thanks so much Derrick!
Using only graphite pencils..that’s brilliant shade. Looking forward to its completion…:-)
Have a great weekend , Mary… 🙂
Thanks Maniparna – I’m glad you are enjoying the process. Love the degree of shading values you can get with graphite, this drawing will be an example of the range (if I do it correctly). Have a great weekend.
Your versatility is showing Mary!!!! I can’t wait to see the finished product. 🙂
Thanks so much Dorann – I like this drawing project, it is a refreshing piece to work out.
Always a pleasure to follow your work in progress! And always very gratifying to see the final version! Thanks so much, Mary!
Thank you so much Fabio – appreciate your support and encouragement along the way!