A brand new project for Thursday’s Drawing started today ~
On the Lookout, #1 a graphite drawing is being done on Bristol Vellum paper, the smooth side. The background was established first, using homemade graphite power from # B graphite pencil, dusted on with a brush and then wiped/smoothed with a piece of felt (can use chamois as well) for a softer appearance, this will let the background stay in the back and won’t interfere with the main subject (a Heron), and finally using a kneaded eraser certain areas were lifted for water highlights. Next the wood pier/pole was worked on establishing values first (B, 2B, 3B and 4B), used a tortilium to smooth out graphite and lastly added in the grains of the wood. Some more work needs to be done on the water and wood, but I’ll wait until the Heron is established so the values stay in check and I can get a better feel for where the drawing is taking me.
Next week the Heron will begin to emerge. Thank you checking in – have a great weekend. Click onto the image for a larger view of details.
On the Lookout , #1
Oil Pastels by Mary 
You have made a lot of progress on this painting since this post. Thanks for giving updates.
Thank you so much Lucy, really appreciate hearing from you on this project. It was a fun piece to workout.
A few parts look complicated. Great work.
I love your birds, looking forward to see the heron! 🙂
Very cool Calee – thanks and fingers-crossed that it goes according to plan.
Oh this is going to be a nice one Mary. I think your bird drawings are fabulous!
Your work ethic is so inspiring. You make me want to improve every time I get in front of my easel.
I’m taking a bit of a break as somehow I hurt my shoulder and it hurts to paint. 😒
Thanks so much Rhonda – you know I really appreciate your encouragement and support, means a lot. This drawing will be more close-up than my others, so it’s a bit intimidating to draw convincing feathers but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
I’m sorry to read about your shoulder, hoping that it mends quickly that you are back painting before too much time has passed.
Thanks Mary. Me too!
Eager to see the emergence of the heron… I’ll be following… 🙂
Thank you Maniparna!!
I’ll be following along too, Mary. Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks Geralyn – have a great weekend.
I’m sure this is going to be really stunning, Mary. I hope it’s a Great Blue. 🙂
Ah Sylvia you know your Herons – can’t wait to get started on him. Thanks so much!
👍👯
A lovely opening teaser …you’ve got US all primed and eyes peeled Mary 🙂
I’ll await the star performer’s arrival amid a flurry of feathers ….
Thanks Poppy – the scene really spoke to me and I’ve got to say I’m excited about working those feathers! Have a great weekend.
Love the mood in this one!
Thanks Fiona – the sunset scene (in color) reminded of the many photographs you’ve taken of your special place.
OMG! I’m excited!!!
Yeah Resa, love your enthusiasm!! Have a great weekend ~
Lovely start to begin with, love the texture of the box, looking out for sure to the heron to appear!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you Eva very much. It’s proving to be an interesting drawing – have a great weekend too!
Wonderful Mary. I’m looking forward to seeing the Heron.
Thank you Nicodemas!
Be blessed.
Thank you, same to you.
Thank you for taking time to explain the process, Mary! Looking forward to see Heron. 🙂
Thanks Amy – this has been a fun drawing project. Looking forward to working the Heron’s feathers.
I agree with both comments ☺️
Appreciate you describing your process, Mary. Helps both my learning and appreciation of the particular work. – Tom
Thanks Tom for your comment and compliment. Every drawing project is a learning experience, just as you talk about through your own work. Thanks very much Tom and glad you are enjoying the piece.
Well, I’ll certainly be on the lookout, Mary! Looking good!
Thanks Jill!! Have a great weekend.
I like the start of this a lot….and will look forward to seeing the heron….Have a wonderful weekend. Janet. 🙂
Thank you Janet! Have a great weekend too!