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Sketching birds: a step-by-step approach
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They may only appear for a few moments, and when they do they’re constantly on the go. There’s no doubt though, that their gorgeous plumage, variety and complexity make them very appealing subjects.
However frustrating drawing a moving subject may be, there are plenty of ways you can make the challenge easier and more pleasurable.
A knowledge of anatomy is invaluable, as is an understanding of proportion, tone and technique. Fortunately all of the books below deliver that, as well as stunning illustrations that can’t fail to inspire.
Tim Wootton is a UK artist whose work I’ve admired for many years, and his book certainly did not disappoint. Drawing and Painting Birds (pub. The Crowood Press) is a well written, comprehensive guide that takes you from beginner to competent artist. (Providing you practise, of course!) There are numerous beautiful illustrations, both by Tim and other established artists, past and present. Even those who would never pick up a pencil, could enjoy this book for the sumptuous images alone. The book covers, drawing techniques, anatomy, different bird families, painting, and composition, as well as more unusual concepts such as making an articulated model of a gull or a model that shows the effect of perspective on feather patterns.
John Muir Laws is an American artist, whose book The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds (pub. Audubon) is an excellent aid to anyone wanting to draw birds. The book is divided into sections (Drawing Basics, Anatomy etc), with each page covering a different concept – Proportion, Head Position, Tail Shape and Structure, Drawing Waterfowl etc. The effect is that of taking a bird apart to study each section in turn, thereby helping the reader to amass knowledge as the book progresses. The final section covers materials and techniques. All of the illustrations are by the author, so this book is unashamedly about learning to draw birds his way. That said, he’s a master of bird sketching and I’m happy to have this book on my own shelf. The only slight issue is that UK readers may be disappointed that the species depicted are American – so think more Blue Jay than Puffin. Thankfully, bird anatomy is similar throughout the world, so American raptors, waterfowl and passerines are similar to their Eurasian counterparts.
My own book, The Wildlife Artist’s Handbook (pub. The Crowood Press) takes a slightly different approach. Yes, the chapters on drawing, painting, anatomy and composition are all there, but this book takes a wider view. There are sections on wildlife art through the ages, sculpture and printmaking, fieldcraft, researching your subject, and the first steps to establishing yourself as a wildlife artist. Sections on painting dusk and dawn, or helpful information about coping with your subject’s reflections, encourage the reader to place the subject in its habitat and move towards creating paintings rather than solely sketchbook pages. The illustrations are 50% by the author and 50% by other artists, so there are plenty of different styles to inspire you. This book is aimed at the reader who has some basic knowledge of sketching and is turning towards wildlife as a new subject for their creativity.
If drawing birds from life seems a step too far, Andrew Forkner’s A-Z of Bird Portraits (pub. Search Press) may be just your cup of tea. This is more for those beginning their wildlife art journey. There are 26 step-by-step projects to help you draw a range of global species, so you can follow along with the author’s process as you copy. There’s useful information included, though if you want to create more individual works of art, one of the above volumes may suit you better.
So if you’re looking to start drawing birds, or to improve your existing skills, I urge you to add any or all of the above to your art books collection. Drawing birds takes motivation and practice, but good publications will help to ensure your success.
Drawing Birds with Andrew Forkner.
This comprehensive guide will show you not just how to draw birds but, more importantly, that you have the ability to do it!
“I wish I could do that” is, as Andrew Forkner points out, the best starting place. He says the fact that you have the desire and motivation means that you also have the patience to develop the technical and observational skills you’ll need to draw birds successfully.
Andrew explains the materials you’ll need, how to observe and how to find reference material. He’ll also explain what to put down in a sketch and how to transfer this to a larger work. He covers form and structure, including details such as feathers, eyes, beaks and feet.
The book then moves to a series of step-by-step projects covering water and land-based birds as well as falcons, owls and garden varieties. It also has a special section on capturing birds in flight as well as natural habitats.
There is plenty here to keep you encouraged and informed and this is an excellent introductory guide.
Search Press – Paperback – 96 Pages – Black & White illustrations
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Artist Andrew Forkner
Brand Search Press
Format Book
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