The hornbill is such a fun bird to draw. I adore this one.
Once upon a time, I only wanted to draw regal birds. But over the course of this project, I learned that there is something so much more satisfying about drawing an awkward bird than a majestic one. There’s so much more to uncover: wiggly bits, scratchy lines, and fun places for my pen to go wandering. I feel like there’s more discovery in an awkward bird. I learned about pin feathers on this one. They’re neat.
This little guy is sitting on a wing bone from that old (massive 6 foot) drawing, re-purposed as a background for this series. Why did I do the original drawing in red? Because it was a terrible drawing, and many bad decisions were made. I like the re-use of it, though. I chose a green jay to contrast the red.
Not one of my favorites, but great fun to examine the wrinkles on his head & neck. I think I drew this one at 1am, so if it seems a bit rushed, it is.
The peregrine falcon is one of my favorites. I love the profile, the stateliness of his brow.
Plus, it’s a California bird and I am a proud coast-hugger. My state is the best, therefore all our animals are also the best. Well, at the very least, they are the most diverse in our nation. This is true: California is a biological “hot-spot” of diversity, because we have so many different climates and eco-systems. So our state has, if not the BEST of every kind of animal, then at least more kinds of animals than yours does. My state is awesome. Not that yours isn’t great, too. But mine is clearly better. At least bio-diversically, it is. (Yup, that’s totally a word. And I did not just make it up. OK, maybe a little, I did.)
Unfortunately, the scan makes the falcon look very faded. He’s in graphite, which doesn’t scan well. It always looks too, well, grey. And he looks more worried than noble. ergh.
I drew both bald eagles on the same day, penance for a skipped day.
Like the other one, I tried to choose a source photo that wasn’t a calm, composed bird sitting regally on a branch – nothing like the birds we see topping our flag-poles, or on our money. I wanted a bird with the kind of fire and rage that might have inspired the original bird-as-emblem-pickers to chose this one over the many other gorgeous birds in this nation. He’s coming to get you, so watch yourself!
I had been avoiding drawing a bald eagle, because it is THE bird that symbolizes America, and I didn’t want it to look stiff. I wanted to draw a bird that looked like a bird, not an icon. So, when National Geographic did a spread on eagles, I found a few images that were really dramatic and had great movement. I love the upward sweep of the right wing, whip-like.
I did this bird and another bald eagle in the same night.
Hey, old man bird.
Colored pencil on this one. The background is pretty busy, and this one didn’t work as well as others with the re-purposed drawing. But it’s OK. I think his wary eye saves it. Like he’s wondering why that skeleton man is going to touch him. Oh no, skeleton man. You will not touch me.
Cousin to the ostrich, and a wonderfully awkward bird. Why fly, when you can kick your enemies with those big feet?
What a fun beak for drawing! I used brush-tip marker pens for this one. They offer lovely control and range of movement.
claire meyler 