Buzzard

[Etoiledusoir]

You have an infinite patience, the details are really impressive, yourwork is more and more beautiful at every step I see it!

[Candle]

Still getting more beautiful! Those leaves in the foreground are great.

[Jazz]

Fabulous work and I really enjoyed following through the thread. The detail is wonderful, how are you going to tackle the issue of making the background sink back, I would think a couple of layers of a blue colour over the background -You probably already have it in hand. I was just curious I cant wait too see the next update

[KarenESP]

That was great!

[ocmd123]

Beautiful! The fern fronds are a great element!

[xanaduthegrey]

Originally Posted by tonian

I especially want the background near the head to be some darker, so it contrasts with the thin white fluffy feathers on the head (that I still have to draw).

Yes, I was thinking he's a youngster on the nest.

There are loads of buzzards (buteo buteo) round here, but they are usually darker than this bird. I think there are a number of races, and light and dark birds.

Just to stir the hawk/vulture/buzzard thread a bit more, a buzzard wouldn't be called a hawk here (Wales) because hawks (sparrowhawks and goshawks) are different again. They have shorter rounder wings and live in woodland. Buzzards like more open country with trees.

I think the bracken fronds partly in front of the bird are a lovely touch and the whole painting is a great success. I guess you have been painting birds for some time.

[xanaduthegrey]

Originally Posted by jumpmaster

you are very patient. Excellent work.

My feeling is that you don't need any patience at all. Patience implies that you could be in danger of impatience. I believe you just get lost in bringing your beautiful bird to life and time has no meaning at all...

[pencilmadness]

You have a great touch.

[tonian]

Thanks for all your comments! The paper size is 27.9 x 35.6 cm, or 11 x 14 inch.

The bird is indeed a youngster, fallen out of the nest (after the picture was taken, the bird was put back into the nest again). The colour of these birds can vary, and this is obviously a very light coloured one.

I've added the final leaves and fluffy feathers to the buzzard. It's less obvious that what I thought/hoped, but I added some fine white ink lines at the top of the head to depict these fluffy feathers. If you compare with the previous version, you can see the difference.

Before I sign the drawing, I let it rest for about a week, and then decide if I call it done. At the moment, I think it is.

[KarenESP]

Just stunning!

[Etoiledusoir]

I am in awe, it is wonderful!! you master these pencils well! I think you can sign it without hesitation. I added it to my favorites

[ArtbyPeggy]

WOW tonian this came out AWESOME!!!!!!

[Candle]

Very nice! It will look lovely framed.

[chammi kaiser]

I have watched this develop with absolute fascination and admiration at your talent. It is a wonderful drawing.

[marieUK]

Beautiful work of art, a true labour of love here. I applaude your skill and your patience