Gruiformes WIP

[Snozzberry]

Polychromos Colored Pencils on 9x12 Arches HP watercolor paper.

My dream job is to be a Scientific Illustrator, and in order to do that, I need to practice. I found this challenge on Deviantart where you are to illustrate 100 different species, and the species I picked today is the Grey Crowned Crane. I used to have issues with colored pencil because I'd rush it, and I'd end up with sloppy work. I think I've learned to not rush my art quite so much, and I feel it shows. A little irritated with the scanner though. It doesn't pick up light colors as well as I'd like. There are tiny yellow flecks on the wattle, and there was some skin detail on the cheeks that seem to have been washed out. Hopefully I can get a better scanner or camera one day, and delicate details can be picked up more easily.

Edited for typos

[George924]

Great start to becoming an illustrator, I would suggest using more colors to define your work and give it a greater depth. The use of blacks and grays...try mixing your own dark colors with a variant of other colors, the richness of color will come out in your work in a much more vibrant blend.

[Pingpongfan]

You've chosen a good subject with lots of bright colour. I can see the yellow flecks just fine, so your scanner is working. I'm looking forward to the update.
Vena

[Snozzberry]

I took George924's advice and tried to incorporate a bit more color into the feathers as well as the beak. I have to admit, it was a little tough trying to get more color in there while staying true to the color of this species of crane.

[KarenESP]

Great work so far - really nice to see an unusual bird, will be keeping an eye on your thread...

[Snozzberry]

I've started on the wings and the crown. I've also learned that Dark Sepia and Dark indigo combined make a good neutral.

[douglass]

Coming along very nicely!

[KarenESP]

completely CHARMING piece!!!

[Snozzberry]

It's mostly finished. I think I need to touch up the crown a bit, but other then that, I'm quite pleased with it.

[emma.s]

Love the way you did the eye! its nice to see someone else on here who is also interested in scientific illustration thats what I want to do as well!! Would be interested in the species challenge you mentioned if you would be able to post the link?

I have recently been working on a grey cat and had a similar problem of whether to go 100% complementaries to mix the grey fur (there is a really good thread in the library called "African Grey Feather" about this), but I ended up doing a mix of complementaries, plus some greys mixed in.
I found that an undercoat of Ultramarine and Caput Mortuum (a reddish brown colour) both polychromos, with dark indigo on darker areas, then greys, whites and blues over the top worked quite well.
great finished artwork!

[KarenESP]

The background really makes this piece pop - this was great fun to watch, thanks for posting your progression!

[Snozzberry]

emma.s - Heres the link to the Challenge: http://browse.deviantart.com/art/100...enge-271791779

It not only features big, photogenic animals like mammals, birds and reptiles, but also smaller orders, like lanclets, Tardigrades, and sea squirts.

Also, thanks for the advice everyone, it was really appreciated. I'm glad you all enjoyed my drawing.

[emma.s]

Thanks snozzberry! Looks like an awesome challenge- and a good way to practice, which I really need haha looking forward to seeing more of your stuff!