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Sol-leks3 — African Grey Parrot study

Published: 2009-07-24 08:25:16 +0000 UTC; Views: 212; Favourites: 2; Downloads: 4
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Description I got inspired to try something new, so I did a little study of African Grey Parrots. I was drawn to that particular type of bird because I have one at home, an 8 year old congo named Sam

I mostly referenced from DA, but also took from my own bird and my knowledge of how she looks/moves/behaves. The one in the middle looks most like Sam. All pictures referenced are listed next to the respective sketch on the page

Mostly, I was trying to get some different expressions. Believe it or not, birds do indeed have quite expressive faces, at least greys do.

time: 2-3 hours
Medium: Sharpie

Feel free to critique/write suggestions/recommendations!
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Comments: 5

feathers-and-ashes [2009-07-25 05:56:01 +0000 UTC]

When I saw this (and before I read the description), I was thinking 'How did she get Sam to sit still - even for a photo?' That explains it. Nice studies and great expression. I agree with you on the expressiveness of birds - especially greys. My suggestion to you would be to do more studies - full-bodied ones, at that, to get the whole anatomy studies down and really understand the way these birds move on paper.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

feathers-and-ashes In reply to feathers-and-ashes [2009-07-25 05:56:26 +0000 UTC]

Oh, and I forgot to add - I love the bird on the left.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Sol-leks3 In reply to feathers-and-ashes [2009-07-25 06:52:01 +0000 UTC]

indeed, Sam would not have sat still at all. I would love to do another grey study on their habits/actions, like hanging upside down, eating stuff, tearing things apart, flying. They're rather dynamic birds and are extremely versatile and varied in their movements. I really need to get down bones, muscles, and most of all, the way the feathers are attached to the skin, since the feathers have so much to do with their expressions.

The one on the left is a bird called Mac that looks a lot like Sam (I know they all do, but I can tell between birds!) and one of Sam's favorite foods is almonds, so this was a really good pose.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

feathers-and-ashes In reply to Sol-leks3 [2009-07-25 18:58:34 +0000 UTC]

Quite right - bones, muscles, and feathers are where it's at. Speaking of, here's a few fantastic tutorials on bird drawing that I looked through when I did my bird series last year.

[link]
[link]
[link]

And for the wings:
[link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Sol-leks3 In reply to feathers-and-ashes [2009-07-26 03:09:19 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! I really like the wing one. I'll have to work on some bird anatomy soon.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0