annoyed birds….?

Another day, another attempt at an exercise from one of my books. This time, thought I’d try some birds. IRL, birds come in every shape and color so you can’t really go wrong…

first layer with a really soft pencil

When experimenting like this, I usually start with a really soft pencil that I hold between my thumb and forefinger at the back end. This helps me feel “looser”. Which in this case, is a good thing. 

Speaking of loose, I have no idea what the birds are sitting on. None. Tree? Bush? Nest? Viewer’s choice. 

I tried some watercolor washes, then when it was dry went over the top with one of my favorites – Caran D’Ache Neo Color II, with a water brush, brushing it right on the crayon. 

I like how the Neo Colors layer and you can keep building them up. I did a lot of stippling with the water brush. 

I typically wait until I’m about halfway through before giving them pupils – at which point it’s amazing how much personality they acquire!  

The only problem is when they wind up looking annoyed. Like mine so often do.  

There are some people who can layer and layer and layer endlessly. I am not one of those people. 

But this time I forced myself to keep adding, trying for some depth and additional detail. I even made myself wallpaper the background.  

annoyed birds taking shape

What I can’t figure out tho, is how the birds ended up levitating instead of resting on each other.