Here is a composition problem I've been wrestling with - it is a subject I've been studying for a while, Rufous Night Herons. I have several ref. shots (see attached), and want to position the bird in a setting different from the usual pond or lake, i.e., the old boat slip.

Now the problem is, as much as I enjoy drawing old posts, piers and rusty nails - I think they are going to end up overpowering the bird. (see attached rough) Even though I plan to use some colour on him/her I think maybe I should rethink my composition and background stratgey.... before I start serious drawing.

tooooo much pier and background perhaps? Too aerial a view maybe? Perspective all wrong?

Linda Weil
www.users.bigpond.net.au/lindaweil/

That's a very interesting composition and I think you can carry it off. For what it's worth, here are my initial reactions and feelings.

You have adhered to the rule of thirds and the bird is perfectly placed. I see the heron as being drawn with great sharpness and clarity. The third below that as being slightly blurred and darkish with intriguing glimpses of texture - deep fissures etc - I love drawing old wood as well!

The bottom third could be really dark and almost indistinct. I think this would give weight at the bottom to "ground" the whole composition. The water may be a problem and lead the eye down but you could maybe continue downwards with the dark reflection of the post above with just a hint of ripple - let the eye find it in time to answer the question of on what and where the bird is situated. I can see this in my mind but it's difficult to explain The sort of tonal desinty I'm imagining is not something that's seen in your work so you might find it an interesting challenge.

It's a brave lass who ventures into this territory - but you know how much I admire your work and I have every confidence in you.

MIKE

www.SibleyFineArt.com
www.Starving-Artists.net

You are right, it will be a challenge for me - I sometimes wimp out on developing the background but I will look at this as just another step in my drawing education!

I will post updates as I get further into the drawing over the next few weeks for all to see how it develops.

Thanks!

Linda Weil
www.users.bigpond.net.au/lindaweil/

Quote I will post updates as I get further into the drawing over the next

......and if it all goes pear-shaped you can blame me!

I'm not sure how to tackle the open-to-the-sea strip at the side.... I think a very quick change from inky water to bright, almost featureless water is called for ... and for it to fade into white at the earliest opportunity.

No background! I didn't mention that did I? I see it as all foreground. A background couldn't add anything to the scene so I'd just leave it out.

MIKE

www.SibleyFineArt.com
www.Starving-Artists.net

I usally work from the top left of the page downwards toward the bottom right.

I am reasonably happy with the beady eyed stare I achieved. The beak is possibly a bit larger than reality, but I kinda like the result anyway. Sort of suggests the aggressive stabbing ability these herons have. Now I am starting to work into the body and flight feathers.

You may have noticed that I refined the position of the back post a bit - I felt uncomfortable with it being so high. Also rearranged some of the protruding nails better.

Note to self: Remember to stretch your paper BEFORE you lay down a watercolour wash! oops.

Linda Weil
www.users.bigpond.net.au/lindaweil/

Quote ........looking forward to seeing it finished.

Thanks for compliment- believe me I need it after yesterday's drawing session. 5 hours of struggle with the body that went TOTALLY wrong from the start. I knew it, but kept going hoping it would all work out in the end. Nope. Tragic. After 5 hours and many 4 letter words I took out the kneadable eraser & blutack, removed 5 hours of pain and started the body over again. I will post an update as soon as I get over the trauma and get my confidence back!
Linda Weil
www.users.bigpond.net.au/lindaweil/

too flat? They have VERY smooth feathers and almost have a silky texture without any rea feather structure detail.

More highlights perhaps? Any suggestions out there? I am frightened of overworking it - if I haven't already!

Linda Weil
www.users.bigpond.net.au/lindaweil/

But is IS pencil - not Watercolor. Only a very light background wash was used at the start, all other work has been in sepia, graphite and colored pencil

really!

Linda Weil
www.users.bigpond.net.au/lindaweil/