quick bus sketch / anatomy study of a ruby-crowned kinglet

the weirdest part of my day was watching a half hour video specifically devoted to unsettling birds and SOMEHOW none of it took the cake for "most horrifying thing i learned about a bird today".

because i also learned what heron necks look like on the inside. no, i'm not okay.

some recent bus sketches / quick anatomy studies

northern flicker, snowy egret, and belted kingfisher

i made a little killdeer plush using the free puff bird pattern from choly knight!

update: this arrived and it's also very good, doubly so if you're into birdwatching. some of the anatomy notes are useful field marks and it explains how to do field drawings for i.d. purposes.

sneptember seems like a good time to share my otakon costume. i was stelmaria from his dark materials (my partner was asriel).

i made the paws using the 5-digit handpaw pattern from matrices (slim version). the tail is my own design.

this costume made me realize i needed a second fursona...

these two aren't for drawing, but the sibley book has some useful diagrams that i've referred to on a number of occasions. i also like books like the guide to the mid-atlantic coast because scientific illustration can help make sense of things like feather groups in a way photos often don't.

in addition to books, there are a number of artists who offer both free and paid resources online!

monika zagrobelna has a wide variety of tutorials and anatomy studies available. i also love deertush and crow artist.

the john muir laws website has a large archive of video lectures.

i want to share some of the books i've picked up in recent years to help improve my animal drawing skills, especially my understanding of anatomy. they're all great and i recommend them!

the laws guide to drawing birds is currently in the mail. i can't wait to see it!

this is gracious wings. she's a turkey vulture mod of the baby bird pattern by teacup lion.

turkey vultures are one of my favorite birds :)

view of the back

here's a quagsire plush i finished recently

pattern by whittykitty

i don't have anything fancy for avian august but here's a few little sketches / studies of american robins i did on the bus :)