Lately I’ve been experimenting a bit with mixed media art, and I’ve been having a lot of fun with it. My latest finished piece consisted of pencil crayons, water-based markers, a fine-point black pen, and a white gel pen. Each medium type added an interesting layer to the drawing with its own unique texture and detail. I enjoyed the process so much – not confining myself to one medium set my creativity free.
For my dear grandfather’s birthday I decided to draw him an eagle. Drawing for people allows me to expand and try new things, since I try to create something that they’d appreciate and which therefore might not be something I’d normally draw. I’ve only drawn one other eagle in the past few years, and it was…well, I’ll just say it certainly wasn’t my best work. I’ll include an image of it below. However rough that drawing seems, it was inspiring to compare it to this recent piece and see how much I’ve improved.
Below are the two main reference drawings that I used.
And this…uhh, well, this is the aforementioned eagle drawing from over a year and a half ago. It wasn’t finished…
(Why does it look so angry though?…)
Here’s the process of my recent eagle drawing, starting with the initial sketch, which was done in light grey pencil crayon.
Then I began to add colour to the beak. Originally I made the beak way too orange.
Next I started adding in shadow and detailing with black pencil crayon.
I cautiously started on the eye (eyes usually make me nervous because of the details and the emotion I try to depict in them) and fixed the colour of the beak, beginning to add shadows and dimension to it.
I decided to make the background black to make the eagle’s white plumage really stand out, so I began this next with a black water-based marker.
From my reference photos and research, I realized eagle eyes are more of a pale yellow with a dark outside ring than an orange-brown like what I had before, so I corrected that and continued to fill in the background, careful to keep the details and texture of the feathers.
Once I painstakingly finished the background – going around the beak and the feathers was a bit nerve-wracking – and added deeper, darker shadows with my water-based markers and pen, I made the feathers on the eagle’s head and around its eye more detailed. Finally, I added in bright white highlights on and around the eye, on the beak and mouth, and for the whiskers. In the image below you can also see some of my materials laying around (and my foot!).
Finally, it was all done. Here’s a close-up.
I did add my signature and the year to the bottom right of the drawing, but as an extra little piece I made the highlight on the beak H-shaped. Hehe!
Amazing Hazel, looks real
Thank you!
You are truly an amazing artist dear daughter! Loved the humor in your post, and seeing the process for this piece which took everyone’s breath away when you revealed it.
Much appreciated, Mom <3
This drawing you gifted me, I value as one of my more significant treasures. “No words can express the gratitude i feel”. In addition, as the eagle is a symbol for freedom and vision, little did i know eagles grew beards. The hair color matches my newly facial growth.
I love your comment, Gramps. Thank you <3
You’re a very talented artist Hazel. It’s fascinating to see your work come to life.
Thank you very much!
Such a powerful piece! Well done! It is truly a privilege for you to share your creative journey. Thank you!
Thanks, Grandpa Bill!
Keeeyyyaaaaaaw! How’s that for an eagle impersonation? I think your drawings are legit. Keep ’em coming.
Well done O.O Sounded just like one…
You’ve got a true talent, and it sure runs in your genes.
It’s amazing watching your dedication to art and the progress that you’ve made. Can’t wait to see what you create next!
Thanks auntie <3
Love it Hazel…sharing your process and…the end result…nice touch with the H….Maureen
Thank you for your comment, Maureen! I’m grateful you’ve checked out my blog.
Hazel this drawing is amazing I absolutely love itttttt
Aww thank you Emma :)
Strong observation skills and draftsmanship. Your second piece shows growth in visual and hand/eye coordination. Well done. You may be a true colorist as you did an exquisite job on the beak, the feathers and eyes. All very realistic. Don’t give this up if you find it feeds you Hazel. Take some drawing classes or find some on Domestica. You have talent, but success only comes with perserverence. Experiment, grow, look at lots of art books and discover other art styles. There are wonderful things only artists can do. Go for it if it makes your heart sing.
Hi Marilee, and thank you for your comment :) I appreciate your feedback and advice, which I will certainly take into consideration.