Duck Stamp

Dark Waters 

Colored pencil on drawing paper

9" x 12"

The main idea that guided my artwork was the prompt to successfully draw a bird species. We were provided a limited list we needed to choose from. I chose the Harlequin Duck, because I found that the colors stood out to me. Before we started, we did some background research. 

First, I made a general sketch for my artwork. I used two references to make a quick outline of the two ducks. I then used a light blue chalk pastel to cover the background- we used sprayfix to make sure it didn't smudge too much. After, I started layering with my colored pencils on the ducks. This process took me a very long time to achieve the desired colors and tones. To make it realistic, I used darks and lights to make the appearance of feathers. Once the ducks looked the way I wanted them with the colored pencils, I went over the whites to make them cleaner with a white paint pen, and finished up small details with it. After the ducks were completely finished, I made the water with black and white colored pencils. To make reflections, highlights, and splashes, I again used the paint pen. Finally, I blended the light blue background with white and light blue colored pencils.
I went through a couple processes which drove me to completion of my final product. One process I went through was revision of the male duck's face, and additionally making several adjustments with both duck's faces. Another process I went through was deciding where the water placement would be, and additionally the placement of the female duck. The first time I made the water, it looked absolutely horrible. I did not use a reference image. I erased this for the second try, and was semi-happy with the finished water. I had to use black and white to cover up the previously drawn water. I still didn't use a reference image, but it came out ok. I think that it would have looked a lot worse without the highlights and features with the white paint pen. I spent way too long on the male duck, which made it so I was late to turn in this project (more than 5 hours). I also spent a very long time with the water. I think that overall, I am a little happy about my work.