Spotted Pardalotes on Pink Flowering Gum

STEP ONE

Source material and initial compositional sketch

The first step entails working out the content of the image, materials, composition and the source imagery that inspires you. For example if you intend to create a realistic portrait of a dog you either need a dog or a photo of a dog to build that portrait from, unless of course you have a photographic memory.

Source imagery can range from magazines, books, your own photos, It is important to have good source imagery. I often rely on my own photos of branches and animals and yet at times am influenced by other artists. It is also important to have a few select artists that inspire you and give you a goal to achieve. I really admire Peter’s ability to capture not only the birds but also the plant life they are perched on. This is why in this drawing I have included more flora than I usually would.