My project in Illustrating Nature: Palmers Rough Pond

I’ve been watching the moorhens grow from when they were chicks in the spring at our local park. They are so endearing and funny to watch. The way they move and lift their feet is so graceful. They have brownish backs and black bellies and heads so I used Quink (and inktense sticks for the beaks and feet).
The background was laid in with watercolour washes and masking fluid was used to save highlights. I used coloured pencils and neocolour in the foreground and the log.
My finished painting doesn’t entirely load and the bottom has been cropped off. I wanted to add Lilly pads (they are in my garden pond not the park) so I could show the nearest birds feet. I splattered some inky water at the end.
This course has really helped me to loosen up, play with different techniques, and connect with the natural environment.