Steps 4 and 5:

Do some blending and apply more strokes. Thin strokes this time, keeping in mind the feathery look, which is required. Still, no detailing at all. Direction of the brushstrokes is important. I go to build the composition as a whole, working on related areas simultaneously with small strokes of paint.

Step 6:

Now I start building up the form. Blending the strokes, to achieve volume. Random scribbling and strokes that define the direction of the feathers are applied.

Lay in bold pattern of value, until the subject begins to take shape. Reduce the subject down to a large mosaic of shapes and values. As the painting takes shape, I start modeling each of the individual items, like the beak, face, feathers etc.

I plot the light and dark tones of the feathers using various mixes of orange and red. I apply them rapidly and don’t bogged down in detail, concentrate instead on capturing the gestures of the feathers.

Step 7:

I go for the background now. Add more color and shapes, for a better composition, I usually add or subtract things during the process, like an On The Spot Decision. I give some attention to the background as well. Apply some color, contrasting with what I used in the foreground. Again, there is no rule for such actions, just follow your heart and put strokes to balance things according to your own instincts.

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Copyright Ambient Design Ltd. 2006. Tutorial Copyright Waheed Nasir 2006.