Mostly using Prismacolors. This has been doctored in Photoshop – the measuring was off and I just couldn’t stand it (I reduced the outer line of the muscles in his chest). Great photo taken from Flickr.

Following Trudy Friend’s advice, I used the “tick and flick” method to do the jay’s feathers. Which works well, if you like hairy birds.

Focusing on dark areas of his face, shadows, and line direction to match form. GraphGear 500. 4B (probably).

Playing around with marker pen – Copic and Prismacolor – and coloured pencil – Prismacolor Verithins and whatever their fatter/softer ones are called.

I ignored what I’d read online and started with pencil. Better than all the previous attempts.

From a statue by Fernando Botero.

Prismacolour Verithins and Premiers. About 1 hour 45 minutes. 3.5″ x 5.5″.

A most interesting magnolia seed. Photo reference.

Small version:

Large version: