Trying to learn how to paint fur

[samplegirl]

A pair of Wrens.

[Tetrachloride]

1. That's a marvelous pair.

[mopinko]

2. recommend you look at detailed illustrations to get the feather pattern and direction.

you’ve got a good start at rendering the texture, but the 1 on the left, they r going in the wrong direction. feathers arent all the same length, either. esp on the face, if you’re going to b realistic, it’s jarring to get the deets wrong.
i would say look at roger tory peterson. his illustrations r perfect. you dont have to paint them like that. use your style. but learn from the masters.

[samplegirl]

3. Thanks will

look at Roger Tory Peterson

[Ocelot II]

4. Fur and feathers can be tricky. I just signed up for a video course

from Cornell Bird Labs about how to paint birds. It's really interesting; they break down the sections of a bird's body and explain how the feathers are arranged. Your drawing is a good start, especially the eyes and feet, but a bird's feathers lie in specific ways on its body, not so much like fur. A preview of the course is here: https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/how-to-paint-birds-with-jane-kim/

[sorcrow]

6. Thanks for the link.

That looks great.
Regards,
Sorghum Crow

[samplegirl]

7. thank you

I’m new and have only been painting about 6 months.
Just trying to figure it out and learn. So the advice is helpful.

[Ocelot II]

9. Great work after only 6 months!

I've been in a painting class for about 7 years, and the more I learn the more I realize how much more there is to learn. There's a wealth of good stuff on the internet.

[samplegirl]

14. Yes I need to keep

watching tutorials.
I buy good paints and paper. Need to upgrade my brushes.
Been using Schmincke paints and Ukrainian pains that are both real good.

[yorkster]

5. Don't have knowledge to comment re the feathers but

at first glance, I was reminded of Durer. You are really gifted.

[samplegirl]

8. I don't classify myself

as an artist just having some peace while painting and trying to learn all different techniques!

[yorkster]

10. Well, keep on keeping on. You're doing quite well....n/t

[samplegirl]

11. Thank you

[TreasonousBastard]

12. Any museums around you? Strange as it may sound, the old....

ways are sometimes the best.

You've got a great start, but a close look at the brush work and how the originals react with light can be revealing. The museums of France and Italy constantly have students studying their works. (New York, too)😁

Anyway, you've got some serious talent, so listen to your muse.

[samplegirl]

13. Thank you

I could sit and paint for hours. I’m doing pretty good for a self taught! I just want to paint and give it away!

[bif]

15. Very nicely done!