When I have some open time for a bit of practice, I like to experiment with different paper types and colours. I have never done pheasants, so I thought to enjoy the tones on a couple of them.

This is on a rather large sheet of good paper, large enough so as not to fit in my scanner, but my Iphone does a great job on about everything.

The only thing still images cannot do is capture the beauty of that rippling tail in flight, like a ribbon undulating in the wind, and the metallic tones changing as angles in light change.

I did finally get to finish this in between commissioned jobs and other activities .

My next fun practice is going to be two huge Amur/Siberian tiger males squaring off in their unique posturing stances just before a confrontation. I am looking forward to that one. Many thanks to Jack for his recommended book, " The Tiger" , by John Vaillant , familiar of his own experiences in Russia and some of the men he worked with . The more I learn of these tigers, the more exceptional they become over all other animals on earth, to me.

I still am in process of tweaking the bird art as I see need. Ill most likely extend the bit of background further out at the sides, fading out a bit more in expanse.

Thank you for viewing.

Thank you for taking us through the process. Amazing and beautiful.

stunning work

Awesome Sharon!

I can hear it talking off as it flushes

The way those pheasants progressed is absolutely amazing. The amount of layering on of more detail is immense.

Keith

That is amazing, as always. Thank you for sharing.

Your truly an amazing artist.

You really nailed it. No doubt you know of the German artist Manfred Schatz who captured birds as only the hunter sees them.

As someone said earlier....I can hear the cackles and see the whipping tail feathers.

Good on you.

Pete

Many thanks for the kind words.

Pete, I do remember hearing lots of pheasants calling in the fields around early sunset as I helped bale hay for friends . No one spoke, just sounds of hay being stacked, the sweet smell of alfalfa, the setting sun reflecting on the trucks and trailers....and the calls of the pheasants.

What a wonderful, peaceful time.

Keith, I sometimes think I should have been into pastel pencils instead of the hard oil and wax German and Swiss made pencils . Pastels are easier and light tones layer even on top of darks better than the others. Less layering . Someday I'd like to try pastel pencils for kicks. There's a lot to be said of these too, they're both just as good done by the pros.

The main thing about art, music, all of it, is that this is a school that no one ever graduates from. It is a never ending refinement in honing and learning to be better.

I am beginning the layout on my big male Siberian tigers.

Our beloved Jonathan always said the same about his excellent photography. Though we all couldn't fathom how he could be any better than the perfection he displayed . I miss him. I'm sure everyone who knew him misses him too.

Very nice

Beautiful, Sharon! I can imagine the sounds and smell of dried weeds and spent shotgun shells as I relive hunts with my Dad.

Thank you!

Moosetrot

beautiful, always like your work, thanks for sharing,

Amazing how they come to life.....

Was thinking of you too, Wilson Jr. Moose, it's neat when a picture brings up all the sounds and smells of memories.

Thank you, all.

Back to my tigers...

Fine lady that bird is lovely. Practice lol

Excellent job! They look outstanding. My favorite critter to hunt, as well.

Question for you... that's done in colored pencil, right? Is there a certain brand you prefer?

Such talent I can’t draw stick people the stunning..

That is outstanding!

Dang it, Sharon!!!! Those paintings are nearly as purtty as you!

Amazing hand eye coordination I assume. You must be a good rifle/pistol shot. Shotgun too!

Angela, I use German, Swiss, and French made pencils, Derwent, Faber-Castell Ploychromos, Caran D'ache mainly. Regular Prismacolours are good too, but don't have the lightfast quality the others do. I still have a nice collection of those and use them too at times.

These brands have different ways of application onto paper types, their own qualities , some are more oily and blend easily, others more wax and hard, making finer, sharper lines. Just experimenting with various types of toothed paper , or smooth, affords one to settle eventually on what they like best and how a pencil brand does best with each. I combine them too when needed.

They are so handy, easy to use, if I'm on a trip and need to take any of them, I do .

Thomas, yes, practice is the key.

Hoss, I know you've been on a horse and have one flush one up right under your horse's face....fun !

Jerry, Trapstickman does all that for us...

Thank you John . I remember meeting you for the first time and how tall you are. Glad to have you as my Montana neighbor. I am proud of you still serving your great country and us citizens.

Martentrapper, yes I've always enjoyed shooting. I've had two of among the best instructors one could ever ask , which is key to doing anything well.

Thank you all again, for viewing. The whole point of art, to me, is not in the doing, but in sharing.