Feathers
© 2026 Boel69
Sdzsmith
Great start in experimenting with the different textures and patterns on this majestic bird of prey. It looks like the hawks we have where I live. Something does feel a little off about the positioning and proportions. Without seeing the reference, my first impression was that the body seemed elongated and I’m not sure if the wing is sticking out a little (or slightly raised?). But, that’s probably something you would have clarified if you went further with the shading and detail. Beautiful attention to detail around the beak, too!
Boel69
Thanks. I can see that the proportions are off, so that will be my focus next time. I spent most of my attention on the plumage, but gave up because I don’t yet know how to do it well.
Spacemerc7
Hey, I can see you have paid attention to the little dude's beak.
The two things I would check out is values (shade and light) and proportions.
Some parts of this are very dark or left blank white which implies highlights. However, these don't correspond to how light would affect this as an object. Have a practice with a lamp like is mentioned in the critique guidance (using a lamp on different objects at different angles and sketch them to understand values). Also I'd have a go at drawing coloured (like brown or smth) paper and draw with just white and black (or a light and a dark pencil / pens), then the mid tone is already established and you can play with just shadows and highlights.
Also, if you've done the drawing training on here, try that with animals (or birds specifically if you like them the most!), drawing the key shapes to create a drawing skeleton to build on. If you did these two things and tried drawing form the same reference photo you would be amazed at the difference! Good luck :)
The two things I would check out is values (shade and light) and proportions.
Some parts of this are very dark or left blank white which implies highlights. However, these don't correspond to how light would affect this as an object. Have a practice with a lamp like is mentioned in the critique guidance (using a lamp on different objects at different angles and sketch them to understand values). Also I'd have a go at drawing coloured (like brown or smth) paper and draw with just white and black (or a light and a dark pencil / pens), then the mid tone is already established and you can play with just shadows and highlights.
Also, if you've done the drawing training on here, try that with animals (or birds specifically if you like them the most!), drawing the key shapes to create a drawing skeleton to build on. If you did these two things and tried drawing form the same reference photo you would be amazed at the difference! Good luck :)
Boel69
Thankyou very much for your helpful answers!





