A quail with a topknot

A study of a California quail with a curved topknot, folded wing and scalloped belly markings on textured paper. Set a rounded torso above two small ground contacts.

A way into the drawing

1. Establish the main forms

   Set a rounded torso above two small ground contacts.

2. Build the structure

   Attach the head, curved topknot, short tail and two legs.

3. Develop selected details

   Separate broad chest markings and choose only a few belly scallops.

A small thing to tryKeep the topknot attached to the crown and its outer curve unbroken.