A raven at rest

A study of a raven gripping a short branch, with a heavy curved bill, layered folded wing and long tapered tail on textured paper. Arrange an egg-shaped torso, head and long tail along one leaning axis.

A way into the drawing

1. Establish the main forms

   Arrange an egg-shaped torso, head and long tail along one leaning axis.

2. Build the structure

   Set the folded wing over the body and wrap the feet around the branch.

3. Develop selected details

   Divide the dark plumage into broad black and gray groups, preserving highlights on the beak and shoulder.

A small thing to tryLeave a narrow value change between the folded wing and breast.