Painting Large Birds
The method is basically the same as for small birds, but it
must be followed in a more precise manner. For example,
their feathers are painted in meticulous detail, and put in
individually. Start by marking in the backbone in light ink.
Using a small split brush, work outwards from the backbone
with a feather stroke. Then reverse the stroke and feather
inwards from the outer edge. Add a wash of the predominant
colour of the bird, emphasize the backbone with black, and
highlight the backbone and the edge of the feathers.
Birds in Flight and Other Activities
Going back to our original egg shape with its stylized head
and the tail attached, draw a tangent to this body shape in
order to fix the position of the wing .If the wings are raised,
the tangent becomes an inverted angle .The small circle which
suggests the head may move outside the egg shape if the bird
tries to stretch its head. Move the small circle inside the egg
shape to suggest a bird flying straight towards you.