There are some birds that I find quite easy to draw, in that I can look at them and what I see gets converted quite accurately, or in a sufficiently representative or pleasing manner for me to be happy with what’s on the page. It takes a few goes and I have to sketch a lot of different views for me to build up enough data points for me to feel confident about getting proportions correct, but once I’ve done that, it’s stuck in my brain.
Not so with gulls. I find there’s a real disconnect between what I see and what I draw which makes it really frustrating, as gulls need to look gull-ish and I can’t seem to get them right.
I took some birdwatching logbooks over to the De La Warr Pavilion last week, and decided to take advantage of the breezy cool weather to sit on the balcony and draw the gulls flying overhead. I was interrupted (in a nice way) by a few people as they passed me on account of my sketching; I am not a terribly sociable person so while not resenting the enquiries, I do hope it’s not assumed that I am being ostentatious or attention-seeking.
I chose my Fabriano sketchbook and an ink pen, which perhaps wasn’t the best combination for a rather hurried drawing session; I only had an hour on the meter and the traffic wardens are very conscientious in Bexhill! It was a fabulous day though, with beautiful fresh air and wonderfully cloudy skies. I am absolutely north-facing/the opposite of a sun-worshipper, and find hot bright conditions uncomfortable so this cool grey summer is perfect for me.
I got home and realised I didn’t like any of the sketches I’d done, so decided to erase them and try again. I had used my Parker Pen and Quink ink so I could wash over both pages of drawings and I wanted to use gouache on top of the stained pages. I attempted a few more gull drawings before getting the paints out, but I still don’t feel I am getting them right.
Here are my finished pages, which at least look interesting if nothing else.
I have a short video here if you’d like to see a little more of my visit, and more comprehensive info over on my Patreon, The Sketchbook Coach.
