"Last Rites"
Colored Pencil
This little female cardinal actually died in my hand about a week ago. I was putting the greyhounds out in the kennels and she crash landed through the dog door and into the wall of the kennel. Sassy (the greyhound) grabbed her before I could, but also dropped her pretty quickly when I yelled at her. So I'm not sure if it was the crash or the greyhound mouthing that did her in, or a combination of the two. She died about 30 seconds after I picked her up, poor thing. But observationist that I am, I set her aside near the outside trash cans so that I could draw her later in the day. Todd complained a little later that the gnats were getting to her so I took pictures of her instead. It just worked out that she was the perfect subject for this weeks Illustration Friday word.
What a sad story. Poor thing! But a beautiful illustration! Love all the details!
ReplyDeleteWell its a sad end for a beautiful bird, but at least she can live on in your wonderful illustration far longer then in life :) very nice!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine a better goodbye for the bird.
ReplyDeleteLovely drawing. I'm sorry the little bird died.
ReplyDelete~Deb~
Some models give everything for the art! Nice detail in the drawing. There is a great sadness to the picture.
ReplyDeleteLove to see illos on toned paper...very nice and soft capture with this...
ReplyDeleteHi Sally, I see your brain is on fire! No, but seriously, lovely work this, very delicate, I think you have captured the bird's majesty. And I like how you have treated the shadow. Good luminosity in the broken colour work.
ReplyDeleteThe choice of toned background was a blessing.
Excellent! I wanted to be a scientific illustrator when I was young, but became a cartoonist instead. Outstanding illustration!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, yes we do have a lot in common, poor birds. Nice detail in your drawing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful drawing! Poor little thing. We've had a few of them crash into our windows too.
ReplyDeleteawww, poor little thing. beautiful drawing though...so Sally, how many greys do you have?! I grew up in Texas, btw...i miss it alot...
ReplyDeleteshe's beautiful! Very well drawn :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful...really special
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