S is for Shoebill Stork

So before you read on, do your self a favor and watch this vid with sound on. The sound this bird makes is outstanding. https://youtu.be/kDMHHw8JqLE?si=d-M4nox5UvGjzpFo

Alright, that fun side bar done, here's the sketch I started with.

I started thi one a bit different and did the scene before doing any sketchs. It just seemed like a fun way to experiment.

Then I started sketching the Shoebill Stork. Trying to get across the sheer size of this bird was hard. They are CHONKERS.

once I was happy with the sketch I filled in the base colour of the beak and body.

Getting the texture of the beak right was fun.

I just roughed in the dark for the wing to get a sense of em. But I did focus on making sure the strokes where in the same direction/flow as the wings feathers.

I added in some dark and lights to give the feathers some form.

Then I fixed up the head, trying to capture the stare.

Then it was just adding some more grass and dark/light to the water.

Thank ya for reading and looking! Please listen to the youtube vid!