Owl on gravestone

This is a sensitive portrayal. Which pencils do use because mine ( Derwent ) don't fill me with much enthusiasm.

Hi Marjorie, the pencils are "Pitt" from Faber-Castell. Thanks for your comment. I am really enjoying trying out both pancil and sticks pastels at the moment as a result of joining a course in pastel painting. Our teacher doesn't really like more detailed work so I am having a go on my own. Grateful for any help here.

Hi Judith, I use mostly Unison Pastels which are very soft - I do like detail where it is necessary and for this I finish off with a "shaper" which come in all sizes and shapes. Don't know whether you have used them but you can draw out the thick pastel into fine lines etc. Also, I use mine to define edges where I need them. I used it a lot in my picture "Soaking up the sun" - blocked in the main shapes quite thickly, blended a bit with fingers and enjoyed feathering out the fur. I think this would work v. well when doing bird feathers. Good luck with pastelling - I love it.

I love Owls and this one if lovely..I once got scared of by bike cycling to work through the back country lanes when one big white one hooted at me...I needed a clean uniform when I got to work

Like the composition, but appeared to be very light on my screen. James