My Northern Cardinal with feather groups

This is my Northern Cardinal

I have never drawn before nor used acrylics, so this is a steep learning curve. I found that I had to erase so frequently that I'm losing the surface of the paper! I also find it difficult restricting myself to what the teacher wishes--it goes against my nature to make straight lines for birds, so the boxy shapes have been a challenge. And from the mask above I let myself flourish the pattern. I also forgot to put in the shoulder, but I seem to have things in the right place. I find it interesting seeing where the lines continue--like from the tail feathers along the primaries (in this instance), and the wing coverts line directly below the eye. It is fascinating realizing just how many different feathers and feather groupings there are, and how they act together. This is why I like to see the sparrow move via the video online, and how the belly is covered by flank groupings of feathers--when by itself it has no feathers. I am chomping at the bit to put in the jazzy crest feathers. I am particularly impressed by how the teacher has "choreographed" the lead-in so that beginners like myself are at ease. Also, even if you are an artist, there is plenty to learn and admire about the birds themselves.

  What a great lesson in how to draw the feather groupings!  I think this will take my bird drawings to the next level, thank you Jane!!!

Details are amazing - some that I don’t see.  For example:  To me, the eye is round,  and some if the lines between feather groups are no more prominent than lines within feather groups.