Sketching is the basis for my painting and I sketch very loosely trying to capture this feeling or as it is known the ‘jizz' of the bird. But before I even get out my painting equipment I spend as much time just watching and observing my subject as possible and this is where the years of wildlife observations come to play. Once I have a few pencil or pen strokes down I will concentrate on the light and shade on and around the subject. If time allows I will add more detail, e.g. the bill or a head stripe depending on the relevance. But behaviour is more important to me than detail and the least important is colour. I keep a small sketching kit in the car, one in my rucksack and a larger kit for days out. I also use a camera as part of my sketching process or if time does not allow, I have two small children one with additional needs and I have not found away to sketch with one hand but I am deft at taking photos this way.
