When working up preparatory drawings in the studio there are some shortcut methods that I use to create a strong image.

• I frequently overlay preliminary sketches with fresh sheets of paper on a light box to redraw the positive lines developed so far. This enables me to efficiently preserve the best elements and take ideas forward.
  
  
• Areas that aren't working are covered up. Fresh pieces of paper with improvements are taped on until the image comes together.

In the studio I have gathered many sources of reference material to help me understand the finer details of the owl, these include:

• preserved wings and feathers collected from various dead birds that I have found.
  
  
• filed images; magazine clippings, photos and previous drawings.
  
  
• simple models that I've made to help understand a form in 3D or work out shadows.

Knowledge is the key to my working methods:

• knowledge of the animal and its behaviour in its natural habitat. (I only really like to paint pictures of animal species, which I have studied in the wild)
  
  
• knowledge gained by research

Confidence develops through an understanding of an animal species and allows extra creative freedom.