Hornbill Study

Year

2026

Dimensions

8.5 in x 5.5 in

Materials

Graphite on Drawing Paper

Hornbill Study was an independent graphite drawing made from a photo reference. I was not trying to create a larger story or force symbolism into the image. My main goal was to observe the reference carefully and make the hornbill look as accurate as I could. The hardest part was the eye and the wrinkles surrounding it because I had to match the shape accurately, preserve the small skin textures, and keep the eye sharp against the darker area of the face. I used controlled graphite shading and small pencil marks to separate the smoother beak from the rougher feathers and skin. This piece shows my ability to slow down, study an unfamiliar animal, and translate specific textures and forms from a reference.