The Three Degrees

A micro herd of zebra

This image has been sketched using PASTEL on Pastel Matt Paper whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of Tim Nicklin.

Below is how I sketched the image

I've laboriously sketched in the stripes and outline of the three zebras and I'm now working on the background

I'm starting on the lighter front legs and then working my way up and across the foal

Adding white pastel to the stripes whilst using my magnifying light

The foal is gradually starting to take shape as I start to fill in the stripes.

The little foal is now partially done as I move onto sketching the two zebra directly behind it

Chalking in the white of the stripes as I fill in more of the mare's head and neck

Starting to sketch and fill in the stripes of the two back zebra which tend to darken with age.

Moving down the back leg and then across to the right of the foal picking up the back legs of the adult zebra

the artistic chaos of my work station

The second and third zebra are beginning to take form with the fatness of the rear zebra

I've completed the front legs and now work on the grass and a distant setting sun

Lowering the sun to the horizon has given the image a feeling of impending darkness as predators begin to stir.