Bird Sketches – The Cassowary Bird
One of my favourite things to draw is birds, I love their bright colours and the huge variety you can see within the species. I did a pastel sketch of a stunning Cassowary Bird I saw at Chester Zoo not too long ago, and I was amazed by the stunning colours.
When it comes to using pastels in my art, I have a range of reasons I love to use them. Primarily the blending techniques I can use, and the way I can work with the colours until I get it just right.
I’ve put together some of my favourite pastel facts:
- Pastels have actually been used since the Renaissance period, gaining popularity in the 18th
- Pastels consist of pure powdered pigment and a binding ingredient.
- There is a Pastel Society which was founded in 1898 and promotes awareness and appreciation for pastels.
- Pastels are one of the most permanent forms of art available, lasting hundreds of years without cracking or fading.
I’ve also put together some of my favourite facts about the Cassowary Bird:
- There are three species of Cassowary: the Northern Cassowary, Southern Cassowary and Dwarf Cassowary
- All three of these species are found in New Guinea, and the Southern Cassowary is also found in Australia
- The only bird heavier than the Southern Cassowary is the Ostrich
- Cassowaries actually help to spread seeds through their droppings
What is your favourite fact that not many people know? Have you been lucky enough to see a Cassowary in person?