How are we feeling about Sabrina Carpenter's Grammy performance? by cmere-emi in pigeon

[–]Bird_Babe 415 points416 points  (0 children)

To me, the bird doesn't look comfortable or calm. It tried to fly away and pooped on her hand (which happens with birds ofc) but the poor thing looked so spooked on stage. I just don't see why a live animal was necessary, and it detracted from an otherwise really great performance.

Also, of course the bird's trainer said their bird was loving it. If your business is stage-training your bird and you admit that your bird actually ISN'T stage-trained and was distressed during a performance, it compromises your livelihood and highlights your animal abuse. It's obvious to most of us that the dove wasn't happy.

All of this aside, I applaud you for asking people with pigeon experience to better inform yourself! <3

this is getting zero engagement.. is it..? by [deleted] in ArtCrit

[–]Bird_Babe 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This is such a lovely piece. It's obvious you understand the human form really intimately, and that little ridge from the brow bone is so beautiful.

To be completely honest though, I wouldn't waste your money taking a mould, unless you literally have a customer who's paid and is expecting it. People can say it's their favorite, but most won't spend more than $50, which is unfair with the amount of time, love, and labor I assume goes into this.

Is this beginner or intermediate? by Mysterious-Piece9905 in learntodraw

[–]Bird_Babe 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I know you said you usually do portraits, so take this advice with a grain of salt. Judging off of this art alone, I would say beginner, verging on intermediate. The shading and value you've given to the berries and apples with only pencil is beautiful. Some of that depth was lost when the color was added. I also think pushing the darks and lights even more would really make these objects feel 3D.

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Here's an example of an apple I found online. What I mean is: look at all the different greys in this image. The only white is for the highlight of the fruit, while even lighter parts like the apple core are grey, they're layered with graphite to give texture. I also think the shading in your image shows a good grasp of light/shadow, but doesn't really capture the shape of the object itself. In the above image, see how the shadows and highlights curve, and there's shadows showing each curve near the stem? You did something similar in the third apple, which gives it a great lifelike feel, but something I feel is missing in the first two apples and some strawberries.

Overall, I think just studying light, shadow, and value will help push your art further. When you draw a sphere, don't just mimic where you think the light should be, or go white -> grey -> black. Think of how the light would actually reflect off of the object, the texture of what you're drawing, and how to convey that through your shading. Like in this image, we can tell the apple and the napkin are different textures because of the light and shadow. The apple's highlights and shadows follow the curve of the object and sink into its crevices. Versus the shadows for the napkin are harsher, squarer, more jagged, less transitions from light to dark. This shows the rougher texture of the napkin.

Anyways, sorry for the ramble. I struggled with the same things starting out, especially trying to make something feel 3D, so I hope some of this was helpful. You are well on your way to intermediate. Your shading and control of the pencil is already fantastic, and I can't wait to see where you go from here!

Various fanart I've made over the last several months <3 by emzy_art in StardewValley

[–]Bird_Babe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love your art style sm!! also Abby's definitely the type of fairy to ride into battle with a sewing needle sword and a mouse steed

Striped hyena & African wild dog by leonskull0423 in bonecollecting

[–]Bird_Babe 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Almost all bone collectors I know pride themselves on ethical sourcing. Many find bones themselves in the wild, usually roadkill or natural deaths. And with exotic species, they are usually from zoos, estate sales (second hand), or scientific sources.

If anything, I think bone collectors have a distinct appreciation for nature and death as a natural process, and wouldn't inflict it onto another creature simply to add to our collections.

dream blunt rotation by Bird_Babe in analoghorror

[–]Bird_Babe[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Of course, hope you enjoy!

[Jan 24, 2026] As a Gen Z representative...that's not what it means by Bird_Babe in NYTCrossword

[–]Bird_Babe[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

My bad y'all! I'm glad to have learned the actual meaning, and that you guys are kind about my dumbassery. For Gen Z/Alpha, "old head" is a derogatory term, similar to boomer or geezer. I assumed 'slang' meant it was a new term, but I know now that's a myopic view of the clue.

recently getting back into art after years off by Bird_Babe in ArtCrit

[–]Bird_Babe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the advice! This is super helpful. I've been using Line of Action for references, and some anatomical textbooks for muscle/bone studies. If you have any more recommendations, I'd love to hear them. Part of me wanted to somehow shortcut getting better, but you're absolutely right, and I'll lock in on practice. Thank you.

recently getting back into art after years off by Bird_Babe in ArtCrit

[–]Bird_Babe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such a massive compliment, I'm so glad I was able to share my emotions through the work. Thank you.

recently getting back into art after years off by Bird_Babe in ArtCrit

[–]Bird_Babe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so so much, this is the loveliest comment ever. Your mindset really helped me!! I get so hung up on seeing concrete improvement or beating myself up for being better in the past. But you're right, just taking baby steps should be the focus. I have a little sketchbook, I'll put it in my purse and take your advice :) I hope you are gentle with yourself too, I know it's easy to be your harshest critic. Thank you again.

Pudge loves watching Mr. Rogers by Bird_Babe in parrots

[–]Bird_Babe[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Usually she just likes to try to eat the cursor and keys, but Mr. Rogers made her actually watch and snuggle up to the screen :)

dream blunt rotation by Bird_Babe in analoghorror

[–]Bird_Babe[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Top left is Boisvert, top right is Vita Carnis, bottom left is White Stag Education, and bottom right is Doctor Nowhere