Art Prehistoria #1: Megalosaur

Art Prehistoria - a new feature on my blog where I detail the process behind creating piece of art, from sketch to signature. The prehistoric theme is by no means meant to be restrictive but inspiring. I also just love to draw dinosaurs!

Our first piece of art is a life reconstruction of a generic megalosaur for The Tyrannosaur Chronicles blog's post on New Zealand dinosaur fossils:

First, I sketch a few different thumbnail sketches until I am satisfied with a pose. Using the skeleton and anatomical reference pictures, I decided on a menacing walking pose with its mouth open. This initial pencil sketch was changed and tweaked quite a bit before I was happy with it...

Next, I outlined the pencil sketch in black pen ink. This is the final (happier-looking) pose.

I had decided that this New Zealand Dino project would be created in watercolour. Here, I apply a base coat of watercolour paint over the body. The black ink begins to run with the water...

Then, I add more detail in fine watercolour lines and the black pen is used to smooth out the seeping ink...

A Megalosaur by Peter Bond

Finally, I add the third fingers, small details, a shadow and a signature, and we are done the first piece of Art Prehistoria. I am quite pleased and taken with the little theropod! Artistic and scientific feedback and suggestions are much, much appreciated!

More from the New Zealand Collection soon - including a sauropod and a raptor...
Check out Prehistoric Insanity Production's blog for this and more palaeoart from PI's team!