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dewlap In reply to Ismaels-Legacy [2011-07-31 12:22:41 +0000 UTC]

Thanks, unfortunately, its body covering isn't as accurate as I would like it to be. There are evidences that indicate it probably has longer feathers on its hindlimbs (kind of like those in microraptors' but moderately shorter) but since I don't have the procession of the original I can't really do much about it...

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Ismaels-Legacy In reply to dewlap [2011-08-01 13:18:14 +0000 UTC]

I always wondered if the 'four winged' raptors were limited to gliding or if they could actively fly, though. Mostly because we don't have any existing analogs in modern times. The only four winged creatures I can think of are insects and they're so far removed that they don't work as comparisons.

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dewlap In reply to Ismaels-Legacy [2011-08-01 23:31:50 +0000 UTC]

If you are talking about the Archeopteryx then it is very unlikely that it would have used these "leg wings" to glide, even though that these covert feathers are long but they weren't that long. Also their hip sockets wouldn't allow their thighs/legs to spread out far enough to create an airfoil. It seems from studies (see [link] ) that they lacked the ability to raise their arms above horizontal from their shoulder sockets and then there is this ([link] ), since I don't have the resources to test these theories I'm still sitting on the fence about this. So if they do flown then they would be likely to have a different flapping motion to the modern birds. They probably do fly and glide but just not very good. Perhaps primarily gliding with additional down strokes to expand the "air time".

As for the "four winged" raptors, it is still unclear on how these "leg wings" are used to assist their flight. Here is a paper on this topic ([link] ), I have doubts about their conclusion on the orientation of these long leg feathers, which is quite unusual.

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dewlap In reply to Tomozaurus [2010-12-31 06:09:42 +0000 UTC]

Now looking back at it, I probably should have added longer crural feathers on its lower legs (tibia & fibula) which was clearly shown on the Berlin specimen (and probably the Eichstatt specimen as well). Too bad I don't own the drawing anymore...

I'm glad you like it, thanks.

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Tomozaurus In reply to dewlap [2010-12-31 06:11:35 +0000 UTC]

Well yes, that would have been more accurate, but the texture is still excellent regardless.

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dewlap In reply to Paleo-King [2009-07-15 13:52:18 +0000 UTC]

That's great, you actually met up with Paul (I'm soooooo jealous now... ) I suppose back then you should of ask him where did he get his illustration boards from...

As for mimicking his style... the coquille boards really help

At this time we have no idea the colour of most of the prehistoric animals. Black and white is the best solution. Most black and white diagrams for journals are quite static looking. On the other hand Paul's method of illustration is perfect for illustrating these animals, not only they are well proportioned, diagram like and lively at the same time.

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dewlap In reply to Haxeman [2008-05-22 16:28:42 +0000 UTC]

I'm glad you like it and you are right Greg's work has a great influence on my work (Well... I can see that I'm still a long way away...). Greg Paul's work is almost like the pinnacle of paleo arts, I suppose almost everyone who is working on paleo arts would like to achieve what Greg has achieved.

Thanks for putting me on your watch list...

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