"mmuylle" <nomail@nomail> wrote:
> I am looking for some advice on a realistic rendering of a static bird's feather
> notably the kind of feathers used as drawing pens. thanks in advance for any
> help. marc

Here's some information on the feather
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feather

I did a Google image search and found several images.
These two images seem to be the same type of feather.
I included them both to show some interesting perspectives.

http://www.btinternet.com/~fireballxl5/objects/general/pics/feather1812.jpg

The first has overall shading and color variations.
If you look closely you can see ribbing on the upper section, almost cylinder
shaped.

I think an image map or texture for the coloring, and a heightfield for the 3d
texture.
These might work when viewed from some distance.

http://www.freeimageslive.com/galleries/backdrops/natural/pics/feathermacro1814.jpg

The second picture shows a macro perspective.

Look at the ribbing on the far left and on each side of the main shaft.
All three areas look quite different. I read something about barbs but quite
understand.

I have the opinion that the ribbing grows out oblong, almost rectangular
and then flattens out further from the main shaft. It also seems to be at an
angle; neither parallel, nor perpendicular to the plane of the shaft.

These are just of one feather. I seem to recall several different feathers used
for quill pens.

Hope this gives you some inspiration.

Leef_me

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