Raptor Size

UPDATE.
I made a better one. Please check it out instead.




It's finally here!
(Note, this image is depicted at a very, very low resolution. I have another version with resolution over twice as high- enough to see the threads of its feathers and wrinkles on its skin)!
UPDATE- this is based on what little evidence I could find at the time- confirmed updates would be a welcome addition, as I actually would love to return to this work again)

The velociraptor, made famous by Jurassic Park's mislabeled Deinonychus, is here depicted at the correctly proportioned scale using a metric ruler tool.
I must admit, the velociraptor actually looks a LOT bigger than I expected it, and its claws in particular are a LOT bigger than I expected too.

My modern technique is to actually investigate photos of skeletons (close to side view, but never quite succeeding) in museums, draw an accurate copy (frequently using all references in a look-and-cover comparison to ensure I don't get any inaccuracies- and doubly comparing the drawing to my ruler tool (especially individual parts with measurements- these really help). Position changes for originality (and good practice with anatomical motion).
This position I suppose looks like the raptor is decelerating and about to come to a running stop (or flexing out its tucked claws and ready to strike?)

The plumage is slightly improvised- as although we know the velociraptor had quill knobs in its arms, we don't know about the precise plumage it had. As a result, I depicted it with leg plumage similar to a d'Uccle hen, and bare 'hands' and feet.  I am certainly aware of very close animals like Microraptor having confirmed fossil evidence of full plumage, my main reason for this design is not aesthetic, but a possible lifestyle consistency in modern birds of prey: in (non-winter) climates, predatory birds suited for more arboreal lifestyles and smaller prey have more extensive plumage- while larger birds suited for attacking large, powerful ground animals (Eagles, condors and secretary birds) have extensively receded feathers around its contact points (feet), perhaps as prey can struggle more and feathers in the area would possibly be frequently plucked loose.
Admittedly this may prove unlikely from later evidence; but think it's a decent consideration.

This has been sitting in my backlog for a while, as my university semester was exceptionally busy and I didn't have the time to do the final points of research to clarify the size and proportions until now.

And for some reason (didn't do it on purpose) the man in the picture ended up looking slightly like a self-portrait; but meh- good enough.