Sunday 28 July 2013

Feathered inspiration


I managed to persuade my son to do some painting with me today. I even let him choose our subject matter - this rather resplendent yellow-billed turaco. Look at those feathers shimmering. His effort lasted around 60 seconds before he got bored - I took a bit more time with mine, but this was still a pretty quick study, so I thought I would share it with the Sunday Sketchers.

I have been drawn to collecting feathers lately. My boyfriend fears that the men in white coats will be taking me away as I present yet another 'haul' from one of my nature forays. My gathering to date has been somewhat monochrome - we don't have many exotic birds round these parts - the best I can usually hope for is the iridescent shine of a magpie's tail feather. I found a particularly excellent specimen recently simply by looking up into the trees and asking very nicely - sure enough, a few steps back along the path already trod, there was one right there in the middle just waiting for me :)

Last week though, my feathered friends decided I needed a treat ... just look! (yeah, I know there are some leaves and a twig in there too!). Alongside the peacock feathers there's also one from a jay - can you spot it?

13 comments:

  1. Love the shimmer in the bird.
    They are some really nice feathers. Tell your BF no need to fear ...yet :).

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  2. I do love bird feathers (as long as they fall off naturally like your collection has, that is!) The peacock is a beautiful one. I've got a few pheasant feathers as they wander around the fields near us and are often in our garden (until the dogs chase them away poor things!)
    Your bird painting is lovely, so vibrant. I'm not sure why but it seems like ages since I've been to your blog. I'll need to add you back on my blog roll so I don't miss again!

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  3. Lovely painting, beautiful colours!

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  4. The bird looks so glowing. Love how you render the colors. I love magpie too :)

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  5. What a pretty piece, wonderful, and love feather collection.

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  6. I love the shimmering colors in your painting. Feathers are not usually something I find. Your collection is beautiful and a great inspiration for a painting.

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  7. I love the colours too, Very nice composition.
    Janice

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  8. Stunning bird to replicate, you did it justice!

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  9. Lovely painting. Thank you for commenting on my bird art as well. Happy SS!

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  10. Your bird is absolutely stunning! Wow. The colors are so vibrant and powerful. :)

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  11. Beautiful bird. I am a big feather collector too. I love it when the birdies gift me with one.

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  12. Love your bird art. I'm a birdie freak! Well, not a freak but..you know. I have lots of blue and gold macaw feathers. If you want some, let me know and I will be glad to send! Long or short! I linked here from Priti Lisa.

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  13. I'm not sure how I missed this post but I have to tell you I have a collection of nature bits too. I have a large nest full of feathers, porcupine quills, interesting seed pods, curly twigs, a cute leaf, a starfish, and a couple of really pretty sea shells. I love birds as you know so I have a few pretty pieces of bird art on that same shelf in my art room. Love your colors on this one.

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Thank you for your comments - I always love to hear what you think :)

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