King Eider

[OZ]

I'm planning to enter a painting in the 2021 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest on suggestion from my Brother-in-law, Terry. I was skeptical at first, but then thought, no pain, no gain. Anyone interested in the Rules and Guidelines can access them on line at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services web site. I have collected many reference photos of King Eiders in their natural habitat.
The painting must be submitted on a 9 X 12 format with a 7 X 10 Matted Opening. So, I'm considering either Hot Press or Cold Press paper and Daniel Smith's Watercolors. You will be able to follow my progress here. The painting is required to be all original, so there will be no tracing or abuse of any copy rights. Any photos you see here are purely for reference only and may not be used without permission from the Photographer.

All entries have to be Post Marked by June 1 and Aug. 15th 2021.

What are the eligible species?

Greater White-fronted Goose

Ross's Goose
Blue-Winged Teal

Redhead

King Eider

This photo depicts Male and Female King Eiders. The Painting also has to show them in a Hunting Type Setting ( Which adds to the difficulty. Not to mention being 7 x 10.) Remember, the final image will fit the size of a Postage Stamp.

For Reference Only:


Wish me luck and hope that I can persevere this endeavor. After watching the last years Judging, I'm very uncertain.

[Jcon]

That is so cool!!! My son works for Dept of F&W...

[desweeney]

Yay! Go for it!!! This is a cool reference photo, but looks difficult. What the heck is the definition of a 'Hunting Type Setting"? A sitting duck??? Ha-Ha.

[OZ]

You have to put a hunting dog, shot gun shell, decoys, etc., etc........ 
Here is an example ( In Oils ) of what they require, as done by Chuck Black. This particular one, doesn't have the appropriate background for the Contest.

[OZ]

Because of the stringent Rules and Regulations, they require the outside dimensions to be 9 x 12 and the actual Matted Painting to be 7 x 10. Took one block sheet of Arches 140 lb. Hot Pressed cotton paper and taped the edges onto a Foam Board, for easy handling. Then, using black Washi Tape on the inner, measured 7 x 10, blue tick marks.
This painting will probably take several attempts, so I'm still working on my composition and color pallet. Will test the color mixes on another Hot Pressed piece of paper, to see how the look. There will also be masking involved to isolate the Bird from the Sea Water and back ground. This is making me nervous, just thinking about it.





Testing on some colors on a piece of Hot Pressed.

[OZ]

Started my composition and transferring the design onto the Hot Pressed paper. Need to plan out the water splashes and masking off white areas.

[desweeney]

Love the action shot!

[OZ]

It will be more difficult, but give it more interest. Even have a couple of Shot Shells in the water, to comply with Federal Regulations. Thanks Dee.

[Jcon]

I agree that the action is great!!!

[OZ]

I'm hoping the splashes will show movement, whilst it is taking off, near the Bering Sea..

[desweeney]

Dont be nervous. Just go for it! If you dont like it, just use it as a practice. Your best achievements seem to be when you just go with your flow. If the right mood aint there - it is going to show it...

[OZ]

Worked on it today and not liking this Hot Pressed paper This is most challenging.

[Jcon]

But I'm liking what I see!!!

[OZ]

Not so sure myself, but I'll do like Dee suggests and keep plugging away. Thanks for the encouragement.

[desweeney]

I think its a great start! Cant wait to see what you do next.