Painted Bunting

[OZ]

Painted Bunting reference photo



Laid out a rough sketch on Strathford 90 lb. CP 9 x 12 paper and used M. Graham watercolors to lay in some base washes.






After blow drying all the buckled 90 lb. paper, realized how spoiled I am with Arches 140 lb. paper. This is just a rough draft for a friend and gives me an idea of what it will take to make such a brilliantly colored bird. The Painted Bunting can be found down in the South West and Mexico and are not found around here unfortunately. What a beautiful species.

[Jcon]

Shaping up nicely Bruce!!!

[OZ]

After doing a study rough painting, used the Grid method to sketch the Bunting onto a 12 x 12 sheet of Arches 140 lb. Cold Press paper.


After checking my drawing carefully, went back in and erased the Grid lines and knocked down the graphite to help stop smudging and show through.



Going to use my Studio Pallet to paint most of it and may have to add a few colors like Bright Green for the shoulders.



Starting off with Quinacridone Rose, Brilliant Orange, Cerulian Blue and Violet, worked on the front breast plate and head. Used a little Sepia for the eve. So far I'm using a #5 round and a #0.

[OZ]

As you can see, should have used a Cobalt Blue. Just isn't bright enough. Maybe I can put a light wash on top to brighten it up a bit.
Joe, you must of added this at the same time. Thanks for stopping by.

[Jcon]

No worries Bruce, I like following along!!!

[OZ]

This is another hard one. Out of my comfort zone.

[OZ]

Final shot of the day. Added some Prussian Blue to the head areas and lifted out highlights. Added Lemon Yellow to the Prussian to get a vibrant green.

[OZ]

Finished the Bunting this morning.

[Dee]

Sweet little guy - such a beautiful bird! Wish we had them here, too. It appears that the pandemic has been good for your painting. I think the eyes are the hardest part but you nail it every time. It really makes it come alive -nicely done.

[OZ]

Thanks for checking in Dee. My Snow - Bird neighbor has them down in Arizona and wanted one.

[Jcon]

Turned out really well Bruce!!! What's next on the list to paint?

[OZ]

Thanks Joe. Not sure. Getting ready for a Plein Air Class this Thursday.

[Jcon]

Wasn't sure what that was so looked it up and it was what I thought.

“Plein Air” simply put is the a French term for painting outside. ... You have to put your paint down confidently and quickly, always reminding yourself of what you liked about the light and landscape when you started, to make sure that comes across when you finish.

Supposed to be a glorious day tomorrow weather wise so have fun my friend!!!

[OZ]

It should be a great time and very nice to get outside and paint.