Kestrel Hawk

[OZ]

While scrolling through some reference photos on Pinterest.com, spotted a few shots, which really caught my eye for a painting. Want to try out some new and old techniques on this one and maybe put a Dragon Fly in there as well ( as prey ). The Kestrel Hawk is one of the smallest species of Raptors, so is it's prey. I'm fortunate to have some in the area of my home. Their vibrant Russet and Blue Grey feathers make them a splendid creature to admire. Also want to try using my M. Graham pallet for this painting. The paints are very smooth and vibrant and make some rich grey.

For Reference ONLY:

[OZ]

Traced out as much as possible onto a Quarter Sheet of Sanford Waterford, 140 lb. Cold Pressed paper. Not sure if I like the composition or not and may add a bit more background in, to balance him out.

[Jcon]

This is fun!!! Great choice!!!

[OZ]

Thanks Joe. Glad to have you along on this one.
Added a few Evergreen branches at the top to balance it out, then masked off the lightest areas to preserve the white paper.



Using one of my M. Graham travel pallets.



Pre-wet the back ground using a large droplet spray bottle then a 1 in. flat brush. Laid in my basic colors using a Silver Black Velvet filbert brush and then let them mingle, while turning the painting and wiping up excess, to help prevent backwash.



Spritzed it a little more for texture, then covered with a few pieces of Cling Wray. Now to set it aside and let it dry. This will take several hours. Can't wait to see how the watercolors work their magic.

[Jcon]

It worked nice on the firefly so this should be spectacular also!!!

[OZ]

Lets hope so. It will be interesting.

[Dee]

Oooooo - ya man!! This gonna be another good one. I am interested in maybe doing one of the other poses of the Kestrel if you dont mind. Birds are SOOOO inspirational!!! Cnat wait to see your progress.

[OZ]

Hi Dee. Good to have you along. By all means, use a photo or 2. I found these on Pinterest and have an account there. One can save all their interesting collections there and go back as many times as they wish to download them. It's difficult to find the pose you're looking for and this helps me to get my compositions more interesting.
I took the Cling Wrap off and the painting is thoroughly dry now. Hope to spend a little time working on it, because tomorrow, have a Hearing Apt. in Oly and won't have much time for painting.





May go in and tweak the background later, after establishing some values in the Hawk.

[Jcon]

I'm liking that background!!!

[OZ]

Thanks Joe. Laid in some basic washes for the lighter areas of the Kestrel's feathers. The wash of Orange was Quinacridone gold and the wings a mixture of blue and burnt Sienna.



Added basic shapes and some shading on the Hawk and leaves, then removed the masking, after letting it dry. A touch of blue to the Dragonfly. Next will be to work on the burnt out trunk and detail the spruce branches, etc.

[Jcon]

He looks magnificent so far Bruce!!!

[OZ]

Thanks Joe. He's coming together. Still have a ways to go.

[OZ]

Put down a couple more layers and think it's getting a little over worked. So, calling this one finished.

Think I'm getting spoiled on the Daniel Smith watercolors.

[Jcon]

I like him a lot Bruce!!! Well done!!!

[OZ]

Thanks Joe. You are too kind.