I think of spotted sandpipers being little sunbirds. They come for the summer and hang out on the edges of ponds and rivers, often running about on half submerged logs ... seemingly always in the sun.
I'm out of my comfort zone. Historically I've painted very careful detail on hot pressed surfaces and illustration board -- or I do rather loose sketches. Here I'm using coarse watercolor paper and not painting each feather. I'm trying for light and form and trying to keep the color fresh; combined with having the bird accurately drawn.
Please critique.
4 comments:
Elva, this is my new favorite. It is just awesome! She looks like she is going to step right in that water. LOVE the lighting!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lots of air. Very precise technique. The bird is very alive and the painting is ready to become an illustration for book of Nature. Great job Elva! Thanks, Irina
This strongly reminds me of an Audubon piece. Not quite sure what it is that reminds me of his work, but it does.
I think you've accomplished your goals with regard to light and fresh color. The bird appears to be quite accurate as well with the impressionistic feathers and markings. I think where I'm running into trouble is in the shading. The bird's body in particular reads flat to me as though he has not shape or definition. There is a bounce of light on his back and tail and a bit under his neck area, but is's very subtle. If he's in the sunlight, I would think it would be stronger in contrast to the shadowed areas? I think perhaps darker shadows in the water as well?
A marvelous rendering, Elva!
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