Mockingbird Nest with Five Eggs
11x14 oil on canvas panel $650.. (unframed) SOLD
This is one of my favorite nests. I love the long twigs mixed in with
the inner lining of fine grasses and other bits of fillers from the earth.
Artist Note.
I did this demonstration piece at the gallery last Saturday. I finished it today.
I am always nervous doing a demo, but I had a group of supportive artists
mixed in with the crowd and I settled down pretty quickly.
The images are blurry for which I apologize.
.
I started with broad washes of Transparent Oxide Brown, Red and Yellow.
Following up with some Ultramarine Blue
lifting off areas and placing some opaque light shapes using opposing strokes
with a half inch angle brush. I am careful to keep my really dark areas
transparent, and finally placing the eggs in the general area I want them.
BRUSHWORK
When painting something with as many twigs as this I use a
long script or liner brush. Different marks can be made
with the different positions shown below.
Holding the brush at the end and more parallel to the canvas.
I can go right to left as well as left to right, with short strokes.
The brush fans out a bit and creates a slightly uneven line
which is perfect for what I want. Next one is for a thick or thin mark.
I can do fast downward curves as well as straight lines.
I use the tip to middle of brush at first ( lightly) then add more
pressure to thicken the mark. This prevents the too perfect line
I can do the calligraphy I want. I have my paint soupy,
but not runny.
Fortunately this image is a bit clearer. I have lifted out the
white lines with a pointed shaper and the twigs are in
different grays and darks. Below shows texture in the
background done with some Fracturing with handy tool and knife.
I am painting the eggs so am holding the brush in the control position.
Nest is gradually
look-see...the beauty of a real nest!
