Montana Bird Art (1 Viewer)

[RussB]

Hi Sid,
Not sure why but this is the first time I've looked at your work. I love the composition of the jays - just superb! The ravens may be slightly out 'ornithologically speaking' but they ooze character and the piece is very well put together. The ospreys too, but what a great technique you have. Graet stuff. I'm a fan!

Russ

Ps - I don't get much smudging with the 2B Derwent sketching pencils I favour, but I always give 'em a blast of cheap hairspray afterwards. Fixative costs a bomb but does smell nice!

 

[sfrissell]

Thanks Ken and Russ. You will probably see the osprey family piece again in another version.
Coleen: have you tried the Spectrafix pastel fixative (made with casein) on pencil drawings? The company says its appropriate for that purpose.

 

[colleenc]

yes, I bought it when it first came out, and have never used the old stuff since then but not for pencil so far, I just let it smear since I don't do anything with the sketches..

 

[JTMB]

Nice sketches and Osprey, Sid! I'm not greatly bothered by the background in the Osprey piece, as most of the trees are reduced enough in value and a bit less sharp that it feels ok - you're the final judge, though. The background certainly fits with one type of their habitat.

 

[nickderry]

can't believe I passed over these ospreys! I love them, you've captured something about their ungainly elegance, and the colours are wonderful, warm birds in a cold background - excellent work.

 

[sfrissell]

Thanks, Nick. You may be right, but I still don't think I like them! I'll try another approach using the same nest and birds but with a somewhat more impressionistic background. Who knows, it might work??

 

[ed keeble]

Thanks, Nick. You may be right, but I still don't think I like them! I'll try another approach using the same nest and birds but with a somewhat more impressionistic background. Who knows, it might work??

just popped up for a look and agree with others- the balance of the colours in the osprey pic is just perfect

 

[sfrissell]

Thanks for the vote of support, Ed. Maybe it's not as bad as I think! Maybe I have what should be called "Artist's Remorse?" The usual, "this is done but it should have been better". Guess we all suffer from that at times.

 

[phil baber]

Nice works Sid.

 

[colleenc]

love the dow sketches forgot to say so...agree about the osprey, the first few times I do a bird it usually is not my best, just takes some time to get into it...think you have the key in looking for more drama in the comp

 

[sfrissell]

Not much bird art produced here the last two weeks, what with all my children and grandchildren here for Thanksgiving, coupled with temperatures in the single digits and below zero, and 8 inches of new snow to shovel!!

Anyway, still trying to produce a version of the two ospreys at nest and am making progress. Will post it soon. Finally, in the last three days I've been able to get out and spend "sketch-book time" with some birds. This time its Killdeer. I'm pretty sure the combination of dark mud, white snow, and brown and white birds will result in an interesting painting. Coming soon!

Sorry for the bad lighting.

 

[solitaryVSong]

I had to think of you when I happened upon a Robert Bateman version of Ospreys on nest in 'Birds.' Sometimes it seems like you just need to let an idea incubate. I'm sure we'll all see a new version soon.

Glad that you're able to get some sketchbook time. It always seems like time well spent even if it means abandoning other projects for a day or two. Sounds like you have a good idea for a kildeer painting. I'm a bit surprised to see them there in the snow. Do they stay all winter? They're always far more plentiful in country than in the city in the East but I know they always disappear from the city in late fall and reappear in mid-March. Always fun to draw and paint though, regardless of season.

 

[sfrissell]

Yes, Ken, they are year round here if there is any open water, and there usually is at least along the rivers edge.

 

[phil baber]

Never say "SORRY" on your own thread Sid!

Why apologize, when you offer these Killdeer WONDERS?

Love it all!

 

[JTMB]

Really like the Killdeer sketches, Sid! Anxious to see the finished pieces.

 

[RussB]

Great Killdeers, Sid. I very much like your loose but extremely effective style. Your fieldwork reminds me of that done by David Measures - an acclaimed artist over here. Keep up this fine work, sir!

I'd love to sketch this species - it has a lovely shape and I really dig that double breast band, man!

Cheers

Russ

 

[phil baber]

Great Killdeers, Sid. I very much like your loose but extremely effective style. Your fieldwork reminds me of that done by David Measures - an acclaimed artist over here. Keep up this fine work, sir!

I'd love to sketch this species - it has a lovely shape and I really dig that double breast band, man!

Cheers

Russ

:t::cat:

 

[nickderry]

the Killdeer in its element on the shore is just screaming to be turned into a finished piece - and I agree with what Russ says about the similarity to David Measures (an artist I admire greatly)

 

[sfrissell]

Thanks for the kind words, gentlemen. I am planning to make a painting out of at least one of the Killdeer sketches. Coming soon.

 

[phil baber]

Very much look forward to it Sid...