each piece I create...in addition to being
inspired by seeing birds in their
natural environment...reference
material is one of the most important
aspects in this type of artform....I
maintain reference files for each bird I
create......photos are an absolute must,
in addition to digital close-ups and
research involving everything from
anatomy to habitat...I strive to create
natural occurrence, interaction and
drama in the display of the birds..
created from reference material
assembled..I use tupelo wood for the
bird and shape with a knife to
have more control over the shaping
process... I carefully cut in details,
feather groups, etc...then I texture
and burn the surfaces to emulate
feathers...I paint in oils...painting
is the most painstaking part of the
process...I sometimes spend many
weeks, off and on, painting an
owl..there are no shortcuts in this
artform..
piece...from the rough block of tupelo wood to the finished piece...