Step 1: Reference
I met and photographed Gene, the augur buzzard at the Kenya Bird Of Prey Trust, in Naivasha. Augur buzzards have spectacular charcoal and white markings, commonly sporting a classic falcon moustache.
Step-by-step Augur Buzzard
A quick overview of key stages in the painting of Gene, the Augur Buzzard
Step 2: Composite
I merge different head and body photos in Photoshop, and block in a solid background panel.
Step 3: Background Wash
I very quickly lay water up to the outline of the subject silhouette and blend the colors wet-on-wet. I add large drops of water to create deliberate blooms for added texture.
Step 4: Start with the eye
I typically start with the eye, or in this case, the eye. I find it helps me to emotionally bond with the painting, and sets the expressive tone for the rest of the work.
Step 5: Begin head & body
Paynes grey, burnt umber and prussian blue, applied wet-on-wet, form the groundwork for the augur's beautiful charcoal markings.
Step 5a: Close up of head
Here you can see the feathering created by the bloom effect behind the eye, which plays well with the crispness of the glassy eye and the solidity and dimension of the sharply hooked bill.
Step 6: Detail the head
I reactivate the underlying pigment with water and deepen the colors with more wet on wet, glazing for details and slowly building up contrast and shadows.
Completed painting
After applying soft wet washes of blended umber, with speckled feathers in burnt sienna light, I glaze over final shadow areas and Gene is complete.
Step 1: Reference
I met and photographed Gene, the augur buzzard at the Kenya Bird Of Prey Trust, in Naivasha. Augur buzzards have spectacular charcoal and white markings, commonly sporting a classic falcon moustache.
Gene is an awesome specimen, posing with contrived indifference, and manifesting a fierce dignity, even in repose.
Step 2: Composite
I merge different head and body photos in Photoshop, and block in a solid background panel. I use a deep Yellow Ochre to offset the charcoal and white of the augur.
Step 3: Background Wash
I very quickly lay water up to the outline of the subject silhouette and blend the colors wet-on-wet. I add large drops of water to create deliberate blooms for added texture.
Step 4: Start with the eye
I typically start with the eye, or in this case, the eye. I find it helps me to emotionally bond with the painting, and sets the expressive tone for the rest of the work.
Step 5: Begin head & body
Paynes grey, burnt umber and prussian blue, applied wet-on-wet, form the groundwork for the augur's beautiful charcoal markings.
Step 5a: Close up of head
Here you can see the feathering created by the bloom effect behind the eye, which plays well with the crispness of the glassy eye and the solidity and dimension of the sharply hooked bill.
Step 6: Detail the head
I reactivate the underlying pigment with water and deepen the colors with more wet on wet, glazing for details and slowly building up contrast and shadows.
Completed painting
After applying soft wet washes of blended umber, with speckled feathers in burnt sienna light, I glaze over final shadow areas and Gene is complete.