This is either a house finch or a purple finch. I'll have to check the bird book to find out. They are reddish on the head and breast but it's a dull red - definitely not like a Cardinal's stop-sign red colors. I like the heavy beaks of the finches - such tough little things!
Since I was feeling a bit braver, I painted this one on a fourth sheet (11" x 15") Fabriano Artistico 140# cold press watercolor paper WITHOUT drawing beforehand. Just drew him with the brush and slowly put down the colors and shape. His legs could be a bit darker but I'm pretty happy with his look :)
Have you ever watched the movie, The Big Year? It's about 3 men competing to discover and document the most birds in one year - a cute movie, it shows a lot of birds and what some dedicated (and slightly crazy) birders will do to see them. Maybe I should think about painting a Big Year without all the travel :)
16 comments:
This one is great! I saw movie and read "The Big Year" - good read, very interesting, even if you aren't into birds.
I want to rent the Big Year ...
This finch is great--you really did an excellent job on his face/head ... and without drawing! Really nice, and great color.
fantastic face rhonda ... beautifully done without pencil .
Hi there, I found your blog this week while searching for bird watercolors. I have decided to teach myself watercolor painting and I love birds, so I am enjoying your artwork!
I have seen the Big Year movie and also read the book -- which tells the true story upon which the movie is loosely based. Definitely read the book if you enjoyed the movie!
My 2 cents is that your painting is of a purple finch. The house finch seems to have a more subtle red with a bit more brown versus the more prominently red purple finch.
Adorable bird, the anatomy is perfect! Terrific color!!
How brave you are - painting directly on the paper without first drawing. The little finch looks wonderful! Congratulations!
We always called these house finches, but since I know little about them, I do not know for certain.
I like your mystery finch. I can't identify birds at all. They are all pigeons to me.
soooooo, cute!!!!
I think this is one of your finest bird paintings and since all of them are wonderful, that says something. This guy is adorable and I love his colors and markings.
As to why I bought the frame and mat before the painting was started (laying in the color, anyways) was because in order to have it on time, I had to order it pronto. The party is 2/1/14 and it is custom built and cut. I will paint today. The drawing is finished and I've decided how I want to go with it.
Thanks, Deb and Emily3 - Looks like I may have to get the book!
Thanks so much, Laura, Jane, Celia, Sadami and Barb :)
Carol, you are a hoot - and that is a sound made by owls, who look nothing like pigeons! ha ha
Sherry, thank you so much!
You certainly have the touch with birds, Rhonda. I think "the Big Year" in your painting would be a great idea!!!
Well done!! I'm thinking Purple Finch, too. They are a lot more colorful. Really, brava for the excellent capture!
Thanks so much, Kathryn. I wonder if I can keep my obsession going for A Big Year of painting birds?
Thanks, Pam. As another nature/bird lover, I take that as a high compliment!
Rhonda, maybe I'm too late to tell you as someone probably already has done so; but the bird is called a scarlett finch.
On second thought; possibly a purple finch due to the brown wings.
Thanks, Linda. I guess it's not that important, but if I name them as those in my Big Year, I have to know which finch it is :)
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