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 :)
This one is great! I saw movie and read "The Big Year" - good read, very interesting, even if you aren't into birds.
ReplyDeleteI want to rent the Big Year ...
ReplyDeleteThis 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 .
ReplyDeleteHi 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!!
ReplyDeleteHow brave you are - painting directly on the paper without first drawing. The little finch looks wonderful! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWe 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.
ReplyDeletesoooooo, cute!!!!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteAs 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks 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!!!
ReplyDeleteWell done!! I'm thinking Purple Finch, too. They are a lot more colorful. Really, brava for the excellent capture!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kathryn. I wonder if I can keep my obsession going for A Big Year of painting birds?
ReplyDeleteThanks, 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.
ReplyDeleteOn second thought; possibly a purple finch due to the brown wings.
ReplyDeleteThanks, 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 :)
ReplyDelete