Sketching this bird was surprisingly easier than I'd anticipated. Since I don't think I've ever seen a bluebird, my first order of business before starting to watercolor was to google pictures of bluebirds to determine what the coloration should actually be. I was a bit thrown when today's artist painted a grayblack beak since in my world birds have yellow beaks LOL but sure enough grayblack is exactly right. I did adjust the coloration on the breast to try to emulate what I saw in the photos. Die cut my painting with the Matinee layers then sponged Azurite around the edge for a bit of definition.
Halfway through painting, I found out my sister-in-law will be having back surgery on Thursday so this will go to her. It also brought to mind this cheery sentiment which I think follows the curve of my bird quite nicely.
Date: Wednesday, February 9, 2022 GMT Views: 857
Favorited:4
Registered: February 5, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 92630
Wed, Feb 09, 2022 @ 9:09 AM
Brava to you, Linda, for doing a little research before you plunged into painting the eastern bluebird. Your coloration is spot on.....and your watercoloring is beautifully done. A delightful card!
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Registered: June 3, 2016 Location: France Posts: 60411
Wed, Feb 09, 2022 @ 11:15 AM
Your bird is fantastic Linda, love the eye, that was my biggest problem, and love your blossoms, I think I've never seen a bluebird neither but yours looks realistic!!
Registered: July 9, 2008 Location: Stars Fell on Alabama Posts: 75006
Wed, Feb 09, 2022 @ 12:04 PM
Yes, indeed, that looks like a bluebird. Your branch and flowers are so pretty. I love the curve of your sentiment fitting perfectly just as you said. Hope your SIL does great with her back surgery and she is sure to love this card. It's a beauty.
------------------------------ My Blog---My Gallery---My PinterestI'm a Punchkateer! (Prez) FOREVERDirty Dozen Alumni2014 CAS Spring DT--- Inspiration Challenge Co- Hostess 12/02/17-12/28/19 Watercolor Wednesday Design Team Hebrews 13:2Brenda
Registered: October 19, 2007 Location: Packer Country, WI Posts: 72132
Wed, Feb 09, 2022 @ 5:25 PM
Love your darling bluebird. Using a reference photo really helps to capture the realism. Your branch and blossoms look amazing. Like the subtle sponging of the card. Another great original by you. Tfs
Registered: January 20, 2016 Location: Freetown, Massachusetts Posts: 31442
Thu, Feb 10, 2022 @ 3:20 AM
You did a fabulous job sketching this bird! The whole thing looks so realistic. You are so good at the details. And one of my favorite parts is how perfectly that sentiment curves around the bird. Nailed it!
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Registered: October 19, 2004 Location: SE North Carolina Posts: 11630
Sat, Feb 12, 2022 @ 9:40 AM
Your research paid off - this is a great rendition. We have bluebirds here and I even have a feeder in the yard with their favorite treats - meal worms. It's funny because most all the birds here, or at least the majority of them, have gray or dark colored beaks.
Registered: November 7, 2009 Location: Sacramento Posts: 39175
Sat, Feb 12, 2022 @ 10:31 PM
You are so good with watercoloring, Linda, and your bird is another example of your beautiful work. Wonderful painting and you had the perfect sentiment to curve with your bird. It is sure to cheer your sister-in-law.