You may not notice at first glance that the second lower bird has no feathers on his head. That is because roseate spoonbills loose their soft white downy head feathers as they mature. The eyes also turn red, the skin on the skull takes on a yellowish green color and the spatulate bill becomes grayish. The fullest pink coloration of the plumage is only reached with age and then only when feeding on the appropriate diet. Like pink flamingos, roseate spoonbills acquire their pink feathers from the pigments in the food the eat.
An interesting post Colette. Also, as more and more of your image gets filled in, it shows what an effective composition you've chosen.
ReplyDeleteLooking good Colette. I hope "feather fatigue" doesn't set in - hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynda, and Peter. I'm always amazed at the transformation of a painting as it comes to life. Finally, on this piece the birds seem to suddenly become alive.
ReplyDeleteThis is looking great Colette! Can't wait to see it finished!
ReplyDeleteThanks!! I just hope I don't end up shoving this one behind the door too!
ReplyDeleteI hope you dont' shove it behind the door too because it's looking amazing! There's a soft feel to this piece that I just love, so I can't wait to see it done.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carole, I can't wait to start working on this one again...
ReplyDeleteThius is going to be a fabulous piece, Collete.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the Canine piece. The drawing looks like another great piece of art.
Thanks so much for the encouragements Gary!
ReplyDelete