Monday, November 11, 2013

Work in progress of blue jay painting

In this step I refined the shape of the Jay's beak and created a three dimensional shape using shades of gray and white on black pastel. After completing the eye and white feathers around the eye and throat, I was excited to finally add some gorgeous blue feathers!
I then defined the black  markings which now gives this bird the unmistakable look of a Blue Jay.
 
On the next step, I will begin to add the background so that I can finish the wispy look of the feathers at the back of the crest.
 
blue jay painting in progress by Wildlife Artist Colette Theriault
 
With the background complete, I can now redefine outline of the crest feathers.
 
Blue Jay Painting in pastel update by Canadian Avian Artist Colette Theriault
 

6 comments:

  1. This is coming along so beautifully, Colette. I love the blues!!

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  2. I really admire your ability to get so much detail into such a small pastel painting.

    The Jay is lovely. I'm happy that our garden is now full of little birds enjoying the seeds and fatballs we've hung out to help them through the winter months. They give me hours of enjoyment

    Look forward to seeing the final stages

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  3. Sue, I can't understate how much sharpening goes on in my studio to keep those pastels to a fine point! lol.
    With the long, harsh winters of our hemisphere, I always welcome the birds visiting my feeders. And the cat and dog don't seem to mind either.
    Thank you for taking the time to comment.

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  4. It is looking lovely, Colette! Bonjour de Montreal!

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