The Happy Couple

Canvasback Pair (Drake & Hen)

Happy 2012 everyone! Wishing you health and happiness in the new year.

Canvasback Drake

Completed December 2011


The Canvasback is the largest of the North American diving ducks and is distinguished, in part, by its striking red eye, its wedge-shaped head, and long graceful neck.  According to Wikipedia, the canvasback ranges from 19-22 inches and weighs 2 - 3.5 pounds. This carving is actually quite hefty!


Bart carved the Canvasback Hen last year so I will make a note to photograph the mate later this week and show the pair together. In the meantime, this is the recently completed carving of the male duck.

The finished piece

With Gesso Coat

AMERICAN KESTREL: Project Complete

"I have to resist the urge to stroke her, she's so real!" ~ mlr

American Kestrel with Gesso Coat

Gesso Coat (Primer) ~ the first step in the painting process

AMERICAN KESTREL: READY FOR PAINT

AMERICAN KESTREL UPDATE

NEW WORK: AN EVOLVING FORM

AMERICAN KESTRAL CARVING

PREVIOUSLY...

While Bart is working on his newest project I thought I would finish posting photos of other work not previously shown. This now makes the blog inventory totally up to date.

RUDDY DUCK

AVOCET

WIGEON

LONG-TAILED DUCK in breeding plumage

The finished piece

Feather detail

                                           

 FUN FACTS:    (courtesy of seaduckjv.org)

~ Long-tailed ducks are mid-size sea ducks found in the northern regions of North America

~ Their estimated population is one million, with the greatest concentration in Canada

~ They are the most vocal sea duck

~ They are characterized by a tapered body, short neck & short bill

~ Only the males have the two slim, elongated central tail feathers

~ They fly close to the water's surface in constantly changing formations, 

   often twisting in flight, alternately showing the white belly versus the dark back

~ This species can dive 200 feet deeper than any other duck