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