My world is dominated by birds. I live with six of them at home and my work focuses solely on birds. Because I am surrounded by them on a daily basis, I know that each one has its own very individual personality. They deserve to be seen as much more than a decorative subject in art, and I approach each piece as if I was painting a portrait of a person. I try to bring out the true character in each artwork, and my choice of reference material is critical for this.

Second to character is color and then composition. Each is important, of course, but these two are secondary. I hope to create the impression of a connection between the observer and the bird.

Big Blue Too, pastel and colored pencil, 47 x 59" (119 x 149 cm) This male red-tailed black cockatoo just had to be painted; it’s the best reference photo of a black cockatoo that I have seen yet and I have seen thousands! The original photo had his whole body, but I wanted this artwork to be my most detailed yet. Therefore, I cropped him at the shoulder so I could focus on his head. I actually stuck pretty closely to the original colors of the photo, which is unusual for me. I felt that he was perfect already. I changed the eye reflection, which is something I often do.

 

I usually prefer to work on a large scale. Although each piece can take several weeks when they are very big, the product is usually more striking in the end and makes the investment of time more worthwhile. However, in between these big paintings, I like to pop in a small study just to be able to produce something quite quickly. Because I am very active on social media, I have connected with bird lovers all over the world and have painted quite a few of their favorite birds, sometimes pets but not always. It has been great to paint such a variety of birds, not just the ones we have here in Australia.

An Ordinary Bird, pastel and colored pencil This bird is Freddie, my galah cockatoo. I have painted him often. I managed to get a great reference photo of him and I have used it here. One again, I have added color to the background. The effect gives a warm glow, which is how I feel when I am with him. These birds have the most amazing colors because they are pink. Light through the crest creates lilac shadows, which are lovely.

 

I work mainly in pastel but also in acrylic and sometimes watercolor. I like to mix my mediums, so I will add colored pencil to pastel paintings and watercolors. I usually use acrylic if I want to do a really large piece for the way it looks, but also because framing a pastel that size is very expensive and terrifying to move around! I have done very large pastels (over 11⁄2 meters) but it’s not a regular thing.

I like to change colors and textures and never stick firmly to the original photograph, using it as a guide more than anything.

I use the same basic process whether I am painting in acrylic or pastel. Each has its own pros and cons, but I put down the layers in the same way for both. I start with color blocking if possible and then add the detailed layers on top.

Watch With Glittering Eyes, pastel and colored pencil Apart from the majestic demeanor of this beautiful barn owl, the light around it really inspired me. I painted the background a pale blue so that the white edge of the bird had something to stand out against. The blue also makes the orange pop.

 

I am very business minded and am not ashamed to make a living from my art. As a sole trader, I wear a lot of hats, just as any small business owner does. I try not to stray away from my drawing table or easel for too long and work seven days most weeks. I am very much supported at home by my husband who frames all of my work as well as doing it for other customers. A large part of expanding my art practice has been achieved online. I have found that the time invested in social media has been well spent. Next year I hope to expand my website to offer originals for sale as well as the prints that I already sell worldwide. My very own online gallery. I feel very lucky to live in an age where artists have a lot more choice about how and where to sell their work.  

My Art in the Making Tango

Reference Photo

 

This is a small portrait of a mitred conure called Tango. I chose this image from a selection of reference photos because I thought it conveyed the most character and showed off Tango’s pretty eye coloring very well. It is a pastel with colored pencil on top.

Stage 1

Stage 1 Initial Simple Sketch

The base sketch is very simple. It will all be covered over with pastel so there is no point in putting in more than the basics.

Stage 2

Stage 2  Fixative On Sketch

Use spray fixative over the sketch twice and allow drying between coats. Don’t overdo it.

Stage 3

Stage 3 Prime the Surface Over the Sketch

Using a roller or a brush depending on the texture you require, paint clear pastel primer over the sketch. You can do a couple of coats. Dry between applications.

Stage 4

Stage 4  Adding Black

Put in the blacks and spray lightly with fixative.

Stage 5

Stage 5 Creating a Base

Cover as much of the image with a base to work off of, block-in as much color as possible and then spray with fixative.

Stage 6

Stage 6  Details

Add in the fine details over the fixed pastel background.

Stage 7

Stage 7  Refining

Use colored pencils to continue adding and refining the details, bit by bit. 

Stage 8

Stage 8  Add or Boost Highlights

Use white pastel primer to add highlights. When the white pastel primer is completely dry, add soft white pastel on top. White pastel pencils are never bright enough for this.

Stage 9

Stage 9 Clean Up Background and Add Color

Paint the background. I use a white pastel primer on its own or with a touch of acrylic color. Here I used a small amount of jaune brilliant to bring out the green even more.

Stage 10

Stage 10  Bringing the Bird and Background Together

Work around the edge of the bird, adding fluff and any extra definition. Work into the painted background so there is no obvious edge.

Stage 11

Stage 11  Finished Artwork

Tango, pastel and colored pencil, 11 x 9½" (28 x 24 cm) (framed)