Bird of Paradise - WIP

[buzz1941]

This is one of those early Curtisses that flew with the shoulder-harness arrangement, BTW.

[Russell Smith]

This one is coming along slowly, but I am making headway on it. Over the past few weeks I've managed to get the figure shots done, and most recently I've completed the pencil study. From the study, I can see where I need to make some small adjustments to the composition. Based on that and some useful feedback from Burl, I'm planning on doing a second study in the next couple of weeks. Now that the Bristol is nearing completion I should be able to make faster progress on this one.

[Gregvan]

GREAT work, Russ, on a little-known and challenging subject. I can't wait to see the finished project.

[Russell Smith]

This pencil study number 2. I tightened up the composition some and changed the proportions of the image slightly. In my opinion, this is a much stronger composition than the previous pencil study.

[Russell Smith]

Just finished up the color study for this one last week. I might change the color of some of the coveralls to brown or olive, just to add a little more variation. That'll be Burl's decision, though.

color study for Bird of Paradise
16.5" x 10.5"
oil on illustration board

[Russell Smith]

Primary coat for this is finished. Rather than the usual Raw umber, I used a purple/black for my primary coat since so much of the image will consist of cool shadows.