Bird of Paradise - WIP

buzz1941 · 17 June 2009, 04:03 PM

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

Russell Smith · 5 September 2009, 06:13 AM

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 · 7 September 2009, 08:25 AM

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

Russell Smith · 18 September 2009, 01:26 PM

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 · 28 October 2009, 05:52 AM

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 · 13 November 2009, 08:39 AM

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.

Russell Smith · 9 December 2009, 05:03 AM

After a brief "what-was-I-thinking?" moment, I realized that I was approaching the painting the wrong way. I decided to re-start the painting while I was still not very far along. This time, I started with a wash of Burnt Sienna over the entire canvas to establish a warm, overall midtone. Most of that Burnt Sienna that you see will be covered. However, transparent glazes will allow that to show through in some areas and give the overall painting some really nice, warm undertones.

The restart also allowed me the opportunity to adjust a couple of small elements that I didn't like on the previous canvas - particularly the reflection of the aircraft on the water and the sizes of the figures back by the aircraft.

Russell Smith · 9 January 2010, 06:17 PM

Haven't update this one in a while, so here goes;

Here's the 1st intermediate layer. This was taken just before Christmas.

Here's where I am as of today. I was hoping that this would be the finish layer, but I already see some adjustments that need to be made so we'll call this the second intermediate layer. Once I finish out the bottom portion I'll let it dry for about a week and the bring it home with the real finish layer.

bzhyoyo · 10 January 2010, 04:52 AM

lovely colours!
Great see-through effect on the fabric too!

GlueMonkey · 10 January 2010, 11:18 AM

Beautiful work! I love the action the scene depicts, yet achieving a calmness as well. Wonderful!!!