Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalis
Winter Redoux
This rendition of the beauty of the Snow Bunting demonstrates the actual events of bird feathering. The bird sculptures were originally painted as summer plumage in acrylics. In real life, the feathers morph to the winter pattern, largely through wear, not through molting. I needed to morph the feathering to winter with oil paints to achieve the intended pattern. Therefore, this sculpture was an exercise in painting which taught me a lot about mixed media and how to achieve more depth in my painting.
One set of primary feathers is done as a separately inserted piece on each bird. The inserts are of holly, and the birds are of tupelo.
The base is of manzanita. It stands 6 inches high.
It is in a private collection.
Winter Woos
These wonderful winter visitors to the Northeast are seen in flocks at the end of winter. Their plumage differs as to the time of the year and whether they are interested in breeding.
This wooden sculpture captures the bird’s optimism after the long winter.
Both male (the upper bird) and the female (lower bird) are carved of tupelo. They are indicative of my new dedication to detail. The intricate detail carving lends itself better to oil paints. The branch is brass.
The piece stands 9 inches high, and is in a private collection.
