Creative Woodworks & crafts 2004-04, страница 72
Harden the beak with superglue and let this dry thoroughly. Scratch gesso from the eyes of the bird with a pin. It is fun to see the personality form as one begins to paint. Paint your bird or carving, again using lots of reference material. I use both acrylics and oils. If using acrylics, be sure to keep the paint thin and do the painting in many layers. Using a wet-on-wet technique helps to blend the colors. Sometimes, after beginning in acrylics, I will complete a bird with oils, as I like the blending capabilities and the earthy colors I can get this way. (It is important not to paint acrylics over oils.) Check over the entire bird and add tiny details, such as feather splits, eye rings, fine details on the beak, etc. Use gloss and matte mediums on the quills, feet, and beak to add some sheen. Mount your painted bird onto its base, and create a habitat to add to the realism. Enjoy your creation! For questions concerning this project, send an SASE to: Stephanie Kolbe, 1014 Almar Place, Owatonna, MN 55060. ^ Create the fine details, including the feathers, beak, eyes, etc. I use ruby and diamond bits and Foredom and micro-motor tools for this stage of the carving. In addition, I always go back to my reference materials for information and ideas. Wood burn the feather details and create splits in the feathers. Seal the detailed carving well. I use Krylon 1301 spray for small songbirds. Set in the eyes using epoxy putty, and create eyelids. Create and insert the feet. Feet (even very nice ones) can be purchased, but for competitions or unusual positions, making feet with copper wire, solder and epoxy putty is required. Gesso the entire bird and the feet, making sure to keep the application very smooth and even. The gesso must not be too thick, or you will fill in all of the fine details. Two or more thin coats should yield a nice "canvas" on which to paint. Create a more textured surface using a rotary tool. Different bits cre ate different textures. I only use around 6 bits for most of my texturing. 16 • Creative Woodworks 8. Crafts April 2004 |
