Fine Art Friday- American Kestral

The American Kestrel

The Kestrel is a member of the falcon family and some of the most beautiful of all birds of prey.

We had a pair nesting in a bird box in our pasture for several years and I could watch them for hours.

They also keep the mice down. A Big plus+

This week I'd like to share with you a wood carving and a painting I have done of the American Kestrel. The painting was done in Gouache and actually done after I had finished the carving. I took this picture of it framed and the glass makes it look a bit fuzzy. Sorry

This is a wood carving I had done for a commission. I block it out of a solid piece of wood,(Gelutong or Tupelo Gum). Lay in the feather patterns and carve with a dremel. I then wood burn all the feathers to show all the detail. After sealing it I paint it with several washes of acrylic paint. The eyes are glass and I paint them from the back side.

  It takes me about 3 months to complete a piece like this and yes it was very expensive!

But my client was thrilled with the end results.

 

I spend many hours studying the groups of feathers and how they grow from the body. You almost have to be an Ornithologist just to figure it out. The base itself is made from a solid chunk of wood carved to look like pottery, Cactus, a broken arrowhead and stones all make for a natural setting.