Feb. 20

Artwork

Life size Turkey Vulture mobile.

Cardboard, Mod Podge, Gesso, Blue Tape

Reflection

            I am building a series of life size bird mobiles out of cardboard. The one being focused on today is the Turkey Vulture which can have a wingspan of 66.9 in. (5 ft. 6in.) and body length of 25.2 in. I am going to suspend the vulture with yarn/ heavy duty string for stability. The class suggestions were similar to the last, with the ideas of creating a landscape with familiar landscape, birds, and animals.

References

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey_vulture

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Turkey_Vulture/id

Feb. 13

Artwork

 

Reflection

        During the creation of this project, I decided to make the flying mobiles to be more 3D to make them be a life-size model of the birds. The first one (pictured above) is modeled after a female American Kestrel and is made of cardboard, blue tape, and a layer of gesso. I plan on painting the mobile to look as accurate as possible to the bird with the addition of feathers made of paper to create the realistic look. I am going to replace the sculpting wire that I used to connect the wings to the body with embroidery thread to allow it more mobility when it is "flying." 

        The class gave me several more ideas that could be possible for the final project such as a map of my home in Perry, FL that would include the animals and landscape I see on the daily. Another idea would be to create a landscape painting of my home with the inclusion of all the farm animals and wildlife. With these many ideas, I am excited to see the route I choose for this project. 

Research

        

      /\  Sibley, David, 1961-. The Sibley Guide to Birds. New York :Alfred A. Knopf, 2000.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/

/\Website includes measurements, identifying pictures, and the calls of thousands of birds. 

Feb. 6

 Artwork

12'' x 18''

Reflection

        For this work, I wanted to make an illustrated scientific poster of birds that included their known names, as well as their scientific names. Each birds information, the Herons, are from two of my bird identification books shown in the research section of this post. The feedback from the class suggested that I go larger in composition and to add a border. There were suggestions of creating different textures if I used cardboard or wood as the base/background and have the birds be cut out and painted with watercolor. Another suggestion was to make larger (possibly life size) flying bird mobiles to accompany the posters, as well as a collection of their respected bird calls. All of the suggested ideas were very exciting, and I plan on exploring them as I continue this project/idea. 

Research

        

      /\  Sibley, David, 1961-. The Sibley Guide to Birds. New York :Alfred A. Knopf, 2000.

        

      /\  Tekiela, Stan, 2020. Birds of Florida: Field Guide. 3rd ed. Adventure Publications.

In Process 

/\ Notes on which bird(s) I wanted to illustrate. /\

/\ Drawing before lining them. /\

Jan. 30

Artwork

Bearded Vulture (White)

/\ Gouache painting of a Bearded Vulture. /\

/\ Index card with Information on the Bearded Vulture. /\

 Reflection

        Bearded Vulture (White) is a visual and scientific study of the European bird, the Bearded Vulture. Through the use of Gouache paints, I am able to represent the Vultures dramatic plumage and intense eyes as its focus is set upon the viewer. The orange/red background allows for the stark, white of the feathers to contrast nicely. The vibrant background is also meant reference how the Bearded Vulture dye their feathers red with Iron-oxide rich deposits. Alongside the illustration is a standard sized blue index card with handwritten information on the Bearded Vulture species. The information card includes the scientific name(s), entomology of the name(s), diet, habitats, and habits. Bearded Vulture (White) is meant to be a companion piece to another illustration of this impressive vulture, where instead of white feathers, it will have its dyed feathers instead. I will create the second piece for another class time to complete the set. 

Research

    \/ Spotify link to a podcast episode on Bearded Vultures \/

https://open.spotify.com/episode/26SGmhT3HDnc90u8Yuegbt?si=Hm9tR0d5SCW5_RT1cMrQtA

(The creator of the podcast included a bibliography in the description of the audio.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearded_vulture

    \/ Reference photo \/

   ( Could not find the original posting/author of the image. Found it on Pinterest)