inspiration
This month’s theme is resilience. I chose the Peregrine falcon because it’s an example of a species that was listed as endangered but has made a comeback. In 1972 the EPA banned most uses of the insecticide’s DDT. Federal, state, local, and private governments and organizations worked together on breeding programs and reintroduced these birds in the wild.
Peregrine falcons in Minnesota falcon cam
Creation
- I asked my husband to draw a grid on the reference photo and on the paper. (Training wheels.) I put in tail feathers, body, and the beginning of wing feathers. I remembered to put in a stroke of water followed by a stroke of paint. Mistake: I forgot to leave room for the feet, so I will have to recover from that somehow.
- I didn’t keep good track of painting sessions, but I think it went something like: completed all of one wing and started the next.
- Completed second wing, tail feathers, and some torso. Painted black areas on the wings, with brush going bit wild. Started the head.
- Realized I was in deep weeds because (a) I couldn’t indicate feet because those areas were painted with brown, and (b) I couldn’t paint the beak because that area had been over-watered so it would take no more marks. (No paint, no marker, no pencil)
- scanned the painting and made some edits in Photoshop.
Insights
- I need to include a strategy phase, where I note whites and lights colors that need to be set aside first.
- I had a good time painting the wings, except when I added black. Pause before adding black. Should it really be black? Do I have energy for careful strokes?
- I have a painting style in mind. What would I need to know to get there?
- Painting itself is an example of resilience in my life. Moving from right hand to left-hand to mouth. this project too. Try and try again differently.
- The falcon species come back was accomplished with the help of MANY people and birds. It was a collective effort.