In the Studio

For those who have been following my blog you might have noticed I've been in quite mode for the last couple weeks. There is a good reason for the quite mode. Actually, a number of good reasons.

First, I was out for a week teaching a painting class in Spokane, WA where we painted a Harlequin Drake decoy. This class was a follow up to the carving which was done back in January. I have to say, March was a much nicer time of year to travel and work on this project over in Spokane. This was such a fun class and fun bird to paint. The more of these birds I carve the more I enjoy and appreciate there beauty. The initial plan was to make this a basic/traditional hunting decoy. Well, when I got to the painting stage, it ended up falling outside the traditional painting style since I just wanted to keep adding more detail and flare to the piece. As was the case with the example bird. With this bird I just couldn't help but put in the little extra flare and realistic feathering. By the time I was done it was clear that it was a little better looking bird than the example bird I did before the class in January. This isn't anything new, since I find each time a do a piece it's a little better than the last. Even if I do the same bird back to back. Part of the reason for this is that I'm always looking for ways to improve a piece. I'll post a photo of the finished bird within the next week so you can see it.

The other thing consuming my time when I am back in the studio, I'm work on another project (besides the Kestrel). This project is the subject for my next study cast and book, the Screech Owl. I have a customer who wants a Western Screech Owl, plus I will be teaching a class on this bird later this year (Oct - Nov). Right now I have him roughed out with feather groups all in place. A couple more days and I should be into the texturing. For those interested in the Eastern Screech, not to worry. I will work on the Red phase painting as a supplement to the Western. You will be able to use the Westerns coloration for the Gray phase Eastern. I'm hoping to have the life size study cast available by the first of May.

Just when you thought that was enough going on, I also have an art show that I'm getting ready for. The 5 day Western Heritage Art Show over in Great Falls, MT. This is one of my bigger shows for the year so it's taking a bit of my attention to assure I'm ready for a good show. The show begins Wednesday the 17th. I always look forward to this show as I get to compete with other artists and art mediums with a single piece that is placed in the main lobby area. Last year I was fortunate enough to not only win best carving, but also best of show. I will be hoping for a repeat performance this year as I will take my World piece (Saw-whet Owl), and see how he stacks up against all the other artists in the show along with there various art mediums. I say, hope since there is no way to know what will happen in an apples - oranges judging situation. No matter what it will still be fun and it will be my main piece to show in the lobby this year. As they say, any given day, judge, situation, anything can happen.

Until the next posting, I best be getting back to the few things on my plate.