Back to the birds

Paul_Guraedy · #1 01-13-2007, 07:38 PM

I have just finished another eagle. I carved this one in '97 and started painting it with oils. Which I did not like! I put it aside and forgot it.

A few weeks ago I started experimenting with Golden's "Absorbent Ground" which is used to make surfaces (wood and canvas for example) react to watercolors in the same way that watercolor paper does.

I decided to give it a try. Covered this piece with absorbent ground and then used watercolors to paint it. It did a marvelous job. Lori, I used most of the color scheme you defined in "The Ultimate Eagle". Sure am grateful for the Titanium White. I used it instead of gouache. I am still trying to find some Titanium Buff; but Windsor Newton apparently does not make it in watercolor. When are you listing your teaching schedule for 2007? I would like to try and get out there for a painting course.

Now, I have to do some more experimenting. The photography is terrible. The colors are off (head is a silver/gray and tail is a darker shade) and the feather details do not show up at all. Guess I will have to do a search on some of the photography threads and start trying to improve my skills in this area.

squbrigg · #2 01-13-2007, 08:08 PM

Whoooooe..... that's a nice Baldie! What size is it Paul, full? Lori's book is a great reference, covers all the bases on painting the Eagle. I love the setting/base as well. Gives it a nice look.

I'm looking forward to your next piece Paul? Are you going to do a Golden Eagle?

Bob

wade clark · #3 01-13-2007, 09:50 PM

Paul,
Beautiful Eagle! It inspires me to set my sights on carving an eagle! I have three nice brass ones like you'd hang on the outside of a house. If I love them that much, why haven't I tried to carve one?
Once, in Eastern Oregon, I was working on my well pump, 750 ft. from my house, in that mountainous sagebrushy country, and two eagles in an aeriel battle, one right on the tail of the other fleeing king, soared right past me, not 10 ft. from my head! The rush of wind, the roar, was incredible! Whew!
Time to carve an eagle! Thanks, Paul!
Wade

Ron Davidson · #4 01-13-2007, 11:13 PM

Great job Paul. Makes me want to get started on the one I'm planning. Thanks for sharing.
Ron

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #5 01-14-2007, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wade clark

Paul,
Beautiful Eagle! It inspires me to set my sights on carving an eagle! I have three nice brass ones like you'd hang on the outside of a house. If I love them that much, why haven't I tried to carve one?
Once, in Eastern Oregon, I was working on my well pump, 750 ft. from my house, in that mountainous sagebrushy country, and two eagles in an aeriel battle, one right on the tail of the other fleeing king, soared right past me, not 10 ft. from my head! The rush of wind, the roar, was incredible! Whew!
Time to carve an eagle! Thanks, Paul!
Wade

You sure they were fighting Wade? Eagles mate in the air!

Paul_Guraedy · #6 01-14-2007, 08:58 AM

Bob, this basswood carving is the smallest (and first) eagle that I carved. It is only slightly over 9 inches tall and I will never do that again. Just don't like carving small.

However, this eagle was both a trial and a real learning process. I carved clear through several inserts (primaries) and then broke a couple of those while trying to get them properly positioned, concealed and glued. I now use tupelo for inserts.

I had been using acrylics; but, decided to use this carving to learn oil painting. Had the body, beak and feet finished and a first coat on the rocks, tail, and head when I decided I did not like oils. Had no idea what to do with it. Definitely did not look forward to sanding the oil paint off. I had already given Diana the unfinished piece for a birthday present, so the fireplace was not a good answer. In 1997 I just put it away.

In the interim I discovered watercolors. Last fall, I found absorbent ground. Then while digging through some boxes of wood looking for potential Christmas ornament pieces, I spotted this eagle and realized I had a recovery method.

Finally, it has been finished.

Don't know if a golden is in the future. I have several hawks and owls in various stages right now. My carving has been slowed by two interests. First, I want to place the pieces into a habitat. Not just perching them on rocks or a limb as I have done in the past. Second, I am carving full size and need to learn to use brass rods for feet to support the weight of the carving.

Thanks for the words of encouragment from all of you.

Thor · #7 01-14-2007, 09:31 AM

Paul, the eagle is wonderful. From the pictures I thought it was much bigger. I thnk that is a compliment as it is just grand looking. Thanks for mentioning the medium "Absorbent Ground". I've never heard of it, and I use watercolors and goauche often when painting my carvings. I will have to find some to try.
Are you in your new house yet? I'm sure I speak for all when I ask to see more pictures.
Do you have a new studio space to go with your new house?
Thor

Kenny_S · #8 01-14-2007, 11:55 AM

Way to go Paul. another nice carving.

HadACall55 · #9 01-15-2007, 08:53 PM

Hay, Paul

Boy that eagle looks good . Looks like it's bigger than 9" I like the paint on one standing up better than just stained . I alway clear coat all the one's with there wing's out , after I burn the detail on . That's just the way I like them but thinking of doing one with paint . Well your's looks good an have fun on the next one

Bob