Barn Owl feathers

[Paul_Guraedy]

I am working on a life-size barn owl and need some help with the feathers that frame the face. Rather, with the interface between the feathers that outline the facial disk and those continuing down the body. I am hoping that some of you may have access to study skins and could check this for me. Is there a definite demarcation line or do the body feather bases tend to be tucked back under the disk feathers making more of a soft line? Or is there not a line at all? In Scholz's "Owls" it appears that they get larger as they move away from the face and gradually fold back on the body feathers. Anyone carved a barn owl?

[Whiskers]

Hey Paul

I have done a couple of red tailed hawks and hopefully in the near future I will be doing a blue heron. Alot of the info I used came from a taxidermy friend, he actually had some hawks and owls on display and the painting schedules you could possibly try the fish and wildlife in your area, they may have some mounts to look at as well. I hope this helps.

[birdcarver7]

Hello Paul,i Don,t Know Much About Owls,but If You Have Floyd,s Book On Owl,s I Think I Would Go With What He Suggest,s,he Is One Of The Top 10 In The World,i Have Seen His Work At The World,s,maryland,just My Humble Opinion:>)))))

[pinefeathers]

Originally Posted by Paul_Guraedy

I am working on a life-size barn owl and need some help with the feathers that frame the face. Rather, with the interface between the feathers that outline the facial disk and those continuing down the body. I am hoping that some of you may have access to study skins and could check this for me. Is there a definite demarcation line or do the body feather bases tend to be tucked back under the disk feathers making more of a soft line? Or is there not a line at all? In Scholz's "Owls" it appears that they get larger as they move away from the face and gradually fold back on the body feathers. Anyone carved a barn owl?

Reference, reference, reference. Do not rely on just one source no matter how good it is. Collect several photos (from the web) and use them to create your own concept.
The barn owls that I have seen and carved have a definite break between the facial disk and the head feathers. This is emphasized by a dark band around the white area.
Good luck. Post a pic when complete.
Pinefeathers

[Paul_Guraedy]

Pinefeathers, I am still in the early stages of carving this life-size piece. I have the basic body shape, have inserted the eyes and have just started laying out the feathers. When you carved the facial disk, how did you transition from the feathers along the edge to those that are on the body? It looks like there is a definite change in elevation at this point.

I have lot's of photos, paintings, descriptions and such, but none of them are close ups of this particular area. As near as I can tell the disk's edge feathers are standing upright. my problem is how to get from there into the flat body feathers. Should I curl one feather over or should I leave a demarcation line with one feather kind of going upright and the other curling over to start the body feathers? Should I just show the "ends" of disk feathers gradually making a curved edge to the disk until the final rests on the body feathers?

Also, I am planning on using brass for the legs and feet. This will be covered with "quickwood" so that I can texture these parts. This will be my first attempt at something along this line, but, I want to be able to easily put the feet of my birds in a curling position with the talons barely touching the surface of the base. I find it impossible for me to carve the talons to the narrow point I believe is necessary. I have started (on previous pieces) making talons from "quickwood", and using them as inserts, with very good results. I tried sculpy, but did not like how brittle they were. Once set, "quickwood" is very hard, but is easily painted (even with watercolor).

[pinefeathers]

Looks like you have a good start. You ask about the disc feathers standing straight up...almost never...unless they are plumes. If you can find any reference on the anatomy of an owls head, this may be helpful.
There is so much to describe about owl anatomy that would fill this forum board for days. If you want to e/mail me off the board, I'll be glad to help where I can.

pinefeathers@aol.com

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Paul, a little off the subject, but you mentioned quickwood....we have been having good luck with "apoxie" a two part epoxy putty..like it better than sculpey or quickwood...imho (does take all night to set up tho)

[Danny]

Originally Posted by Paul_Guraedy

I am working on a life-size barn owl and need some help with the feathers that frame the face. Rather, with the interface between the feathers that outline the facial disk and those continuing down the body. I am hoping that some of you may have access to study skins and could check this for me. Is there a definite demarcation line or do the body feather bases tend to be tucked back under the disk feathers making more of a soft line? Or is there not a line at all? In Scholz's "Owls" it appears that they get larger as they move away from the face and gradually fold back on the body feathers. Anyone carved a barn owl?

You might and see if there is a bird rehab in your area.We have a Raptor Thrust that has live but injured birds.I know thar they have several types of owls.You would be able to get a close look at them.Iv'e taken close-up photos of kestrels that I was in the process of carving.I don't know where these rehab.centers would be listed.Good luck

[MADA]

Check out www.owlpages.com they have some great pictures and links.
Magne

[birdcarver7]

Originally Posted by birdcarver7

Hello Paul,i Don,t Know Much About Owls,but If You Have Floyd,s Book On Owl,s I Think I Would Go With What He Suggest,s,he Is One Of The Top 10 In The World,i Have Seen His Work At The World,s,maryland,just My Humble Opinion:>)))))

only one life will soon be past,only whats done for christ will last.