Loon Carving and Painting

[Cathie Robb]

Would like advice on carving and painting stylized loon 3/4 size. I understand that the color of a loon is not totally black and the white is not pure white.

[Alice in Wonderland]

Cathie here are your Loons in their Summer Plume right now they look all grey when the winter at the ocean sides, just Google them for more info's
Alice

[knarl]

Not sure what you what, but here are a few of mine and others from my files.
Knarl

[Paul_Guraedy]

I have often read that there are no pure blacks or whites in nature. Sure makes me wonder when I look at one of the crows around here.

However, I have found that I like the mix of ultramarine blue and burnt umber to get my black color. I recently read that thalo green mixed with alizarin crimson produces a nice rich black.

Black does not bother me as much as white. I carve birds and animals and have found that shades of gray to obtain a light silver makes things much more realistic.

[Hugh-P]

No argument here, all good advice.
I like a mixture of 2 parts raw umber, and one part burnt umber for the black. And the white is a mixture of Titanium white, with a little raw umber. The whole bird should be gessoed, before starting the painting process. !!

[Cathie Robb]

Thanks so much for all the info I have received regarding the finishing of my loon - mixing colors etc.

The abstract carvings are wonderful - very impressed. Upon completion, I may post the finished work.

Cheers,

Cathie