Painting birds

[Bill Whitehill]

Hi friends, I've been carving off and on for 7 years, and have decided to focus on birds. The carving part has gonr well. Painting, well, it's an area i need advice and study. Any words fo wisdom, books , videos or other suggestions would be appreciated . Bill W

[Wildbirdcarver]

Hi Bill W...glad you are going to progress on birdcarving. I too have had difficulty painting realistic birds. I've taken classes from the best, bought all kinds of books and DVDs. The books that have helped me the most are put out by Master carver Jerry Simchuk. I just finished a saw-whet owl following his direction step by step and very pleased with the result. Of course he doesn't give me talent...that will come. You can reach him at his web site Jerry Simchuk Art Studio Also Lori Corbett at Whispering Eagle Studio is a wonderful carver and painter of realistic birds. She has helped me a great deal.
She has put out an excellent book, Carving Songbirds, that has very detailed instructions.
Hope this helps. Dick aka Wildbirdcarver

[markken5889]

Hi Bill,

I also like Tom Matus' books on duck decoy carving and Erwin Flewelling has several books from Nestlewood Birds on several species of songbirds. You can get them at MDI Woodcarvers.

Mark

[Hugh-P]

Moved this topic to Animal and Bird Carving

[kahunakalai]

I have used acrylics with great success. I agree with wildbirdcarvers suggestion of books to read. In addition I would like to ad Jim Sprankle's book on painting and Del Herbert's information on both brush and airbrush painting.