A few days ago, Roy Hilbinger of Roy's World posted a fantastic photograph of a perching crow . That crow was just begging to be painted and I asked if he'd allow me to render an interpretation. Roy generously obliged and here's my painting. It's small for me - 8 x 10 - as are most of my bird series works. My next gallery show isn't until December and I hope to have a whole flock of these small paintings to show together.
I ran off a copy on my printer to work from, but it didn't have the amazing detail of Roy's beautiful image. I didn't think that was a problem as I don't necessarily seek an exacting rendering - usually going more for a mood or an implied story. Today was my day to demonstrate at the Heritage Center so I worked on the crow, having only my print to work from.
Tonight is the first time I've put the two images side by side in this format, and I can see I've a couple of corrections to make. I've not gotten the beak just right nor the crow's feet, as I couldn't see the detail in my reproduction. I think the tree needs a little work too.
Obviously I've altered the background - and faked the tail. I love how this fellow looks as if he is gathering himself, ready to soar off into yonder blue.
