Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda)

Acrylic on paper, size 13.5 cm x 10 cm
SOLD – private collection, sydney, new south wales
inspiration
Star Finches are absolutely gorgeous. This female is a bit bedraggled from splashing around in a shallow pool.
For greater accuracy, I combine birdwatching with visits to wildlife parks and zoos which are a substantial source of visual reference.
This small painting was shown in my solo exhibition “Each Bird, Every Song” at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney NSW in November 2009.
artist’s process
- I applied paint swiftly to give an impression of movement
- water has opposing qualities of reflection and transparency so your palette needs light and dark tones
- shadows enhance transparency effect unless falling on muddy water, like the Darling River in New South Wales
- the challenge is to avoid painting what you think is there and only paint what is there