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Here are the basics:
Annotated Bird Beaks
The Chinese brush style of painting that I demonstrate is called 'spontaneous' or 'splashing ink'. It is also known as 'paint the idea'. When we paint birds, we are not looking to produce a photorealistic bird, but more the idea of 'birdy-ness'. So we may exaggerate the beaks and eyes to bring out character. Frequently the birds are making a commentary on the rest of the painting so the birds need to have an aliveness that we can read into. Click on "Read More" to watch a video and see how to paint them.
Still Photo of Beaks from Video
Here are some models and tips to give you more ideas.
- Be bold with your strokes, particularly the beak.
- Anchor the beak firmly in the head: remember it is the equivalent of our jaws, not our nose!
- Make sure the eye is always on or above the centerline of the beak, never below - avoid the "Picasso look"!
- Water fowl (ducks, herons, cranes, etc) have higher eyes than songbirds.
- If the highlight in the eye closes, just add it back in with white.
- Practice sheets of beaks and eyes without moving on to the body. That way you will concentrate on the head and gain facility through repetition.
- Check the internet to view bird photos, but don't get hung up on 'reality'! Create your own reality - you'll have more fun!
- You can see more of my bird models and videos here.
Casual Bird Beaks!
I hope you enjoyed playing with the birds with me! Learn the basic rules, then let your brush dance. I love receiving comments, so please give me feedback, ask questions, make my day with suggestions for other subjects you would like me to tackle.
7 Comments
Dear Virginia ~ Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Our Chinese Painting / Sumi-e Group just started a series of lessons on birds last week ~ this is sooo timely! We are beginning with tree (song) birds, and then will move on to wading birds, barnyard birds, swimming birds, etc. You are the best! Looking forward to your next workshop in The Villages!
Hi Bonnie! So glad to hear that my bird videos and tutorials came at a good time for your and your class. Say hello to everyone from me, and remind them that they can always ask me questions through the blog.
Thank you. I learn a lot from your help and how-tos. Much Appreciation. ☺☺
Hello Shirley! I'm so glad to hear that my postings are helpful! Please don't hesitate to ask questions - I'm always happy to expand on details.
Dear Virginia Lloyd Davies So so glad I found you !!! Made my day !!! I learning a lot already. Thank you for sharing a lot. Mahalo, Arigato, Appreciated.
Dear Margaret, how delightful to get your comment! I'm so glad you are finding my blog posts helpful. Don't hesitate to ask questions - I'm happy to answer.