Gouldian Finch + Silver Princess In Watercolour commission – 15 x 15cm – sold
Gouldian Finch + Silver Princess In Watercolour Commission
Im super keen and truly excited to get started on my next commission, creating the latest painting in my ongoing 15x15cm series of sentimental, small bird studies. The last 4 went off to their very happy new owner << and i always look forward to dreaming up a beautiful new painting in this collection. Its so much fun to collaborate on ideas with my clients too. Its something I love to do, hearing stories of, and all of your most favourite and sentimental subjects as we dream up the perfect mix together.
Its such a lovely, personal thing… especially in this day of generic, impersonal ‘stuff’! Commissions are not that. They are intimate, personal and so perfectly relevant… To me, its a privilege to explore ideas with a client, and a really fun, wonderful process to collaborate on together. Aside from that, I adore working on my 15x15cm series, which has grown over time to somewhere between 45 and 60 pieces now at a guess. With only one painting amongst those remaining available, its fair to say it has been extremely popular.
And for good reason too! They are exquisite works, a fabulous size – not too big, not too small, and are within reach for people. Beyond this, my followers love to collect them, growing their collection one by one with enthusiasm when they see subjects or a painting unfolding that appeals. Again, its a lot of fun on both sides to engage in.
Needless to say, I was excited when this one came to my studio, and its not hard to see why! My client was very clear what they wanted – A Red Capped Gouldian Finch amongst lots of cascading Silver Princess flowers, and plenty of colour. What a dream. I have plenty of reference for the task, gathered for so long and filed away, along with the generous help of MyGouldianAviary… knowing ill never be done with such subjects! Now its time to pull them out, have happy little chats about flowers and birds with my lovely photographers and start the layout.
Did I tell you how much time it takes, just in the layout stage? Its kind of ridiculous how much work goes into the process, and it seems like you have nothing to show for it! However, its an all important stage, where the unseen is the most seen in the end. And so, Ive sat until my butt and fingertips are numb, and my eyes are weepy, rouging together the direction for this study. Its off to the client for approval now, but Ill likely create this one either way because I like it! ✨ Here is the preliminary thumbnail in any case. Ill be back with more in the coming days and weeks to share more of its emergence with you.
I know I love the level of complexity in my work… as it is in real life, but who knew my client is madder for it than me… in the best way! ‘More flowers, more flowers… crammed with flowers!’ they said. ‘Fill it all with flowers!’, so with some changes made to the abundance balance, and a switch to the black head for more intensity, were on track to begin. Its certainly an intricate piece, but so beautiful with all its colours and detailing amongst these gorgeous subjects. With the nod being given, its time to draw up and start rendering the finch!
Placing extra accents on the sky blue, I bring the delicate yet intense head to life with his rich eye and black feathers, separated by that gorgeous little pale blue eye surround. A gentle but confident touch is needed for such areas, gently refining the structure, colours and textures to intensity. Now theres a little face staring back at me, helping me to navigate his character and story ahead.
Next came the cute little beak, and a wonderful splash of colour with that fabulous purple chest, followed by the brilliant yellow belly, adorable, elegant little tail punctuated with blue, before an electric green back… i mean, what a creation the gouldian is hey! It blows me away, and its so lovely to be painting one again.
Colour, texture, technique… theres so much to explore and enjoy in this study alone, and thats exactly why Ive filmed the entire process, ready for our next online painting tutorial to share with you too! Itll be another deep dive painting lesson, exploring bird illustration and realistic watercolour painting, focussed on the Gouldian Finch. Ill share more on this lesson as it becomes available, but you can see what is on offer over in my CLASSROOM if youd like to join me.
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