Feathers

[Helm]

I have to paint a parrot/macaw for a pirate I'm just starting it's the Series 77 Walter Plank so it's a biggish scale, my question is oils, acrylics or both ? I'm pretty much decided on this one colour wise. Any hints/tips etc much appreciated as I've never really done any feathers especially the full bird
Steve

 

[Mark S]

Please Steve, don't let the fact you've never done a full bird put you off in this instance....some of those really pretty ones can be very difficult.
I suggest you experiment a little, try smearing some oil over acrylics and see how she looks.

 

[Helm]

Cheers Mark I was thinking along those lines oils should give the sheen of feathers a bit better than acrylics I was hoping
Steve

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Helm, I was going to suggest the same as Mark. Maybe start off with acrylic paint, and use oils for washes and on the beak and claws of the bird. I had the full figure, once upon a time, but stupidly traded it away. The full figure was in metal, with the follow-up bust in resin. Both are very well detailed, which version do you have??? Will be looking for "Walter" when you start him, please post, and keep us updated on your progress. Best of luck Helm. Regards, SG

 

[Helm]

It's the full figure I picked it up very cheap off Ebay much to my surprise I was going to sell it on but liked it so much I thought I'd sling some paint on it the original base is missing but it's a got a really nice wooden one which looks like planking and the coat buttons and necklace are likewise missing but I shall sculpt one or two buttons while leaving some off for the tatty appearance I'm going for. thanks SG I'll stick up a WIP soon I've tried something on the coat which I'll want folks to give an opinion on as well
Steve

 

[Helm]

WIP is http://www.planetfigure.com/threads...rt-your-favorite-pirateing-phrase-here.61857/
Thanks
Steve

 

[DEL]

Go with the Norwegian Blue scheme.
Look, matey, I know a dead parrot when I see one, and I'm looking at one right now.
No no he's not dead, he's, he's restin'! Remarkable bird, the Norwegian Blue, idn'it, ay? Beautiful plumage!
The plumage don't enter into it. It's stone dead.

 

[FigureLover]

I would definitely go with the Oils over acrylics option, the acrylics will give you a good colour base and the oils give you time to layer and get good transitions from light to dark. They are such a pretty and bright bird
Ben

 

[Helm]

Cheers Ben
Steve

 

[Mark S]

I saw one for sale in a local pet shop recently for $10,000 AUD, that's £ 5,300.
They're often stolen here for that reason........but as Ben said very beautiful bird.

 

[Helm]

Same here Mark very expensive birds even the cages are in the 100's

 

[Gary D]

Very hard to simulate depth in colour using acrylics. I'd go with oils myself because of this and also you have a longer working time with blending etc.

Gary

 

[Jazz]

It's the full figure I picked it up very cheap off Ebay much to my surprise I was going to sell it on but liked it so much I thought I'd sling some paint on it the original base is missing but it's a got a really nice wooden one which looks like planking and the coat buttons and necklace are likewise missing but I shall sculpt one or two buttons while leaving some off for the tatty appearance I'm going for. thanks SG I'll stick up a WIP soon I've tried something on the coat which I'll want folks to give an opinion on as well
Steve

You my lucky, lucky devil. I haven't seen one of these in years. Was on the front cover of a 1977 issue of mil mod if I remember correctly. I've always loved this figure. Didn't know there were any left out there to buy. Please post completed pics when done. Would love to see how he turns out.