Dartford Warbler Help

[annmaria]

Please if anyone knows this bird well enough could you give some constructive criticism , it usually takes me half a dozen attempts before I get close ( I don't have the time and don't want a divorce )
Other than that I better stick to the better known garden birds.
Thanks
Annmaria

[Monkster]

Hi Annmaria
I think this is a lovely sculpture and what a cute little bird the Dartford Warbler is.
Sorry I can't help with the fine tuning, I'm afraid I'm not very sure of bird ids. My excuse for not recognising this one in your first post is that it lives in the south....and I don't, although I would love to see one if they're ever passing!
The only thing I can think of looking at photos I have seen on here and on the RSPB site is that the Dartford warbler looks a bit greyer? but then that just could be variations in individual bird colourings. And the feathers on top of it's head look quite full.
I think in the original photo it might have been the insect in it's beak and the angle it was taken at that made it a bit difficult to id.
How about putting it in the Bird Forum section if you don't get any more feedback, where some more knowledgeable members will see it as some of them may have missed it first time round.
Anyway I love it so keep sculpting !!
Suzanne

[Tursiops2]

Hi annmaria
I'm not terribly familiar with Dartford warbler - I've only seen 1 or 2 in my life - but I think that's not a bad effort. You've certainly captured the "perkiness" of the bird very well.

I presume you work from photographs? If so, I'd like to make a couple of observations:
1. You seem to have given the bird white leading edges to the wing - I don't think this is actually a feature of DW plumage - it's probably either reflected light, or an artefact of the photographic process;
2. The bird has a rather "scruffy" appearance, particularly the tail. I suspect this is because the original photo is of a nesting bird (sitting on eggs for three weeks can have that effect ). Although showing this in the sculpture is more scientifically accurate, allowing yourself some artistic licence and "cleaning" this sort of thing up would, in my opinion, make for a better figure.

Monkster is right, putting this in the Bird forum will probably get you more feedback. You could ask Admin to move it

Hope this helps
T2

[annmaria]

A big thanks Suzanne for your reply, peoples impressions are invaluable , I do not know why but each one I do slightly improves ( drives me crazy that my mind can not do it justice right off, would not dare show the earlier ones ! lol ) My Mum also said it should be a darker grey . I will give it another go, although frustrating once I make a start I enjoy my little self.
Cheers
Annmaria

[annmaria]

Originally Posted by Tursiops2

Hi annmaria
I'm not terribly familiar with Dartford warbler - I've only seen 1 or 2 in my life - but I think that's not a bad effort. You've certainly captured the "perkiness" of the bird very well.

I presume you work from photographs? If so, I'd like to make a couple of observations:
1. You seem to have given the bird white leading edges to the wing - I don't think this is actually a feature of DW plumage - it's probably either reflected light, or an artefact of the photographic process;
2. The bird has a rather "scruffy" appearance, particularly the tail. I suspect this is because the original photo is of a nesting bird (sitting on eggs for three weeks can have that effect ). Although showing this in the sculpture is more scientifically accurate, allowing yourself some artistic licence and "cleaning" this sort of thing up would, in my opinion, make for a better figure.

Monkster is right, putting this in the Bird forum will probably get you more feedback. You could ask Admin to move it

Hope this helps
T2

YES this does help an awful lot, I was not sure about the white edging! I do use photos and they can be misleading. The tail was due to a pic showing it fanned and according to a write up they can fan and often cock their tail , I don't know how reliable this info is. Trying to be to clever can be my downfall.
I am afraid its going to take a few more attempts before I dare go on the bird forum.Your advice is spot on , and hopefully my next attempt will be nearer the mark, thankyou.
Annmaria
P.S. I did type a reply to your entry once , it disappeared ! If there are eventually two replies its a mystery !

[annmaria]

Do You know its funny my husband said it reminded him of the cartoon ' Road Runner ' I was not happy at the time but now I see what he means , ah well, its all in the process of learning.
Annmaria