Sunflower Frenzy

Feeding time for two Rainbow Lorikeets provided the stunning subject for this extraordinary painting by a deeply talented Queensland artist with a passion for wildlife.

- Murray Charteris

MATERIALS

• Atelier Interactive Acrylic Paints: Cobalt Blue; Pthalo Green; Arylamide Yellow Light; Cadmium Yellow Medium; Burnt Umber; Carbon Black; Titanium White; Napthol Red Light; Crimson.

• Modelling Compound.

• Sand.

• Atelier Liquifying Medium.

• Painting Knives.

• Large four inch brush; Number

8 flat brush; Number 2 pointed brush; and Number 0 brush.

STEP ONE

I started with a rough sketch of the composition. My initial sketch is usually quite rough, but expressive. I use it to work out the lines of action and flow of the eye. I used photographic references for this picture, but it was important to use the photographs as reference only (rather than copying them exactly) to ensure that I was painting my own story. I could then take pride in the fact that my painting was totally original. I changed the posture and lighting of the birds to create a more dramatic scene. I have several Rainbow Lorikeets as pets, so I am never short of inspiration or reference for the birds. Observation of them playing and interacting leads to knowing exactly what pose or action I want to put into a painting. After completing the rough sketch, I drew the image straight onto the canvas.

STEP TWO