Parrots ... oh the possibilities - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Back2Jake · 01-17-2007, 01:14 PM

Things have gotten a little mixed up here.... Sue Chrestensen was always the colour person around here.... and for some reason it came across my table to paint a couple parrots.

We have had a "pack of parrots", or flock... or whatever they were but a stack of sketches here that simply been put off too long. I am colouring the first of the designs and well, I am stumped. I have half the parrot done in colour, but now I sit with it beside me and wonder what it will look like finished.

Unlike Sue, I don't immediately turn to the dye... and have rummaged through my paint box (acrylic) and picked out colours atleast 3 times and then had to rethink it. I understand why some choose intarsia... these types of decisions don't need to be made. Not to say intarsia doesn't have it's own challenges with grain and wood selection... but when it comes to the segmentation and the colouring, I have to decide to go with realistic versus "artist" interpretation. Sheesh. I simply don't know what to do.

I have long loved the big birds, and wish I had paid more attention to the wonderful colours of the beasts.... does anyone have a pet parrot? Can you snap a couple photos.... if the colour isn't used on this design... (which I hope to finish today) I would love to see photos to use on the others.

Take care
Toni

Minnesota scroller · 01-17-2007, 02:39 PM

Toni, wouldn't it be easier to go to Google and click images and then do a search for parrot? I just did that and there are tons of pages of examples for you. This way you can match up the color to go with the shape of your wooden parrot. If you cut it the shape of a macaw, you don't want to paint it the color of an Amazon or cockatoo. There are so many kinds of parrots with so many different colors and shapes. You could just pick out an image of a parrot closest to the shape of yours and go with those colors.

Just my 3c worth.

Back2Jake · 01-17-2007, 02:56 PM

I have done that before.... and have books on birds kicking around here but for some reason this morning I wanted to do a personal touch.....

I am sure this parrot won't be coloured correctly.... I never was one for "traditional" Giggle. That's why I've used those 7 wash dyes to make the dog pink one day..... it was worth it to see the neighbours expressions as Java ran through the snow.

Yes, see what happens when I get bored!

Take care
Toni

BobD · 01-17-2007, 03:37 PM

ANIMAL Like!!! arghe

(Muppets reference anyone???)

Bob

GrayBeard Phil · 01-17-2007, 05:09 PM

Toni:

Just a point of etiquette: (and Don't ask how I know this) parrot lovers know there are very specific colors and body types related to specific parrots. What many call a 'parrot' is correctly called a Macaw, a specific sub-species of Parrots. Please do Google on WIKI Macaw and also WIKI Parrot.

A parrot lover can tell at a glance that a image is a Macaw or an Amazon Green. Each will have different color and body weight, wings, tail feathers, and so on. The Macaw is much fatter, longer tail feathers, and bulky wings. However, to the general public a generic parrot will be something like the link below for a Macaw:
http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/databa...e.asp?id=16307
Note: image will take a long time to load.

Wish I could be of some real help with your request for a picture of a parrot, but I made that mistake once of calling a pet Macaw just a 'parrot.' Think of this way, a sip of a 20 year aged single malt Scotch is not usually referred to as "shot of whiskey."

Phil

lucky788scroller · 01-17-2007, 05:14 PM

We have a blue and gold macaw, Im trying to find a picture to post, but not having much luck. Dale

Back2Jake · 01-18-2007, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrayBeard Phil

What many call a 'parrot' is correctly called a Macaw, a specific sub-species of Parrots. Please do Google on WIKI Macaw and also WIKI Parrot.

.....Think of this way, a sip of a 20 year aged single malt Scotch is not usually referred to as "shot of whiskey."

Phil

LOLRH, by the second of your two comments above I'd think I mention drinking a little too much on here! Giggle.

I really don't believe I got the colours right, especially since when I was painting I got a finger print on one group of feathers and well, I took the creative approach from that point.

I understand your comment about a parrot isn't necessarily a "parrot". I have gotten "hate mail" from cat lovers for my version of a Siamese one time. That took me back since it was the first time it had happened. Yes, first time... I've been blessed with other comments of the same over the years and over the designs....

I try to have fun with the designs, and unless they are meant as a pet memorial or commission piece, I just play. We will this one tomorrow - I forget the name of it at the moment....

Take care
Toni