Parrot (Pastel on Sugar Paper)

by Dorothy
(Cambs, UK)

Parrot in Pastel

Parrot in Pastel

I did this pastel picture during an adult education art class, at Missenden Abbey. Everyone liked it so thought I'd share it with you.


The pastel picture was created on sugar paper (a sheet from a scrapbook A4). It was taken from a photograph.

The most challenging part was the beak as I think the parrot had a deformed beak! I was pleased with how the plumage turned out and also the eye.

This was the first picture I did on the summer school session. I have other pictures from the lessons should you wish to see them.

I have been using soft pastels for about 3 years now and this was the first time I had gone to a class especially for pastels.

Comments for Parrot (Pastel on Sugar Paper)

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Parrot
by: Megan Watson

WOW! Your first?? Absolutely yes please... want to see your others!! Very nice!!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Red Parrot!
by: Oeendree

I really Liked it. It is truly a great job. All the Best.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wonderful Work!
by: Monte

I tried a Parrot once in acrylic, turned into a real diaster, your rendering here is what I hoped for...maybe someday! The beak, eyes & texture of the body is superb!
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Bright and cheerful
by: Christine, Ohio

Beautiful cheery picture Dorothy! I never tried pastels before but I might just give them a go!
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Parrot in pastel Feedback
by: Bob Davies

I like this parrot! That eye is really throwing out a challenge to the viewer isn't it?

Especially the way the focal point (the eye, beak etc.) is in the classic 'rule of thirds' area, ie: one third in from the top and left edges of the paper.

The pastel strokes have caught the direction of the parrots feathers in the main body area and I especially like the detail of the straggly feather in front of the beak.

Maybe a little more light and shade on the body to define it better and emphasise the direction of the light - but don't overdo it or you'll take away from the face.

A very good effort!
Rating
starstarstar 		Colours
by: Carol R Newman

What a vibrant painting! I love the intense, bright colours of the subject. The words bold, lively and energetic spring to mind, reflecting the vivaciousness of the subject, I guess.
I have also been on courses to the beautiful Missenden Abbey. It's a great place to learn how to paint isn't it?
Rating
starstarstar 		Love The Vibrant Colours
by: Phil

The eye is really piercing and has that glare to it charateristic of most birds. The beak looks fine to me but I'm no parrot expert!

A progression of this could be to add some detail to the plumage. Becuase it's quite close up, it would be nice to see some detail of the feathers even if it's just subtle tones and shades rather than each and every feather.

The colour and texture of the background is really pleasing and it's a perfcet compliment to the bright reds and oranges.
Rating
star 		comments
by: Dorothy, Cambs

Many thanks for you kind comments folks it helps a lot will post some more soon

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