Ruddy Love - Part Two: Painting

In a sense, this is a decorative smoothie decoy. Before I begin the painting process, I seal and prime the entire bird. I pay special attention to the paper feather inserts.

I’ve been using Krylon primer for many years. My painting style requires a very slick base for fine detail. Although I’ve textured and burned in some areas, the primer will cover most of the tight detail, putting each fine line beneath an even, smooth surface. Everyone knows how difficult it is to try to paint over fine texture and burning, especially when you need vermiculation. So, I depend on the primer to fill in all that detail. However, the texture will still be just visible enough to make the feathers look three dimensional. I will then create most of the fine lines and detail with my 10/0 liner brush.