The single block of lime has had the plan and profile shapes drawn on to it and is now being cut on the bandsaw.
Detail carving of the primary feathers using a very small chisel.
The eyelids are made using a two part epoxy putty.
The shape of the eyelid is crucial in giving the bird the look that is desired, either alert, relaxed or sleeping – a fine paintbrush is used to slightly lift the putty from the eye and form the final eyelid shape.
Texturing is underway with the right side primaries and part of the secondaries completed.
The brass-cored legs have had their toes silver-soldered to them, and are being clad in the same two-part epoxy putty used for the eyelids.
I generally work on each feather individually once the basic colour is painted. Blending colours is done by either using water, applying the colour and then brushing the edges with clean water so that colour is pulled into the wet area and fades as it is diluted, or by blending one colour into another whilst both are wet.
