Demonstration of Tawney Frogmouths in Gouache

February 2nd was a most rewarding afternoon at Sutherland Art Society.  I had been asked to demonstrate my wildlife art in gouache.  It was a very hot and humid afternoon but everyone made me feel so very welcome.  When you accept an invitation to demonstrate in front of your peers it can be very daunting as the artists attending have accomplished such a lot themselves.  However with this group I quickly fell into a comfortable place and was able to cover a great deal in the time we had available. 

Preparing for the demonstration.  I drew up 3 tawney frogmouths (nightjars) on a eucalypt branch and painted in a background wash of cerulean.   I kept it a simple composition but large enough for all to see.

The next stage was carried out at Sutherland Art Society.  Check out photo 1. 

Photo 2 is the finished product which I promised I would have for them all to see the reults.  The fungus on the branch was suggested by David who pointed out that it is often seen on branches such as these and might support the painting.  Do you agree that it works?  I also felt that it needed something else as these birds are rarely out in the open so I added the branch behind.

Now the painting needs a name. 

Demonstration photo 1.

Photo 2 Completed painting