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August 17, 2009
1.1 MB
900×1000
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Comments: 747
Favourites: 2,713 [who?]
Views: 28,947 (4 today)
Downloads: 474 (0 today)

License

Creative Commons License
Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

Camera Data

Canon
Canon EOS 10D
1/4 second
F/8.0
50 mm
100
Aug 17, 2009, 2:35:06 PM
[x]
:iconsnowmask:


12x16" Arches cold press watercolour paper
Water-soluble crayons, salt, alcohol, graphite, ink


A redux of "Wings That Flutter" from January 2009




It's interesting to think that a little over six months ago I actually was happy with the first version. However the imperfections grew to irk me, and I felt bad for not delving as much as I should to capture the subtle beauty of these wonderful winged creatures. So here she is, redone. I hope I'll be satisfied with this for much, much longer.


The birds are, counter-clockwise:

• Black Swan
• Mute Swan
• Ruby Throated Hummingbird
• Feral Pigeon
• Western Tanager
• Japanese Waxwing



Well technically the last one is a hybrid of my fanciful invention, combining the Cedar Waxwing and the Japanese Waxwing. idno. :heart:



Thank you for taking a look! :iconkissmeeplz:




. . : : katherine-cheng.com : : . .

:bulletwhite::bulletwhite::bulletwhite::snowflake::bulletwhite::bulletwhite::bulletwhite:



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Add a Comment:
 
:iconazrael-nekhbet:
First I must say that the technique used for the hair is fabulous. It conveys the feeling of flowing water and it goes right along with the background which immediately reminds me of the ocean. The shading technique employed is also very well done, as the woman really does appear to be submerged in the ocean.
At first glance my eye moves from the face to the Black Swan's head in a counterclockwise fashion. The longer I view the piece I then notice that my eye moves from the Black Swan to the Mute Swan, down to the Western Tanager in a sort of figure eight pattern. Overall, the movement of this piece is very much brought alive by the figure's pose, the birds, and the kelp.
The colour palette is appealing to me personally, the use of warmer colours to complement the blues is not overwhelming which adds to the movement of the piece. The woman's eyes match perfectly with the bills of the swans and the tanager, and seem to draw you into the painting.
This piece is also very symbolic as the woman seems to represent a Siren, known for her melodious voice and luring sailors to their doom. The birds also represent the Siren as they are icons of unparalleled beauty that can very well be deceiving, whether through sound or appearance. The Swan is very well known for its graceful posture, yet is amongst the most dangerous of creatures if aggravated. The Hummingbird who is known as the living jewel would not be if it weren't for light diffraction. Most of us look down upon the humble city Pigeon, also known as the Rock Dove. Take a closer look, for the original wild ancestor of the common city pigeon sports a lovely sea green and violet red iridescence around the neck and red-orange eyes. Their sense of direction is admirable, and they are highly intelligent creatures. The Tanager in all its tropical splendor is amongst the most beautiful of the New World birds, yet it is the very appearance of its richly coloured plumage that attracts the most attention whereas its voice is a mere imitation of the American Robin.
Then there is the Waxwing, who is known for the bright wax-coloured tips on the ends of the secondary flight feathers and tail. They add a certain beauty to a wintry landscape that is unique amongst birds as they appear almost like an illusion, deceiving the eyes with their bright yellow tipped tails and red tipped wings, their soft chattering soothing to the ear. Yet once they ascend en mass this unique experience is vanquished, leaving the observer with a sense of awe that can only come from these birds.

Again, a very stunning piece with lovely use of watercolour and rich in symbolism. :)
What do you think?
The Artist thought this was FAIR
35 out of 35 deviants thought this was fair.

:iconmollinda:
I think the major thing that's improved in your artwork is that it looks as if you're using references and working hard at keeping things accurate. Now, whether you are or not is besides the point really, the point is more that the figure and the birds look more believable, better drawn and you still keep your style intact.

I absolutely love the background too, though I don't know if it would benefit from adding subtle shades from the skin into it, to balance the image as a whole. I'm not sure how I feel about the solid boundaries from sort of realistic skin tone to very bold, stylised hair. I think I'd be tempted to use some soft shading techniques sparingly in the hair to echo the way you've done the skin.

It is definitely a fantastic piece, and the progress you've made in such a short time is astounding. I think possibly that wonderful new paper and those watersoluble crayons are inspiring you :D
What do you think?
The Artist thought this was FAIR
37 out of 38 deviants thought this was fair.

The Artist has requested Critique on this Artwork

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:iconkonus240998:
WOW! It's fabulous,beauty and amazing! I love this!
Reply
:iconsnowmask:
`snowmask Mar 26, 2012  Professional Traditional Artist
Thank you!

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. . : :   k a t h e r i n e - c h e n g . c o m   : : . .


Reply
:iconbabypinkbird:
~babypinkbird Oct 9, 2011  Hobbyist Traditional Artist
I love this so much I had to buy a print! :heart:
Reply
:iconsnowmask:
`snowmask Oct 12, 2011  Professional Traditional Artist
Glad you like this :)

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. . : :   k a t h e r i n e - c h e n g . c o m   : : . .


Reply
:icongorbanzo:
~Gorbanzo Sep 5, 2011  Professional Traditional Artist
awsome
Reply
:iconsnowmask:
`snowmask Sep 6, 2011  Professional Traditional Artist
Thank you :)

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. . : :   k a t h e r i n e - c h e n g . c o m   : : . .


Reply
:iconxeena-dragonkizz:
wow..I really adore this one :wow:

--
"I'm just a person trapped inside a woman’s body" - Elaine Boosler
Reply
:iconsnowmask:
`snowmask Sep 4, 2011  Professional Traditional Artist
Thank you :)

--

. . : :   k a t h e r i n e - c h e n g . c o m   : : . .


Reply
:iconxeena-dragonkizz:
My pleasure!! :heart:

--
"I'm just a person trapped inside a woman’s body" - Elaine Boosler
Reply
:iconlbpboy:
So ..... is she in water ... or is she in a sea of wings? .... Hmm I don't care all i know is that this is going in the favorites.
Reply
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