AUGUST 2019: THE MAKING OF GANG-GANG OVER GUM BLOSSOMS

WIP of Gang-Gang Over Gum Blossoms

As winter drew in, I worked around the clock to complete my first portrait of a cockatoo. One of my backyard buddies, this bird generally makes an appearance around springtime. I carefully picked the eucalyptus blossom as the flora of choice to be paired with this bird with the thinking that gum blossoms and a cockatoo’s crest resembled each other. I hope I’ve done the bird and design justice.

I try not to play favourites with my birds but I have to admit this one was particularly enjoyable to draw. I also loved picking out colours to complement this bird’s fabulous hairdo, ultimately settling on a cerulean blue/cinnamon combination. The colours and patterns on the flowers, leaves, nuts and stems were inspired by Iznik pottery from Turkey.