My first bird

[pondman]

This has been in the making for a long time! Not only have I wanted to make a sculpture of a bird since I started this journey this particular sculpture has been on the planning table for over 2 years!

I didn't have the courage to start it as I had no idea where to start. Well I've finally pulled my finger out and started. I've still got loads to work out before you all get too critical

 

[cumbriasteve]

Half bald and eyeless and still looks good

The tail? hmmm not sure, but as you say, it's on going so no negatives from me.

Looking forward to seeing the finished article

Well done, may start mine one day in the future.

 

[blacksmithstris]

looking good, the feet have a really great texture.

I know what you mean about the hesitation on starting. I know I get too worked up about the details or how it's going to work and it's so much easier to work that out when actually doing sometimes. i remember at art school they were very keen on us students having a plan.. it's nice to have a plan but often you can have a plan but when you start making that is when the three dimensional thinking really kicks in... and sometimes need to be more child like about things sometimes.. just get on with things and see how they develop. I look forward to seeing it progress

 

[pondman]

looking good, the feet have a really great texture.

I know what you mean about the hesitation on starting. I know I get too worked up about the details or how it's going to work and it's so much easier to work that out when actually doing sometimes. i remember at art school they were very keen on us students having a plan.. it's nice to have a plan but often you can have a plan but when you start making that is when the three dimensional thinking really kicks in... and sometimes need to be more child like about things sometimes.. just get on with things and see how they develop. I look forward to seeing it progress

Thank you! You, you are so right! My plans don't got to plan... I've just secured my second large sculpture, a giant snail. I had to go to the customer and try convince him to look past the drawing stage as my drawing skills are very limited especially in 3d. He was happy with what I proposed so happy days :-D

 

[blacksmithstris]

giant snail sounds awesome, look forward to seeing that!! I've been forging wee ones out of 8mm rounds.. made these for my daughter's teachers and teaching assistants, they loved them.


I do drawings for prospective clients, but often will do a small sample piece, having a tangible object sometimes helps, it helps me price up work as well, you can work out time estimates that way (mostly!)

 

[Kent]

I like that, it has hints of the bird of bagpuss mixed in with an exited cock pheasant and I sort of like that so don't take it the wrong way, the feet are great how are they formed?

 

[pondman]

I like that, it has hints of the bird of bagpuss mixed in with an exited cock pheasant and I sort of like that so don't take it the wrong way, the feet are great how are they formed?

Thank you Kent

I'm no sure who bagpuss is but sounds interesting it's a present for a game keeper so it would be great if he can see the excited pheasant in it. I wanted to do something a little different to the norm The feet are just a mix of 10mm and 8mm

 

[pondman]

Half bald and eyeless and still looks good

The tail? hmmm not sure, but as you say, it's on going so no negatives from me.

Looking forward to seeing the finished article

Well done, may start mine one day in the future.

Thanks Steve. The tail is definitely changing it was the first lot of feathers so the technique evolved as I did more so I need to improve the tail feathers.

 

[chunkolini]

Just browsing the background made me laugh.
I recognise three of the pictures on the wall.
Not copyism but convergent evolution.
I like the bird, a mix of sheet and welding. Like me you make a deal of welding the substructure nicely even though nobody will ever see it.

 

[pondman]

Just browsing the background made me laugh.
I recognise three of the pictures on the wall.
Not copyism but convergent evolution.
I like the bird, a mix of sheet and welding. Like me you make a deal of welding the substructure nicely even though nobody will ever see it.

Thanks Chunko'
It was you who kindly pointed me in the direction of that very handy website

 

[chunkolini]

I have the two dragonfly pics as well. How did people manage before google images?
Giant snail? sounds interesting.
PM me pics and I will show you my private project.

 

[pondman]

Oh wow yea those were the first images I searched for for my first dragonfly! Google images is amazing, I use it for pretty much every sculpture I make. Private project? Sounds interesting. I'm not due to start the snail till September but I'll definitely send some pics over when I start it. You got much interesting on at the moment?

 

[pondman]

So I'm pretty much finished, all I need to do is add a finish to it so I'm pondering that. Not sure whether to go down the antiquing fluid route or rust and yacht varnish. Decisions decisions....

 

[pondman]

And I changed the tail so hopefully you now approve Steve

 

[blacksmithstris]

love it, looks like a happy flapper!!!

 

[outofthefire]

That's cracking, the pose reminds me a bit of the the Christmas adverts for Grouse Whiskey.

 

[Malvern]

That's brilliant, love the movement and the beak open, looks as though he's running and about to take off after being frightened. Well done. Oh and by the way the dog in pic 1 looks so realistic

 

[DrNik]

That's cracking, the pose reminds me a bit of the the Christmas adverts for Grouse Whiskey.

It does...... "Look at me" it's saying

 

[pondman]

Took Philip the pheasant to a customers house for a photo-shoot.

 

[chunkolini]

Nice, a good picture is worth the effort.