Phoenix Rising!

Phoenix Rising, Oil on Canvas, (24" x 30")

A few months ago I was contacted by someone for a painting of a phoenix. My initial reaction was "NO", I dont paint such fantastic stuff. Then I felt that since I am a "struggling artist" I should not be turning down prospective clients. Besides, I might just learn something new that will help me with the kind of painting that I normally do. So I finally did give it a shot.

Now, I have never painted birds in my life or even studied their anatomy. So I researched the internet for pictures of the phoenix. (in fact I didnt even know the story!). The basic idea was taken from a graphic I found here. Thanks :) I tried to model the head on that of the bald eagle with a longer beak. I had to make several sketches (atleast 15) before I could zero in upon what I wanted to paint!

This was quite an exercise for me. I have never used cad red, yellow, orange, vermilion etc is much in a painting. It felt kinda wierd to finish an entire painting without dipping in any of the blues.

All comments and critiques are most welcome. Thanks for stopping by. :)