Black-backed Thornbill

Ramphomicron dorsale by Deborah LaFogg Docherty(8 in. x 8 in. | Oil | ID#4143)
Family: TROCHILIDAE | Conservation Status: Endangered | Population Trend: decreasing
Artist Statement
You may think my paintings are photos at frist glance but they are not, although I use photographs
as one of my many tools. The most exciting part of being a wildlife artist is going
out into the field to gather the reference and sometimes painting on locations. That means
coming face to face with some of nature’s most prized possessions — its wild creatures. The
most challenging part of what I do is translating the experience into a painting. I want the
viewer to share my journey and the beauty that inspires me.
Photoshop is a computer program I most often use as a design tool. Creating value
sketches before starting a painting really helps things to come together. I use light, color,
composition, texture and atmosphere to capture the viewers interest.
My medium is pastel and may involve an under-painting for added luminosity and atmosphere.
In pastel it could involve washes of color and turpentine. In oils, I block-in colors
working from dark to light. In acrylics, I build on layers, going from light to dark. I also
make my own paper by using marble dust on heavy weight watercolor paper.
I hope you will join me.
Buy Canvas Print. 40% of proceeds support conservation and education. ($100 USD + s/h.)