2/3/09 The Pheasant

The frame is now built and measures 31” x 47”. This painting is notched in the lower right corner to accommodate a section of a tree branch. I’ve done this to several landscapes over the years, it adds an architectural element that I like. The sides and branch are covered in copper leaf and will eventually be antiqued to tone down the reflective brightness of the copper. The second photo depicts the first layer of color applied. This layer, though “blocky and flat” helps to establish tonal range and color temperature for the painting.

2/3/09 The Pheasant

Although I’m not a bird artist, I do enjoy the occasional challenge of painting birds and incorporating them into my art. My current painting is inspired by a painting of a pheasant my grandfather Morris Weis created over thirty years ago. He was a housepainter, worked hard all his life, and had a keen interest in art and nature. He only painted a total of three paintings in his life, but he created many things with his hands over the years. He had no formal art training. Now his pheasant hangs proudly in my home and we enjoy it every day.

I wanted to make a painting that honored my gramps’ artistic gifts to me and now is the time. I’m early in the planning phase but will continue to add updates as the piece progresses. Below is a photo of my gramps’ painting (notice the wood frame he crafted from an old fence) and a preliminary pencil study for my pheasant painting.

Pheasant study                   Pheasant by Morris Weis, oil on wood, 1974 

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