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Acrylic on a turkey feather, approx. 3"x8".
A chestnut mustang charges through a shallow stream, heading off alone into a bright, moonlight night.
I've been working on this piece for awhile, one of a few feather paintings I want to bring to the 2005 Rocky Mountain Horse Expo. I really love painting on feathers, and though I am new to it, I know it is going to be a lifelong love affair with this media.
Prints available! Email me if you are interested.
A chestnut mustang charges through a shallow stream, heading off alone into a bright, moonlight night.
I've been working on this piece for awhile, one of a few feather paintings I want to bring to the 2005 Rocky Mountain Horse Expo. I really love painting on feathers, and though I am new to it, I know it is going to be a lifelong love affair with this media.
Prints available! Email me if you are interested.
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568x900px 95.97 KB
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© 2005 - 2021 Foxfeather248
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I generally use turkey feathers, since they are broad and flat, but I have used many types. Anything works, really. Save for down feathers.
I get them from hunters, from wild dead birds, from pet birds/food birds, pretty much everywhere. I take care to clean them before using them, freezing them for some time to kill any possible parasites and using a tiny bit of soapy water to wash off any debris.
I use acrylic paints, generally. I am fond of Golden brand.
As for the barbs, laying the feather flat (or ironing a wing feather to make it so) helps. Also, using very soft strokes and working with the grain of the feather instead of against helps. As you build up layers of paint it becomes easier to work and less likely to split. You also just have to be kind of flexible when you are working. You can spray the surface of the feather lightly with a fixative as well, but then you can't reposition its barbs/fluff after that.
I get them from hunters, from wild dead birds, from pet birds/food birds, pretty much everywhere. I take care to clean them before using them, freezing them for some time to kill any possible parasites and using a tiny bit of soapy water to wash off any debris.
I use acrylic paints, generally. I am fond of Golden brand.
As for the barbs, laying the feather flat (or ironing a wing feather to make it so) helps. Also, using very soft strokes and working with the grain of the feather instead of against helps. As you build up layers of paint it becomes easier to work and less likely to split. You also just have to be kind of flexible when you are working. You can spray the surface of the feather lightly with a fixative as well, but then you can't reposition its barbs/fluff after that.

Wow, you actually painted on the feather? That's incredible! I really like the mare - she's got a great feeling of movement, and I like the white ring around her left eye.
Are you talking about the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo that tours through Denver? If so, I'll probably come and see if I can find your work!
(Oh, by the way - I came through LJ...Just so this doesn't seem completely out of the blue.)
Are you talking about the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo that tours through Denver? If so, I'll probably come and see if I can find your work!
(Oh, by the way - I came through LJ...Just so this doesn't seem completely out of the blue.)
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