this unusual all-black kookaburra was spotted in brisbane. a member of the kingfisher family, kookaburras are usually soft brown and white; this individual is melanistic, meaning it overproduces melanin to the point that it dominates other pigments in the body.
Front pocket print from a recent merch design I was commissioned. I’ll post the full thing when the t-shirt becomes available for order. #bandmerch #illustration #kingfisher #art #artistsoninstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CAOXrrDjNje/?igshid=1gdvhsrlzlsd3
A little preview of a new spoon carving that I’ve been working on. I actually started carving this Kingfisher spoon at the end of last year and and it is taking forever to carve. The concept and design of the piece is based on some beautiful blue spalting that I found within this piece of Silver Birch wood though that’s almost disappeared whilst I’ve been carving it.
Sorry that this is the first ‘work in progress’ shot for a long time but I’ve been reluctant to share any shots of it due to the ongoing issues with Facebook scammers using my photos to sell fake copies of my work… though I’ve now pretty much had to give up on fighting them as it was becoming a full time job and Facebook aren’t interested in protecting the copyright of individuals (yes, I’m still seething with rage about it!!!).
Who else has been on the lookout for birds this spring?
What have you seen around Oxford, or wherever you are in the world? Has anyone been lucky enough to spot a Kingfisher?
This bright, detailed study of a Kingfisher is by Victorian artist and art critic John Ruskin c. 1871. It’s painted in watercolour and body-colour over graphite on wove paper.
OK, so here’s the beginning of a few things that will be keeping out of mischief for the next couple of weeks.. More wildlife painting, small sculptures LOTS of leather work….and the blank paper is a secret!
