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Friday, 6 December 2013

red grouse


There is something very Scottish about the Red grouse. I don't know if it is the colours which blend so well into the heather. Or perhaps it's sturdy stance as it surveys the landscape. Maybe it is it's strong association to a famous whisky brand!

Whatever it is the glorious 12th of August always makes me sad. As a vegetarian for more then 30years I don't believe I have ever eaten Grouse, although I know many people who do. Grouse are seem as Game birds and are shot in large numbers, the 12th being the first day of the shooting season.I thought it would be nice to celebrate the beauty of this little bird and recognise how good it looks away from the dinner table.


My collages always begin life looking very messy and this one was no different! At this stage I know what I want to do, but I think many people would have no idea what all the torn paper and glue was going to look like!


I collaged the paper pieces onto an old reclaimed floorboard. I did change the background as I felt the scenery was too fussy. I wanted the grouse to be the main subject.


The male Grouse have the shock of red on their heads so this fellow is most definitely a male. I think he looks rather festive in his red bonnet.


There is lots of texture, I used some Citrasolv paper for the rocks .Citrasolv paper for those who haven't come across the term before is wonderful coloured paper created from pages of the national geographic!
I sprinkled the Citrasolv natural cleaner onto the pages. The product partially dissolves the ink leaving wonderful patterns. I did a post earlier in the year with a LINK to a great youtube tutorial for those who are interested. I often incorporate pieces of this torn paper in my collages.


I love this photo of the sunlight dappling the surface, it also gives you an idea of the scale.

I have a couple of large pieces to finish before Christmas so will be working on them madly for the next couple of weeks and may not have time to post a great deal before Christmas.

Red Grouse
Linking up to Paint Party Friday; a place to VISIT loads of fantastic artists and see what they have been up to this week.
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28 comments:

  1. Valerie-Jael6 December 2013 at 08:25

    I love your grouse, he seems to really glow! Valerie

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  2. Anonymous6 December 2013 at 09:36

    She's lovely. One of my dogs flushes them all the time, luckily she doesn't eat them too. xox

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  3. froebelsternchen6 December 2013 at 11:29

    just FABULOUS! WOW!

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  4. denthe6 December 2013 at 11:45

    Beautiful .... He really glows ...

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  5. Susan6 December 2013 at 13:27

    I love your collages! The texture, the mingling colors, the end product are just amazing to me.

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  6. Roberta Warshaw6 December 2013 at 13:37

    This is quite beautiful!

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  7. Anonymous6 December 2013 at 13:59

    Oh my, my... your work is AMAZING, and all that patience you have to create such beautiful piece. Love it!

    Have a great day!
    Nora

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  8. Linda Kunsman6 December 2013 at 17:18

    just fabulous collage art!! Though I'm not completely vegetarian I'm having a much harder time attempting any kind of animal product any more.

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  9. Anonymous6 December 2013 at 18:20

    What a wonderful collage! I must have a look at your tutorial! Very nice.
    Cheers
    Gabriele

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  10. lynne h6 December 2013 at 19:08

    morag, your collage work impresses me no end!!

    xoxo

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  11. Astera6 December 2013 at 20:24

    Such a nice way of celebrating this proud little bird. Lovely textures and colors...and the size! Thanks for explaining the Citrasolv paper technique, too. I'll take a look at the video now. Have a lovely and creative weekend. :)

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  12. Victoria6 December 2013 at 20:57

    So gorgeous..such a beautiful bird..very special..I love all that you shared. What a wonderful tribute! The photos with the sunlight are magnificent..your art is always soulful and full of spirit..the colors and textural energies are stunning! I too love the grouse..so magical a creature! I love how the plumage and feathers look like mosaic pieces..brilliant!
    Thanks for sharing your fantastic process and beautiful art!
    Hugs
    Victoria

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  13. alarmcat6 December 2013 at 22:01

    this is really beautiful…so nice

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  14. Giggles7 December 2013 at 00:49

    Gorgeous...what a beautiful tribute to a stellar looking animal!! I love the mash of color you used!! Stunning!

    Hugs Giggles

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  15. www.dorissdaughter.com7 December 2013 at 06:56

    Great work Morag! I love seeing the progression. They always turn out so interesting and beautiful

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  16. kat7 December 2013 at 14:42

    Morag you have such a way and I love how you share your journey with us, your art is so captivating, wonderful work here as always!

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  17. DVArtist7 December 2013 at 15:06

    Wow this is amazing. I love seeing how you get from point A to Z. Love the grouse. When I lived in Idaho they were my back yard friends. Don't see any here on the Oregon cost. Thanks
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  18. Jez7 December 2013 at 16:37

    One of the loveliest collages you have made. You were right about the background, and the simple background of hills allows the grouse to jump to the fore so realistically. I love the hills, and the way you have alternated the colours. As I 'read' the picture I feel I can see the sea right at the top. Great perspective.

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  19. Irene Rafael7 December 2013 at 18:31

    Thanks for showing your process in this piece. I love that you give the background of your piece and also show how you execute the art. I always look forward to your posts.

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  20. Jess7 December 2013 at 18:39

    This is absolutely beautiful! When you said on my blog about my bird paintings looking almost like collage I see what you mean now. :) Before, I was thinking 'almost?' why almost? I did use collage but mostly paint and thought of it as a collage, of sorts but now I've seen how you create your paintings so beautifully using mainly collage, it's fantastic!
    Jess xx

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  21. Alex7 December 2013 at 21:13

    WOW, I love your style. It's awesome!

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  22. Lumalum8 December 2013 at 13:07

    wow...wonderful work. great Job!

    greetz Nadine

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  23. Lisabella Russo9 December 2013 at 02:21

    I love your grouse collage, it's so beautiful. I am a vegetarian too and thinking of hunting season saddens me too. I am glad to see your beautiful piece and the wip images too.

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  24. Anne Manda12 December 2013 at 07:14

    Looks absolutely great! Love the color and texture and the awesome size!

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  25. Unknown12 December 2013 at 09:41

    This is such a fantastic and inspiring work. You know Morag, I sometimes imagine when I look at your beautiful and stunning works that one day when I go to Skye I will step into little, cozy gallery presenting your art works. I know already that it will look magical and beautiful. Thank you for sharing and big, big hugs to you.

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  26. minnemie13 December 2013 at 20:16

    I am in awe of your collage! Simply stunning!

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  27. PaintingWrite15 December 2013 at 13:03

    This is beautiful. It looks almost like stained glass in the first picture. Funny enough there was a pheasant shoot on today and we could heard the gun shots as we walked the dogs on the beach this morning. It's the only thing I hate about living up here-the complete disregard for other life other than as profit making. They're such beautiful birds. I love that this painting celebrates the beauty of the grouse alive!

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  28. PiaRom17 December 2013 at 17:43

    OMG what a stunning piece of art!!! Looove your gouse...first I thought about stained glass as I see him, but than I know it: is you been busy done millions of hours glueing this wonderful collage (I know how much effort it takes to do something like this) I would be thrilled could touch it ;) Wonderful Holiday to you Dear

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